"Ron! Ron! Wake up!" Harry hissed.
"What?" Ron yawned, blinking blearily up at him.
"Parvati says Hermione didn't go back to the dorm last night.
Ron sat up sharply. "What now?"
"Hermione, she didn't sleep in her bed! Where is she?" he demanded, running a hand through his hair as his anxiety spiked.
"I dunno mate, have you checked the map?"
Harry froze. "No." Scrambling away from Rons bed he reached for his trunk and began throwing things out of it.
"Harry, mate, you need to calm down. She probably fell asleep in the library."
"After she disappeared with Snape?" he hissed.
"Right, so that was odd." Ron allowed, "But…ah he's not going to do anything under Dumbledore's nose now is he? And everyone saw him ask her to go with him."
Ignoring him, Harry finally withdrew the map, muttering the pass phrase and scanning it frantically.
"She's not here!"
"What? Are you sure? Give it here!" Taking it from him Ron began scouring the map. He began to feel faintly alarmed when she wasn't in the library or the Great hall. The alarm began to bleed into dread as he realised he couldn't see her at all. Running his eyes over it quickly he located Snape in his rooms with…a Hermione Nott?
"Who do you think Hermione Nott is?"
"What?" Harry growled.
"Snape, he has a Hermione Nott in his rooms. I wonder who it is."
"I couldn't care less, Ron! Where is Hermione Granger?"
"Mate….she's not here."
Harry froze. "I…I think we need to find McGonagall."
"Right. Right….let's do that then." Ron agreed slowly wondering where on earth she was.
"How are you feeling my girl?" Severus murmured as Hermione stirred, blinking blearily up at him.
"Sore," she confessed with a wince.
"Take this, it's just a pain potion and then I'll send for Saul so he can check you over."
She nodded, screwing up her face at the taste of the potion. "Uncle Severus?" he looked at her curiously, "Did…was there any answers?"
He sighed, raking a hand through his hair. "Nothing more than you were awake for." he admitted, " As you know they bound some of your magic, but that makes no sense, especially given how tightly it was bound. I wish I had more answers for you, Hermione, but all we really have is a place to begin."
She nodded slowly, "Do you have any idea why they might have done it?"
"None." Severus sighed, "Bella is not known for her sanity, or to be honest, her planning. Rodolphus has never had an original thought in his life and generally goes along with whatever she says. Bast tends to follow Dolph. But Corban Yaxley is usually intelligent and logical. He is….not your typical Death Eater, he is more of a politician and I cannot understand what he had to gain by kidnapping a baby. Especially from a family he was...is, close to; his wife was supposed to be your godmother, he is still friendly with your father. Antonin Dolohov is….usually ruthless. He is insanely intelligent, his warding schemes and spell crafting are like nothing I've ever seen before. But like Corban, I cannot comprehend what he got out of kidnapping you, especially given how large a deviation it is from his usual style. If you had been considered a threat, I would have expected him just to murder you outright."
"Oh."
"I'm sorry, Hermione, I genuinely wish there was more I could say. I don't mean to scare you but you are going to have to be on your guard. If Thoros questioned your appearance, there is no way Antonin did not. I gather you ran into him at the Ministry?"
She shrugged, "He's the one who was stopped from cursing me?" Severus nodded, making her sigh. "Wonderful. And it's ok. I needed to know. At least we know who did it, even if we don't understand why."
"It's a place to start." Severus agreed. "Have…have you considered my proposal?"
"About the godfather ritual?"
"Yes."
She hummed. "It makes me nervous," she admitted softly.
"I can imagine it does."
"How much danger am I in Uncle Severus?"
Severus winced. "You are essentially caught between a rock and a hard place. As the notice me not wears off and people realise who you are…there will be a reaction. I cannot guarantee that the Headmaster will not want to use you for the Greater Good. And Hermione, I cannot stress enough how much you cannot let him force you into agreeing."
"Why?"
"Because it'll involve spying. Your act will have to be believable. If we go down a forced removal to your biological family route, you will be expected to show that Thoros' indoctrination is working. If we present it as your wanting to connect with your family, you will be made to prove you are not a risk to the Dark Lord's cause. He is one of the greatest legilimens of all time, it is….not easy. One slip up and you will be dead."
"Oh." she gulped. "That's…Right...no agreeing with Professor Dumbledore."
"Indeed. Of course that leaves us with the Dark Lord. We are going to have to tell him something. To not do so would be suicide. But he will label you a blood traitor and they will be out for your blood."
"They're already out for my blood." Hermione snorted.
"Indeed. But they are….more vicious when you are perceived as one of their own."
