Huge thank you for all the reviews! I'm really rubbish at replying but I am reading them and I appreciate all of them.
"Mr Potter, Mr Weasely? If you would come with me?"
"Is Mione alright?" Harry asked, a jolt of fear running through him at the weary look on his Professor's face.
"She is awake, Mr Potter. However, I ask that you keep an open mind."
"That's not reassuring," Ron muttered as they followed Professor McGonagall out of the portrait hole.
They walked silently, sharing concerned looks as it became apparent that they were heading towards the dungeons. Minerva paused outside the door, hoping that this went well as she raised her hand to knock.
"Yes? Oh. You brought them." Severus intoned before pinning the boys with a glare. "If you upset her I will personally ensure that you are in detention daily until you leave this school, am I clear?" Harry and Ron's eyes widened as they nodded. "Good. This way."
"Sirius!" Harry exclaimed the moment they walked through the door. "What are you doing here? Where…where is here? Is this…Snape's bedroom?" Harry looked around the room in horror.
"I shall go and speak to Thoros," Severus muttered, his face twisted in annoyance. "You do not move from that bed, my girl!" he barked at Hermione before sweeping out of the room.
"What…what is going on?" Harry asked in confusion before his eyes landed on the body next to Hermione. "Nott!"
"Right, seriously. Is this an elaborate joke?" Ron asked weakly.
"Sit down boys." Sirius gestured towards two chairs he conjured next to the bed. "I expect you to listen. You can ask respectful questions once we're done." They nodded, both wondering what on earth was going on.
"Remember how I told you I'm adopted?" Hermione began, they nodded. "Well, it turns out Theo is my twin."
"Your twin!" Ron exclaimed, "You're a Nott! Hold on….the Nott girl died! I remember mum telling us." He winced when Sirius reached over and hit the back of his head.
"Be quiet," he growled.
"They thought I did." Hermione replied, with a grimace, "However it's a little bit more complicated than that. Clearly, I'm alive but the people who took me really didn't want me to be found. Uncle Severus…."
"Uncle Severus!" Harry interrupted with wide eyes.
"Yes. Uncle Severus. He's…well he's about to be my godfather so you're just going to have to get used to him."
"Decided then, Kitten?"
She sighed, "I don't see how I have a huge amount of choice given everything."
"I can still take you all to a tropical island somewhere, you know. We can wait it out." Sirius grinned, only the genuinely questioning look gave the indication he wasn't entirely joking."
She shook her head, "You know we can't."
"Fine, just remember the offers there" Sirius pouted, "Do continue."
She huffed at him, but her look was fond. "Uncle Severus brought in an Unspeakable to see me. They…they blocked our twin bond and bound some of my magic. It's…not been fun. They apparently set a couple of secondary curses, the first one almost killed me this morning."
"Fuck." Harry hissed. "Who was it?"
"The Lestranges, Dolohov and Yaxley. We're not sure why. Look, things are about to get weirder than usual. Dumbledore doesn't know who I am yet but apparently, the modified notice-me-not is wearing off and I look remarkably like my mother. We've been discussing how best to handle it with both him and with Voldemort."
"Why would Dumbledore need to be handled?" Harry asked, bewildered.
Sirius winced, "Because he'd use her." he explained softly. "And that could get her killed."
"He wouldn't!" Ron exclaimed.
"Oh? What makes you so sure?"
"He's…he's Dumbledore!"
"Exactly. He has to make difficult decisions and attempt to win this war. He'll make sacrifices as he sees fit. I won't allow Hermione to become one."
"But he…."
"Let Harry and Hermione rescue me in third year rather than doing it himself. Allowed everyone to continue to believe I was guilty, despite memories to the contrary. Apparently couldn't solve the Chamber of Secrets issue when Hermione managed it at thirteen and didn't notice you two going down to the chamber and the fact that your sister was possessed all year. Brought the Philosophers stone to Hogwarts and allowed you three to bypass, quite honestly, horrendously flimsy security measures. Shall I continue?"
