My dear Severus:
I trust this letter finds you well. I'm sure the little Snakes give you few reasons to discipline them, if they are half the Slytherins that they should be. From conversations with my son, I gather that this is the first quiet school year in quite some time, which must be a blessing for you both.
At such an unobtrusive time, news certainly does travel quickly. Not only have I had word of a new connection through the uninspired pens at the Prophet, but Draco wrote to confirm that Miss Granger has confirmed reports of her paternity.
This leaves us at a bit of an impasse within the family. Draco seems to have reached a cease-fire with the much touted Trio this last term, for which he seems grateful. I have often wondered at how much he has spoken of them in the past and how he truly felt. If you recall, Potter publicly humiliated Draco on their first day at Hogwarts, and denied his offer of friendship, which deeply hurt his feelings. I gathered that my son did not present himself in the best light at the time, and had behaved rather boorishly.
My friend, despite our political leanings, I have wondered what would have become of Draco had he been more friendly and welcoming of Potter, Granger and Weasley. Would he finally have had some intellectual stimulation? Would he have been braver or bolder when he was tested? I cannot say.
I write asking you for your opinion, as my son's godfather, and as my trusted friend. Draco wrote us last night about Hermione Granger and asked how he should proceed. I've attached a copy, as we have no secrets from another.
Tell me Severus, do you feel the boy has a yearning to know his new-found cousin? You know what family and old names mean to all of us Purebloods, and I wonder if Draco is simply thinking along those lines, or if he may have some genuine affection or regard for the girl?
Please tell me what you think, and what you have observed at the castle.
Lucius.
Dear Lucius:
I cannot say what would have happened if Draco and Potter had befriended one another. I can tell you that the company of Granger and Potter does not appear to have sharpened Weasley's wits, but who is to say that Draco would be the same?
As much as I loathe saying it, Potter Junior is not the same man as his father. Oh, there are times when I still want to wring his little neck, but he is most certainly not a bully as his father was, you recall.
Draco and the Trio have had semi-cordial relations this term. I suppose that between the two of us, we have finally demonstrated that not all Death Eaters joined willingly or were particularly faithful to the Dark Lord or the cause. Plus, Potter was good enough to off the Dark Lord. I'm feeling rather good all-around myself.
I think Draco is not the insurmountable object here. If you truly wish to have a civil or dare I say affectionate relationship with Granger, it is you to be overcome, and not your son. You'll need to explain your Dark Mark, your actions and your family to the girl. She will accept no half-truths, so you'll be forced to be quite a Hufflepuff in that regard. Be most cautious when discussing the Chamber of Secrets and the Ministry battle. Doholov left her with quite the scar, you know.
I hear she has not taken up the Black name at this time. If she and Draco draw closer, I would suggest the boy discuss it with her.
Any idea on who the blazes is her mother? The gossip and rumours here are driving me to drink in the dungeons.
Severus.
Dear Severus
No clue on the mother. You stupid sod-you always drink in the dungeons.
Thanks for your input
Lucius.
Dear Draco:
Your father and I have discussed things quite extensively. We really don't know much of Miss Granger aside from the rubbish in the paper and the confrontations that you have had in the past. I invited a few ladies to our home this morning, all with children at Hogwarts but outside of Slytherin house. The consensus is that she is quite the genius, genuine, loyal and kind to others. She would be a most advantageous connection, especially given her involvement in the war.
Your father and I have discussed things and have come to our conclusion on advice to pass to you. Hermione would be a welcome family member for us, but we may not be for her.
Your father wishes to tell her more about his past and recent actions, if he believed she would see us. We're not confident that she would accept our friendship or affection if it was offered, which is not unwise, given the history we share.
If you want her in our family, then the gestures will have to start with you.
And my son, never ever again refer to her as Granger. Call her Hermione or cousin, and remember your lessons on the power of names.
Affectionately,
Your mother.
Draco stared at the letter, contemplating his mother's words. He was not sure how to proceed. Granger-Hermione-could be a formidable connection, but at the same time, how close could they grow after years of hostility? This year had marked something of a truce, but whether or not that could grow into a familial bond was anyone's guess.
He folded up the letter, deciding that little action should be done at this time. He would follow his mother's advice and refer to her as cousin or Hermione, and demonstrate civility. He needed time to consider what he really wanted from his cousin, and what he was planning to give in return. He had begun thinking about how things may have gone differently if he was not playing the bratty Prince of Slytherin role that first day at Hogwarts. Draco had imagined what it would have been like if he had made friends with Potter that first day. Would they have been sorted together into Slytherin? Would he have befriended the Gryffindor trio?
Draco's contemporaries in Slytherin were mainly allies. He had few friends in his own house mainly since it was a Slytherin instinct to mistrust others and to forge alliances based on position, ability and possible exchange of favours. Really, truly, he envied the golden friendships that his cousin had enjoyed during her school years.
Draco went to bed wondering if that kind of friendship would be offered to him.
Hermione had already become sick of the gossip, the side-long glances and whispers, and she had only been at Hogwarts a matter of days. What really seemed odd was that suddenly all of the school's pure bloods were acting chummy and referring to her as 'Hermione' instead of 'Granger' or 'mudblood'. It peeved her to think that her years of hardworking and fairness were nothing to them, and yet the tiniest fact of her bloodline had everyone acting like her best friend. Ridiculous.