Hermione let out a long breath. "So either way I'm in danger."
"Yes. And that's before we begin to consider the ramifications of your kidnappers realising you're back and know who you are. Bella, Dolph and Bast might not be bright but they are dangerous. More dangerous than I can even begin to explain. And Antonin and Corban are hardly amateurs when it comes to wielding a wand. I cannot imagine that they will not be watching, waiting for a chance to get to you. You are going to have to be so careful, my girl."
Hermione turned sickly pale, fear flashing across her face at his words. "What difference does the godfather ritual make?"
"I can gift you something with enhanced protections. I can, and will, do it anyway but…I have more leeway as your godfather. As I've already said I have the right to raise my wand in your defence. There are…laws protecting me should anything happen and I injure someone."
"Oh. How does that work with Voldemort though?"
"I do not understand."
"If he found out. Is there a way for him to know?"
Severus winced. "I do not imagine he will be impressed. However, it is nothing I cannot handle."
Hermione frowned, "But I don't want you to get hurt because of me."
"And I won't. I will figure out a story. Perhaps that I am quietly getting you to trust me in order to further the cause. Everyone knows that you are the brains of your little group. Perhaps if we…." Severus trailed off thoughtfully.
"Perhaps if we what?"
He shook his head. "I…that story works. I was wondering if perhaps we needed to come at it from two angles though."
"Pardon?"
"How do you feel about Mr Malfoy?"
"What?" Hermione reared back, startled.
"I…Draco is…not particularly enamoured with the cause."
"You could have fooled me." she snorted.
"Draco has a part to play, as surely as your Mr Potter has. His safety, his family's safety depend on it. I do not deny he has been…less than pleasant in his dealings with you but it was what he was taught. He…he was particularly vitriolic towards you because you forced him to question his viewpoint."
"I don't understand."
"How can muggleborns be lesser when you are dominating your year?"
"Oh. But…now I'm not muggleborn, do I just prove his theory?"
Severus shrugged, "Perhaps. But you are still muggle raised."
Hermione sighed, "Fine. What about Malfoy?"
"If…he were to be attempting to persuade you also….if we could persuade the Dark Lord that bringing you back into the fold is a twofold boon….perhaps."
"I don't understand."
"Girls, especially sacred twenty-eight girls are not common. Sacred twenty-eight girls that are not too closely related to sacred twenty-eight boys are even rarer. There is no familial link between you and Mr Malfoy. The joining of the Nott and Malfoy lines would be….your children would be beyond powerful. The Dark Lord covets power. Add in that we would be removing you from Potter, decreasing his support in a brutal way…."
"Hold on. You want me to marry Malfoy?" she screeched, ignoring the strange contraction in her muscles in her horror.
"No. I want you to consider pretending to accept friendship with a view to a courtship. He is Theo's best friend. It would not be out of the question. If we could convince the Dark Lord that Draco was seducing you, we could prevent him from taking the mark for the time being."
Hermione blanched. "I don't like it."
Severus snorted, "No I imagine you do not." He wondered if Draco would forgive him for this interference. He wasn't stupid, he had a good idea of how Draco felt about this girl, he often let his defences drop at school. He had to try, especially as it meant he could protect them both. "I am not asking you to truly have a relationship with Mr Malfoy, I am asking you to act like you are so you can both be safe."
"Malfoy hates me."
Severus couldn't contain his snort of amusement, "Indeed he does not, my girl."
"What?"
Severus sighed. "A conversation for another time, perhaps. Will you at least consider it? You never know, perhaps you might find him less aggravating than you currently do."
She nodded slowly, everything was sore, her body felt like it was pulsing slightly, she assumed it was due to the after effects of the unbinding. "I…alright."
"Good. Now. I imagine your brother will be here momentarily, will you stay for breakfast?" She nodded, "Very well I will discuss you helping with potions with Albus this afternoon."
Hermione sighed in relief when Theo barrelled through the door, ending the quite frankly confusing conversation. "You're awake!" he exclaimed, throwing himself onto the bed.
Hermione winced as he jostled her. "Careful!" Severus admonished as Theo grimaced.
"Sorry, Hermione! How are you feeling….you feel…" he frowned…"Unsure? Surprised? What did I miss?"
"Uncle Severus was proposing a quite frankly insane plan."
"Oh?"
"He thinks that as the notice me not wears off and people realise who I am that we'll need a cover story."
Alright…" Theo drew the word out looking between his twin and his Uncle.
"He wants me to consider allowing Malfoy to pretend to seduce me," Hermione replied drily.
Theo reared back from her in shock, turning his accusing gaze towards Severus. "Excuse me?" he barked.