Ron flushed, "No." he muttered.
"We're not letting him use Hermione," Harry stated firmly.
"Exactly. So, in light of that, the plan is for me to adopt her…sort of. She'll still be a Nott, but she'll also be a Black and therefore my Heir. It gives her more protections than if I don't. I had been considering it anyway. Theo is going to be in contact, he is her twin and you two are going to support that. Severus is also going to be in contact, the story that we are spinning is that they are seducing her to their side. It is an act. Am I clear? Oh and Draco Malfoy might be involved at some point, he's Theo's best friend, it'd be expected that he at least acknowledge his twin."
"Malfoy!"
"Yes. I only know what Kitten has told me and I gather he hasn't been pleasant. However from what Severus said, Voldemort is living in his house, he has to act a certain way or be murdered."
"How do we know we can trust them?"
Sirius sighed, "We don't. But having watched both Theo and Severus with Mione, I feel reasonably confident that they're not going to do anything to hurt her. The fact that Severus called me at all, and is currently pleading my case to Hermione's father tells me an awful lot. If you cannot trust them, trust me. Trust her."
Harry nodded slowly. "Fine. I don't like it, but fine."
"Good." Sirius paused and turned to Theo. "And you are going to remember that there are a lot of people who love Hermione. Do not fuck this up. She might be your twin but she does not belong to you and you are going to have to learn to share. Don't think I don't see how you've spent the day looking at me."
Theo flushed. "Fine. I don't fucking like it but fine."
"Good. Now, I'm going to leave you four to get to know one another while I sort out some stuff at Gringotts. We really want the adoption done before speaking to the Headmaster, Kitten."
"Hold on! When did I agree?"
"When you admitted you were agreeing to let Severus perform the godparent ritual." Sirius grinned, "It was a package deal."
She sighed, rolling her eyes. "Do not make me regret this, Pads! It's a bloody good job I love you."
"I am immensely loveable." he agreed with a wink. "I'll leave you in Minnie's capable hands. No hexes!"
"Pads….my parents?"
"I'll go and speak to them, Kitten," he assured her, heading for the floo.
She nodded, slumping back onto the bed. Theo immediately moved closer, "Are you alright?"
"Yes. Just…drained I think."
"We can…I was going to say go but I don't mean it. They can go. I'll sit here quietly."
"Theo!" she growled, "You're meant to be playing nice."
He scowled at her, "How many times has he put you in danger?" he demanded, gesturing at Harry, "I'll play nice once he apologises and promises it'll never fucking happen again!"
"He can't do that Theo because we both know it will," she replied softly.
"But why!" he whined. "This isn't your fight!"
"Of course it is!"
"I refuse to just get you back for them to murder you, Hermione!"
"Then I'll try not to get murdered but Theo, I will not sit this one out."
"Fucking Gryffindors," he muttered. "Fine." he stuck his hand out, "Theodore Nott. My sister says we've to play nicely. I don't fucking like you but I'll pretend to tolerate you for her sake."
Harry looked torn between laughing and being offended, reaching to shake his hand. "Harry Potter, I don't particularly like you either, however I will also attempt to tolerate you for Hermione's sake."
Theo rolled his eyes, turning to Ron. "I really fucking dislike you. You've been an arse to my baby sister and you keep making her cry. You're meant to be one of her best friends!" he stated. Ron turned red, about to give his temper free rein before he caught Minerva's eye.
"And you sat back and allowed Malfoy to insult her, he also made her cry." he retorted instead.
"And he will be dealt with," Theo murmured softly.
"No, he will not! Theo! Do not dare!" Hermione exclaimed, thumping his arm.
He winced, turning to look at her with exaggerated innocence before he turned back to face Harry, "Fancy helping me teach Draco a lesson?"
Harry grinned back. "Anytime."
"Boys no!"
Both of them ignored her.