Ron was now entirely at ease with their newfound familial relationship, after the brief horror of realizing that they had dated. His quick turnaround had her wondering if he had felt as she had-that they were always meant to be close, but never meant for each other in a romantic way.
One thing that had calmed Hermione and brought a brief respite from the oddness at school was a charming letter from Molly and Arthur Weasley, who had written the kindest letter formally welcoming her into the family, and letting her know that they had always felt a strong affection for her that was simply reaffirmed by the news. Molly had offered to send along some information on the Black family that she knew or had heard from Sirius over the years, and asked Hermione to be sure to visit over the holidays if possible. Arthur had asked Hermione about how Muggles researched their families and determined paternity, just out of his wonderful sense of curiosity. Hermione had returned a long letter, telling them how she had gone about things both magically and by Muggle means, and included detail about using the Internet, Muggle libraries and DNA testing for Arthur's interest.
Neville's suspicion had also proved true-many wizards and witches had written to her and point out a familial connection. Some of the letters were kind and some civil, others left her with a mildly disgusted feeling. She wrote out polite replies where possible, as any information may prove useful in the future and some of these connections may possibly have information useful in the search for her mother.
The only other mail she had received was a formal and mysterious letter from Gringotts, requesting that she make an appointment at her earliest convenience. Harry had received one as well, leading her to assume this was about the property transfer. She sent a reply for the first Hogsmeade weekend after obtaining Professor McGonagall's approval and offer of escort.
What did strike Hermione as odd lately was that Draco Malfoy had not made one advance on her, and had not uttered one remark that her Pureblood accounted for any of her successes. While they had been on a truce, she was still expecting some sort of conversation. Instead, he simply nodded politely and greeted her with a quiet 'Cousin'. It was rather perplexing.
With the new year had come a heavy schedule. The NEWTS neared, just months away, and she had Head Girl responsibilities, as well as trying to scrounge for any available information about her mother that the library may provide. She and Ginny had begun skimming year books, but were upset to find that the relevant years held few pictures of students, and contained more of local and scholarly news for the year. Hermione could not help but wonder if they had been tampered with. As always, she had no proof of her suspicions.
She was walking to the Owlery, a letter in hand, ready to send to Remus Lupin. First, she wanted to tell him all that had occurred that led her to the discovery of her paternity. Lupin was her father's dearest friend, and deserved to hear things from her directly. As well, she implored him to tell her as much as he could, and asked to see him over the Easter holidays. She hoped that he would write soon. Remus Lupin had always been kind and a good friend. She hoped that the news had not upset him in any way.
As she entered the Owlery, she noticed that both Draco and Neville were there, sending of their own correspondence and patently ignoring one another.
She greeted both.
"Hi, Hermione!" Neville said with a smile.
"Good afternoon, Cousin," Draco replied airily.
Hermione blinked at Draco, still unsure as to how to approach him. She figured civility was her best bet. "How is your term going?" she ask politely.
"It's early yet, but so far appears to be alright. Astronomy class in the snow is uncomfortable, even with a warming charm, but it will be an easy NEWT. Care of Magical Creatures has been interesting, with your...friend. And with the war over, there are fewer distractions, so that's something at least."
Hermione and Neville were both taken aback at such a normal response and coming from Draco Malfoy no less!
Neville reached up a hand to Draco's forehead, checking for fever.
"What are you doing, Longbottom?" he asked snidely, removing the Gryffindor's hand from his person.
"Just checking that you're not crazy with fever, mate."
Hermione giggled. "I'm pleased to see our truce still hold in the new year," she added glibly.
Draco stared at her with a contemplating gaze, "I suppose it does," he said simply. He gave Hermione a nod and sent a smirk to Neville before leaving.
"Is it just me, or is he getting stranger all the time?" Neville asked, rhetorically.
When Hermione returned to the dorms she found Harry waiting for her it he common room. He plopped onto the couch beside him and told him what had happened in the Owlery.
"I can't decide if he has had a true change of heat and attitude since the war ended or if he is just too busy with NEWTs to get mouthy," she said.
"Mione, he has always had time to be mouthy. I know it sounds odd, but even I have noticed that he has toned things down this year, and while I am still holding my breath a bit, I'm hoping it is genuine."
Hermione thought quietly for a moment and then voiced something she had not wanted to mention. "There is a part of me that always felt guilty for not trying harder when we were younger. I know he's been a git, but we weren't pleasant either. If no one on our side took the time and energy to show the Slytherins compassion and a better way, then how much can we blame them for taking the only route left to them?"
Harry patted her shoulder and Hermione leaned into him comfortably.
"You can't take every problem on yourself. Let's just hope the truce holds. We'll extend the olive branch and he can take it or not. It has to be his choice."
"He's my cousin," she stated quietly.
Harry rubbed her shoulder more soothingly than before. "He is. All you can do is be an example. His choices are his own."
Author's Note:
I owe the readers who have been patient with me a heartfelt apology. I had this chapter nearly finished in 2012, along with chapter 5, and I just lost my way. I should have next one up soon as well, although I should caution everyone that chapters 4-6 are currently unbeta'd. I have worked with the magical wellyuthink for many years, but I think she too has had life distract her from fanfic for the past 2 years, and i hate to bother her with my story when I know she hasn't even had the time for her own. So instead, I would like to dedicate chapters 4-6 to her, because she looked at my early drafts two years ago, and continued to encourage me. Thank you for always keeping me positive.