"If we could convince the Dark Lord that we are slowly persuading Hermione to trust us, it'll buy us time." Severus reasoned, knowing that the boy was not going to like this.
"By getting Draco to seduce my bloody sister?"
"Well not really. It would just be an act."
"Just an act," Theo muttered. "And why would Draco go along with this?"
"Because he has no urge to take the Mark." Severus replied pointedly. Because he's in love with your bloody sister went unsaid.
"No one will buy it."
"They will if we make it seem like Draco was ordered to. I'm hoping that if I present it right that that is exactly what will happen which will mean there will be witnesses or at the very least people will be told. No one will question a direct order from the Dark Lord. As for the Order, we will have to make it seem like Draco has finally mustered the courage to act, brought about, of course, by Hermione being your sister and your subsequent deflection to the right side. They want to believe the best in people. Weasley and Potter….and the Mutt will be suspicious but we can work around that."
"The Mutt?" Theo questioned with a frown.
"Sirius," Hermione murmured.
"Sirius…Sirius Black? The sodding mass murderer? Why the fuck does he get a vote!" Theo howled, his eyes darting between his sister and his Uncle, despising not understanding what was going on.
"Sirius is not a mass murderer! In fact, after the Ministry debacle, the Minister is pardoning him, he caught sight of Wormtail with Voldemort and couldn't deny it. Kingsley pushed for it in the immediate aftermath of that fight apparently and Fudge was in no position to deny him, he's one of his best Aurors. Sirius is Harry's godfather, we've been in contact since the end of third year." Hermione responded indignantly.
"Well fuck." Theo gaped.
"Quite." She turned to Severus. "I think you're underestimating how suspicious Sirius will be. He's…really rather protective, what with me helping save his life and all."
"I fucking knew that was you," Severus grumbled. "How did you do it?"
"Time turner and a condemned hippogriff?"
Severus' jaw dropped. "I think it's long past time for a chat about your… extracurricular activities my girl," he replied finally.
Hermione flushed. "What the hell are you talking about?" Theo demanded, looking bewildered.
"Nothing," she muttered, attempting to focus on not wincing as another wave of pain hit. "Can I get up now? I believe I was promised breakfast."
Severus arched a brow but didn't argue with her. "Just take it easy. I had an elf bring you some clothes to get changed into if you wanted a shower?"
Standing shakily, Hermione stretched out her sore muscles, wincing as they protested, cramping slightly. "Please."
"Very well, can you walk?"
She nodded hesitantly, taking a small shaky step that had Theo hovering next to her like a concerned mother hen. Laughing she turned to him once they reached the bathroom door. "You can't follow me in, Theo."
"I can! I'm not staying for you to shower but I can make sure you reach it!"
"Theo!" she whined. "No!"
"You're barely keeping your knees locked," he replied pointedly. "I'm not visiting you in the hospital wing with a head wound!"
"I made it to here on my own!"
"Barely!" he shot back.
"Children!" Severus cut in. "Theo you cannot accompany your sister into the bathroom, Hermione, he is right. I'm not convinced it is anything more than sheer stubbornness keeping you upright. I will call for an elf to assist."
"No, you can't!" she pleaded.
"An elf, Theo or me. Take your pick."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Fine."
"Wonderful. Milly?"
"Master Snape calls for Milly?"
"Milly will you please assist my niece while she bathes. She has been badly hurt and we are not convinced she will be safe alone." Hermione glowered but the tiny elf practically bounced with excitement.
"Come along little Miss, Milly bes taking care of you."
"She's going to get you back for that you know." Theo sighed, once the door closed.
"I am well aware," Severus admitted.
"Do you really think Draco acting like he's pursuing her is a wise plan?"
"I think it's one of the best we have. If the notice me not had not been wearing off we could have pretended nothing was amiss but it is…and we cannot hide her as I'd like."
"What does Father think?"
Severus sighed, "I have no idea, I have not yet spoken to him. I imagine that he won't be impressed, however, it will mean he can acknowledge her in public sooner than we thought so he might accept it."
"Salazar," Theo muttered. "If we all survive to the end of next year I'll be amazed."
"Me too,'' Severus muttered before calling for another elf to request breakfast.
Minerva appeared just as Roly was putting out the food.
"Severus, Mr Nott." she greeted. "Where is Miss…Granger?"
"In the shower with Milly."
"With Milly?" Minerva blinked.
"She's sore and shaky and more stubborn than any witch I've ever met."
"Ah." Minerva smothered her smile at his frustration. "I'll just go and check on them shall I?"
He waved her through.
"Hermione?" Minerva called softly, knocking on the door. It was opened by Milly.