"No! No, there is no way I'm agreeing to this, Severus! Absolutely none!"
"Thoros you are going to have to be reasonable!"
"Reasonable! Reasonable! He is trying to take my daughter!" he howled back.
"He is not. Or not entirely. He is trying to protect her."
"By adopting her! Gods Severus, I've not even properly met her and Blacks planning to take her away. He…he can't!" Severus winced in sympathy as Thoros slumped.
"I do not see what choice we have," Severus admitted softly.
"There has to be a choice! I can claim her, the notice me not is wearing off, I can claim her and she can come home." Severus winced, the pleading tone was not one he usually associated with Thoros.
"And be murdered for not supporting the Dark Lord? Be given to Dolohov or Rabastian as a wife or more likely given her views, their whore? She'd be fucking made an example of and you know it." Thoros went so pale Severus briefly wondered if he'd faint. Perhaps he'd been harsher than he should have been. He was advocating for another man to adopt his daughter, after all. A daughter who had been stolen from him, who currently wasn't agreeing to meet him. Gentling his tone, he continued, "Thoros, I do not like this any more than you, but it is safest for her. We can spin the story, convince him that playing the long game is best, but for that, you are going to have to keep your head."
"I just want her home." the other man whispered, looking as close to broken as Severus had ever seen him.
"I know." he sighed, "I do. I'll speak to her. If we can convince the Dark Lord that I am trying to convert her, perhaps we can also convince him that allowing you to meet her is beneficial. We had also considered using Draco."
"Draco? Why?"
"Because if we can convince the Dark Lord that Hermione can be seduced, it buys us time."
"You…you cannot be serious? Why would he even consider allowing that?"
"Because she is the brains behind Harry Potter, losing her would be a blow. And while her death would hurt him, it would also give them a rallying point, whereas her choosing to support the opposite side would break him. I think it might appeal. Given that it would also make Lucius happy to have a union between your houses, which in turn keeps the money coming in and that they would eventually have magically powerful children, I think his ego would allow him to be persuaded."
"I see." Thoros mused. "And you think they'll accept it? The young Malfoy and my daughter?"
"I think Hermione can be persuaded," he admitted. "I think Draco…would see the merits of the plan."
"And if this drags on and they have to actually be married?"
Severus winced, "They have two years of schooling left. I am sincerely hoping it does not come to that. Your daughter has already set me on fire, I do not want to imagine what she could do after several more years of education."
"She set you on fire?" Thoros gaped at him.
"In her first year while attempting to rescue her Mr Potter," Severus replied. "Of course, I wasn't actually jinxing his broom but she didn't know that."
"Good gods," Thoros muttered.
"Indeed."
Thoros sighed, "I want to meet her before Black adopts her. I want to meet him too. In fact, I'll meet him first."
Severus paused. "That will be…interesting. I shall request it."
"It is not a request. She is still my daughter, regardless of circumstances." Severus sighed, nodding, already sick of playing owl. "Who is she with? I assume you've not left her alone?"
"No, I left her with Black and Theo. Whatever my own feelings for the man, he clearly adores that girl, he won't let anything happen to her."
Thoros nodded. "She's going to agree isn't she?"
"Probably. She wants to think about it but…as much as it pains me, she is comfortable with him. They have a better relationship than I had realised."
"Fucking wonderful" Thoros muttered. "I want him here, Severus. Today. He's going to move quickly with this isn't he?"
"She wanted to think about it so he won't force her." Severus reiterated, "However, I do not know. I imagine once she agrees that yes, he will move quickly but I have no idea how long she'll take to consider it."
Thoros looked at him shrewdly, but all he said was, "I'll have the elves bring tea."
"For the love of Merlin do not poison it, she'll never forgive you," Severus muttered before striding to the floo, silently promising to buy his owl better treats, if this was what her life was like, she deserved them.