"The little miss bes being too shaky to move." The elf informed her, shooting a pointed glare at Hermione where she sat, dressed, but ill-looking on the lid of the toilet. "Shes bes refusing to allow Milly to call Master Snape."
Minerva huffed out a laugh, stubborn witch indeed. "I'll be fine in a moment Milly," Hermione called through gritted teeth.
"Nonsense." Minerva stepped into the bathroom taking in her cub's pale face. "Have you had a pain potion?" Hermione nodded, tensing as a tremor ran through her muscles making her gasp in pain. Minerva frowned, that surely wasn't a normal reaction? "Has Saul been to check you over yet?"
"Not yet." Hermione gasped, her hands clenching involuntarily.
"Severus!" Minerva shouted in alarm.
"What?" he barked barreling his way through the door, his eyes widening as he took in the sight before him before he cursed, scooping Hermione up and carrying her back to the bedroom, sending off his Patronus to Saul the moment he had put her down.
"Breathe, my girl," he murmured, attempting to unclench her hands. "Breathe. You're alright. Saul will be here in a moment."
"Hurts." Hermione bit out, frantically trying to inhale as another shudder ran through her.
"I know. I know sweetheart. It's going to be alright. Just keep breathing slowly."
"What…what's wrong with her?" Theo's terrified voice came from beside him, his eyes glued to his sister.
"I don't know," Severus admitted, smoothing back her hair as she gasped, her muscles seizing again.
"Is she awake?" Saul's voice came from the door.
"Somethings wrong." Severus barked.
The small man's eyes widened, sweeping around the room. "Muscle relaxant, another pain potion," he commanded. "Now!" Minerva moved to comply, giving him room to begin casting. "For fucks sake," Saul muttered, his wand trained on Hermione. "Give them to her." he barked at Minerva, not removing his focus from the task in hand. "Fucking secondary curse."
"Secondary curse?" Severus queried, horrified.
"It's fine…it'll be fine. We've caught it early enough." Saul replied, not ceasing his movements.
Half an hour later he slumped. "Circe, what the fuck is wrong with these people?"
"Is she going to be alright?" Theo asked, sounding utterly terrified as he looked down at his now still sister.
"She should be." Saul murmured, "I'll need to do a more comprehensive diagnostic in a minute."
"What the fuck was that?" Severus barked.
"It was designed to kill her," Saul admitted. "It's a little lesser known curse that eventually crushes the lungs. They really didn't want her found again."
"For fucks sake," Severus swore. "Is there anything else?"
"Maybe." Saul admitted, "I'll need to check."
Severus whirled, hearing Theo let loose a sob he hadn't been able to keep in, moving to pull the boy to him.
"She's going to be alright." he murmured, praying to all the gods he was right, "She's stubborn and strong and she's going to be alright."
"What could she have done to them though?" Theo sobbed, "She was a baby!"
"I know." Severus sighed, "I know she was."
"What are they going to do now, once they know who she is?"
Severus froze, not wanting to give a voice to his worry when Theo was so fragile. There would be time enough for that particular conversation when Hermione was awake and able to participate. "I have no idea." he replied instead, "It is something we will have to deal with soon, but it can wait until she is at least conscious."
"Why can't they just leave her alone?" Theo asked plaintively.
"Perhaps it's time to check the hall of prophecies." Saul mused quietly.
"What?" Severus barked.
"This entire war is built on a prophecy." Saul reasoned, "Whether people know it or not. What if there was more than one?"
"Fuck." Severus swore. "Can you check?"
"No. She can though."
Severus sucked in a deep breath. "I don't like it."
"No. I don't either," Saul admitted. "Now how about a pepper up and I'll check for any other nasties."
"I'll get it," Minvera murmured, her face pale.
"Right. Let's cross all our fingers they thought that was enough." Saul murmured, taking the vial from Minerva, shuddering as the potion took effect.
Severus watched, his grip on Theo tight, as Saul cast a series of spells he had never seen before. One of them flashed red.
"Fuck." Saul muttered, "One more then. Severus, I might need you for this. These spells are worryingly strong."
He nodded, releasing Theo only to see Minerva grasp the startled boy's hand. "Very well."
"Now," Saul commanded, channelling Severus' magic to mix with his own as he dismantled their final protection. It took less time than the rest of them, something they were all grateful for. "She'll likely sleep for a while." Saul sighed.
"But there's nothing else?" Severus checked, worry maring his face.
"Not that I can find. Keep a close eye on her. I…I know she has muggle parents but I don't know how wise it is for her to go with them alone. I cannot be sure I got everything and any delay…."
Severus closed his eyes, attempting to ignore the rising urge to vomit at the thought. "I'll speak to her…and the Mutt."
"The mutt?"
"Sirius Black." Severus muttered, "He has a soft spot for the witch."
"Very well. I'll trust your judgement."
Severus hummed looking more than a little displeased.
"We'll need to tell Albus something." Minerva cut in.
"I know." Severus acknowledged. "I need her to consent to the godparent ritual first though. I can't protect her properly otherwise. He still holds her guardianship."
Minerva winced. "I don't imagine he'll notice today. Do try to convince her though, Severus."
"I'll try," he muttered, gearing himself up for what would quite possibly be one of the worst conversations he'd ever had to endure. "Theo, perhaps you should go back to your common room. I will send for you when she is awake."
Theo shook his head. "No. No, I'm staying here."
"Theo."
"No." Theo stared him down, his chin tilted stubbornly as if daring him to force the issue.
"For fucks sake. Two minutes with your sister and you're suddenly as stubborn as she is." He groused.
"She almost died," Theo stated flatly. "I had to listen to her scream last night and this morning she almost died. I'm staying here."
"Very well." Severus sighed. "I warn you now though, I cannot guarantee Black will be polite."
"You're contacting him now?" Minerva asked.
"What choice do I have? I need her to agree and she's more likely to listen to him."
Minerva's eyes widened. "Right. I think I shall remain here after all. We have no need for you both to be in the infirmary."
He nodded, "Very well."
"I'll be leaving." Saul sighed, "Let me know the moment she wakes this time. Do not let her out of that bed."
Severus nodded, conjuring his Patronus, and speaking to it. "As much as it pains me I need to request your presence at Hogwarts. My floo is open. Potion Masters quarters will get you here."
Ten minutes later a sneering Sirius stepped through the floo. "Is Harry alright?" he barked, his eyes sweeping the room as if expecting to see Harry there.
"Potter is fine," Severus replied, forcing his voice to remain even, even as Minerva paled.
"Minnie?" Sirius questioned.
"We forgot about Messers Potter and Weasley." she gasped.
Severus winced. "Fuck. How much trouble are they likely to have caused?"
"Overnight?" she barked, "You took her at dinner! You, sit." she pointed at Sirius who complied with wide eyes. "I will be back momentarily, do I need to silence and bind you both?"
"I'm sure we can manage to behave," Severus replied dryly.
"See that you do," she commanded as she swept from the room.
"What is going on?" Sirius demanded.
Severus sighed, silently praying to whoever might be listening that the Mutt understood their predicament and agreed to help. "We discovered something unexpected about Miss Granger recently."
"Kitten? What's wrong with her?" Sirius barked.
"She is..or will be, fine."
"Will be?"
"You are aware she is adopted?"
"Yes." Sirius admitted reluctantly, "We discussed the possibility of her having magical parents. She wasn't sure she wanted to know given the current situation though, I offered to help when she was ready."
Severus nodded, "She's a Nott."
"What? Fuck! How the fuck do you know?"
"Thoros asked me to look into it after their visit to the Ministry. I gather that he spent quite a bit of time keeping her unharmed. She looks remarkably like her mother."
"Her mother….Asteria Fawley." Sirius breathed, "Fuck how did none of us see it? Where is she?"
"Miss Granger? Through that door."
"In your room?" Sirius bit out incredulously, his face twisting in disgust.
"Do not dare insinuate what you are about to." Severus snarled, "It would be disgusting regardless of who the girl was but that one was meant to be my goddaughter, so do not fucking dare." Sirius had the grace to look marginally apologetic. Breathing deeply to contain the urge to eviscerate the man, Severus continued, "She had a modified notice me not on her that is wearing off, her twin bond was blocked and a portion of her magic was bound. An Unspeakable dealt with those last night. We had expected she would be in some discomfort, the unbinding was particularly traumatic however it appears that her kidnappers hid a secondary curse. It hit this morning. Saul was able to remove it before it did irreparable damage but until she wakes, we cannot be sure he hasn't missed something else."
Sirius was pale, his hands shaking. "Who took her?"
"Bellatrix, Rabastian, Rodolphus, Corban Yaxley and Antonin Dolohov."
"Why?"
"We don't know. Saul has suggested we check the Hall of Prophecies seeing as this war hinges on one. Regardless, we intend to find out."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"We need her in a magical home." Severus admitted reluctantly, "We cannot take the chance that there is something still lurking, getting assistance in time is likely to be imperative and we cannot guarantee that if she goes home. I am not unaware of your regard for her. On top of that, I am concerned about what Bellatrix will do if she finds out that Hermione is aware of who she is. Muggles cannot protect her against magic."
Sirius sighed. "Fuck. She's going to fucking hate that."
"I am aware. I also need your assistance in getting her to give permission for me to complete the godparent ritual."
"Why?"
"She is in more danger now than she has ever been, even you must see that. She'll need every protection she can get."
Sirius nodded slowly, more than aware of his cousin's sadistic streak. "Fine. However, I want something in return."
"What?" Severus sighed, wondering why the fuck keeping Hermione safe had to come with conditions.
"What's the story with the elder Nott?"
"In what way?" Severus asked warily.
"Does he intend to claim her?" Sirius clarified, watching Severus' face intently.
"Yes. Eventually, when it's safe."
"But he has an Heir?"
"Yes…Hermione's twin, Theo."
Sirius hummed, "I'll get her to accept your protection if, in return, you get her to accept mine."
"Which is?" Severus winced, knowing what was coming.
"I need an Heir. Harry has the Potter line to worry about. I love that little witch and she needs the protection. I had been considering it before this anyway for when I eventually cleared my name. Get her to agree and I'll push for her to accept the ritual."
Severus winced, "Thoros is going to go spare." he muttered.
"Not my problem. What are your plans for spinning this?"
Severus sighed, running a hand down his face. "We discussed the possibility of us convincing the Dark Lord that we are attempting to woo her onside, perhaps with the assistance of young Mr Mafloy."
"Why?"
"Because Draco has no urge to be branded." Severus paused. "I need your word this goes no further." Frowning Sirius allowed curiosity to override his usual derision and nodded, gesturing for Severus to continue. "Draco has had his eye on Miss Granger for years. He allows his shields to drop occasionally at school. It is only his worry for his parent's safety that prevents him from throwing himself at her mercy. I would not have ever suggested him if I thought he would deliberately hurt her in any way."
Sirius snorted, "You're matchmaking." he accused.
"No. I'm trying to keep them all fucking safe. It's exhausting."
"I think this is the first civil conversation we've ever had," Sirius mused, "Do you think Malfoy will go for it?"
"The chance to spend time with her?" Severus snorted, "I think he'll bite my hand off."
"And Voldemort?"
"Might be harder to convince, but I'm hopeful. He'll want her onside given how important she is to Potter. If she is also your Heir…well it'll make her all the more attractive a prospect."
"Fine." Sirius hummed, "I'll talk to her. But if that little shit hurts my girl, I'll end him. I've come fucking close with Ron."
Severus snorted, wondering if the apocalypse was imminent as they managed to have a conversation with out snarling and hexes, "I admire your restraint, I'd have murdered him years ago."
"Mr Potter, Mr Weasley. I gather you were looking for me?"
"Snape took 'Mione away at dinner last night and we haven't seen her since. Parvati says she didn't sleep in her bed." Harry blurted.
Minerva sighed, "Come with me." Ushering them into her office, she directed them towards the two seats. "Miss Granger is fine."
"But where is she!" Harry demanded impatiently.
"I'm sure she will explain it all as soon as she is able. However, she is currently unwell and unable to have visitors. I urge you not to worry, she is receiving the best care and will be fine."
"But…what did Snape want with her?"
"Professor Snape, Mr Potter." Minerva reprimanded, "As for why he was with Miss Granger, that will be her story to tell. Now I really do urge you not to worry."
"Not to worry! Can we not just see her? Just for a moment."
Minerva froze. "No. Miss Granger is in private quarters, not the infirmary. I understand it is difficult but she is not currently awake."
"You said she was fine!" Harry howled.
"She will be." Minerva reiterated firmly. "But the treatment was…tiring and she is currently resting. Mr Potter, if you cease the histrionics I will send for you when she wakes."
Harry slumped. "When will that be?"
"I do not know. We are hopeful it will be at some point today, but perhaps tomorrow."
"But we've only two days of school left! What happens if she's still ill?"
"Then we will make appropriate arrangements," Minerva replied firmly. "Now, I do understand your concern, and I will inform you when she is able to receive visitors. However, if I catch you searching for her you will spend the first term of next year in detention, am I clear?"
"Yes Professor." Harry sighed.
"Professor?" Ron cut in. "Why isn't she in the infirmary?"
"She needed specialist care, Mr Weasley. It was beyond Madam Pomphrey's expertise."
Ron blanched, "She is definitely alright?"
"As much as we can ascertain, yes." Minerva agreed.
"You said she was fine!" Harry accused again, "She doesn't sound fine Professor!"
Minerva sighed, cursing her word choice as a migraine threatened behind her eyes. "We believe that she will be. She has a top Healer caring for her, as well as constant care to monitor her condition. We have no reason to believe she will be anything other than fine."
Harry and Ron stared mulishly back. "You'll let us know when she is awake?"
"Yes, Mr Potter, now if you'll excuse me, I am due back to check on Miss Granger myself."
At that, she swept out of her office hoping that the boys could contain themselves for a day.
"You're both unharmed," Minerva stated incredulously when she returned.
Sirius snorted, waggling his eyebrows "We're adults now, Minnie!"
"I hadn't noticed," she responded dryly.
"You wound me, Minnie!"
She rolled her eyes at him. "If we could be serious…DON'T!" she barked as Sirius opened his mouth, "It was not funny when you were eleven, it is definitely not funny now." Sirius pouted. "Now, have you managed to explain anything?"
"All of it," Severus replied with a smirk.
"All of it," Minerva repeated doubtfully.
"Indeed."
"And…and are you in agreement?"
"We are. Black wishes to take Hermione as his Heir. Thoros will hate it but will hopefully see the merit, in return he agrees to convince her to consent to the godparent ritual and to host her during the summer."
"I see,'' Minerva replied faintly. "Are you sure that's a good idea?"
"Which bit?"
"As the Black Heir there will be a target on her back."
"There is already a target on her back, Minerva."
Minerva sighed, acknowledging he was correct. "Very well." she sighed just as Theo screamed, "Uncle Severus!"
Severus' heart was in his throat as he sprinted to his bedroom, Sirius and Minerva at his heels. Throwing the door open he cast a quick eye around the room, nothing seemed out of the ordinary until his eyes landed on the bed.
"How in the name of Salazar are you awake!" He barked.
Hermione blinked. "I don't know." she croaked, "But it hurts."
"I imagine it does." he replied wryly, "You almost died." She blanched. Good. Perhaps she'd fight him less if she realised how serious it was. He quickly sent a Patronus to Saul. "Why were you screaming like you were being murdered, Theo?"
"She was trying to get up!"
He pinned her with his glare. "You do not get to move until Saul clears you. Am I understood?"
She pouted before she squinted at the person behind him. "Padfoot?"
"Hello, Kitten. Seems you've had an interesting few days." Sirius replied, making his way toward her. Apparently, that was all it took for her to burst into tears. Severus watched with something akin to jealousy as Sirius promptly wrapped her in a hug, and started murmuring soothing nonsense into her hair with a familiarity he'd have killed for. Theo looked mutinous.
"Why are you here?" Hermione finally rasped once she'd calmed down, her head still on Sirius' chest
"Well, old Snape and I were just having a chat. You're not going to like it, Kitten," he warned.
Severus saw Hermione's eyes close for a second as if steeling herself. "Go on."
"Hmmm, water first I think, you sound like I used to after a decent night out."
"Not yet!" Saul barked from the door.
Sirius jumped. "Who the fuck are you?"
"Saul Croaker, Unspeakable. I'm the one monitoring Miss Granger." He turned to Hermione with a winning smile, "Hello Dearie, nice to see you coherent this time."
Sirius' eyes narrowed but he nodded. "Fine. What are you doing?"
"Basic diagnostic. If that's clear, a more invasive diagnostic to make sure I didn't miss any of the last curses. And another one to check to make sure there's nothing else I've missed."
"I want the chart up so I can see it," Sirius demanded.
Saul rolled his eyes but nodded. "Fine. Can I start now?" Not waiting on an answer, he lifted his wand, looking pointedly at Sirius until he let Hermione go. "General health is good…curse looks to be gone….nothing…nothing appears to be underlying. Very well Miss Granger, to the best of my knowledge you are currently healthy. However, I am going to have to insist on you staying in a wizarding household this summer."
"What?" Hermione yelped. "No. No, absolutely not."
"It is imperative that you get help quickly if something goes wrong, Dearie. I cannot in good conscience send you home to somewhere where that help would be delayed." Saul gentled his tone, "For what it's worth, I am sorry."
"But I…how am I going to explain that? I haven't seen my parents since last summer. I…no. Just no. I'll take my chances. It's only two weeks!"
"You will not." Sirius barked before anyone else got a word out. Hermione's eyes flew to him in surprise.
"Pardon?"
"I…God damn it, Kitten! You are not taking that risk with your health. I was going to broach this before we were interrupted, but now I'm not in danger of getting tangled in a non-consensual kiss with a dementor, I'm looking to open one of the less horrific Black properties. I was going to ask you to stay. We can…arrange visits to your parents, invite them over once I've made sure nothing is going to inadvertently kill them, as often as you want Kitten, but we need you to be safe."
"I…but. How am I going to explain this?"
"You tell them the truth," Sirius replied with a shrug. "You now know who your birth family is, you have a twin and for some reason some of the crazy people wanted you to stay gone and we want to be sure you're safe."
"I don't like it," she muttered.
"No, I imagine you don't and it's shit but when the alternative is you dying, I think we're just going to have to deal with shit."
Hermione slumped, tears beginning to fall. "I haven't seen them since last year," she repeated.
"I know sweetheart," Sirius soothed, wrapping an arm around her again. "So we'll arrange a visit as soon as we can. I'll help you explain." She nodded, burrowing back into his chest. "Now, remember how we spoke about what I'd do once I was cleared?"
"Go to the three broomsticks and flirt with Rosemerta for old time's sake in the hopes she'd take you seriously now you're older?"
Saul snorted as Sirius rolled his eyes. "No. The other thing. The thing that relates to you."
"I…take me in as a Ward?"
"That thing." Sirius confirmed.
"No!" Theo exclaimed, his eyes wide.
"I wasn't asking you, mate," Sirius growled with narrowed eyes. "Now, Kitten. I need an Heir. And you, conveniently have no familial obligations."
"I don't understand."
"You can't!" Theo protested. "I've just got her back, you can't!"
Looking torn between understanding and annoyance, Sirius looked at Theo. "I can. And if she allows it, I will. Look…I'm not trying to take her away but we both know this gives her another layer of protection."
"Will someone explain what you're going on about!" Hermione demanded.
"Heads of House can…take in an Heir in certain circumstances. In essence, it makes you as much a member of House Black as House Nott. As my Heir, you'll be the next Lady Black. If you have children, if you marry into a family with a title, then your second child will become the next Heir Black. Of course, if you don't, it'll go to your first."
"But why…what about Harry?"
"Harry has House Potter to be concerned with. You are the second child, therefore you are not a direct Heir and I can steal you." Sirius grinned.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "But you're free. Surely you could have children?"
"I have no urge for children, Kitten. None at all."
"But you might! What happens if you end up in a relationship and…."
"I'm in a relationship. We'd have to adopt regardless."
Hermione frowned "Pardon?"
"Even when a man and another man love each other very much and have lots of special cuddles, they cannot make a baby." Sirius teased.
"But your stories from school…I…."
"I'm not fussy Kitten, love is love and I've never been overly concerned with what body parts it comes with."
"Oh. Who is it? Someone we know?"
Sirius smirked. "You've met."
"Pads!" she whined, making his grin widen.
"Kingsley," he admitted.
"I…actually I can see that. He has the patience to put up with your nonsense."
"You wound me, Kitten!" Sirius pouted.
"Hardly. You're made of elastic. It all bounces back off."
"True enough." he grinned. "Now. Fancy becoming a Black? We're not the sanest but we do have fabulous hair."
Hermione barely contained her laugh. "What does it entail?"
"Ah, a wee blood ritual…a fancy ring and a chat with the goblins and maybe a wee bit of a change in appearance."
"Change in appearance?" Severus barked, "You said you wanted her as your Heir not to adopt her!"
"Well… it's sort of the same thing. It wouldn't be a full adoption as such seeing as there's just me and the Black family ritual needs two parents to override everything…so technically you'd still be a Nott."
"Technically, Pads?"
"Well…yes. It would list your birth parents as your parents alongside me. Just ,as Heir to my House, my say would override Thoros'."
"He's never going to go for this." Severus cautioned.
"He doesn't have to," Sirius replied with a shrug. "All I need is Hermione's agreement."
"What…what will it do to Theo and me?"
"Nothing. You'll still be twins, it shouldn't interrupt that bond. It might have if it had been a full adoption, but as it's not….the only thing that will change is your name."
"What if I don't want to change my name?"
"It'll be automatic. Once it comes out you're a Nott, that'll supersede your adopted name anyway. Unfortunately Kitten, no matter how we do this, your name is changing. Your muggle parents have zero rights in our world, Thoros will automatically be granted them."
"I…That's not fair!"
"No, it's not. But it's how it is currently. Take me up on my offer and I'll give you the Black Wizengamot seat once you're of age, you can campaign to change it."
"That's unfair bribery, Pads," she muttered.
"Ah, but is it working?"
Hermione sighed, "Can I think about it?"
"Yes. You can think about the whole adoption thing, unfortunately, you can't think about where you're living this summer. Or you can…your options are me, Thoros or that one."
"That one." Severus deadpanned. "Charming.
"I don't like this." Theo muttered, "I really fucking don't like this."
Severus sighed, "Neither do I. But I have a feeling our hands are tied."