"Where is Black?" Severus asked sharply, looking around the room. The twins were curled on the bed, with an all too relaxed, as far as he was concerned, Harry sitting in a seat next to them Ron, at least had the grace to look uncomfortable.
Minerva rolled her eyes at him as she got up from her seat in the living room. "Hello to you too, Severus," she replied pointedly. "You're slipping, my boy. You just walked right past me."
He flushed, "It's been an odd few days." he muttered. "Now where is the bloody Mutt!"
"Gringotts. You're going to have to get used to using his given name, you know."
Privately vowing to do no such thing, he headed back towards the floo before he paused. "Why is he at Gringotts?"
"Hermione agreed to the adoption."
He whirled around and marched back into his bedroom, making Ron and Harry jump in surprise. "What's this I hear about you agreeing to the adoption, my girl?" he demanded.
Hermione shrugged, "I was informed that it was part of a package deal."
He frowned at her, "Pardon?"
"She agreed to allow you to do the godparent ritual you overgrown bat, I merely pointed out that that meant the adoption could go ahead too," Sirius called from the door, "Now sit down and we can work out how we're doing this."
He scowled before the words sunk in. She'd agreed. Fuck, the relief was almost overwhelming, so much so that he complied with Sirius' request without his usual snark before he realised he was doing it. Minerva smirked at the slightly dumbfounded look on his face when he realised what he'd done.
"Now," Sirius began. "Adoption first. I'm not sure what doing it after will do to any other magical bonds and we really don't want to be doing it twice."
"We're doing it now?" Hermione squeaked, sounding slightly panicked.
"No time like the present, Kitten. It'll be fine." She nodded, still looking unconvinced. "Right so, I need some blood to go in this cup, sorry about that, Blacks tend to go for the most dramatic rituals. So we'll pop some in here, I'll add some, we'll give it a swirl and then we'll pop some runes on you and I'll say a teeny, tiny spell and we should be all done. There might be some bright lights and stuff, I'm not sure, I've never done this one but like I said…dramatic, the lot of us." Theo winced as his twin's hand tightened on his to the point of pain. He could feel the anxiousness radiating through the bond until it was almost suffocating. He didn't move though, allowing her to anchor herself through him. "Right, we need witnesses so Snape and Minnie should stay, you three can get out though."
Theo shook his head. "No. I'm staying here."
"Mate, we'll be done in ten minutes, tops. Go through there and wait." Sirius insisted, exasperatedly.
He shook his head again, not willing to articulate his fear that this would change things and he'd go back to not being able to feel her.
"It's fine, Pads. Can he not just stay here?" Hermione asked quietly.
"If you want, Kitten." Sirius sighed, eying the younger wizard. "Do not interfere." Theo nodded quickly, not wanting to do anything that might make him change his mind. "You two out. We don't need a bigger audience."
Harry opened his mouth to protest before his eye caught Hermione's, "Please." she mouthed. Sighing, he complied with a huff, silently wondering how Theo sodding Nott had managed to take his place so damn quickly.
"Right then Kitten, blood in here." Sirius held up a ceremonial bowl decorated with Runes that Hermione was itching to translate. Catching her gaze he grinned, "You can study it to your heart's content once this is done, Kitten, but let's actually get it done before those two out there think they're missing something interesting."
She huffed out a laugh, "Fine."
"So, wand hand, I'm going to cut your palm." Sirius held out his hand for hers, slicing down her palm with a knife, making her hiss. "Another minute kitten and I'll heal it," he murmured, holding her hand so the blood dripped into the bowl, letting it flow for several minutes before he lifted his wand and healed her. "My turn." he smiled reassuringly at her, dropping his own blood in to mix with hers. " I need your arms bare, Kitten," he instructed once he'd healed his own hand.
Hermione nodded, looking at Minerva. "Can you….?" the elder witch nodded, raising her wand, transfiguring her jumper into a sleeveless t-shirt. "Thank you."
"Now, we paint. It's a bit gruesome if you think about it too hard, so I advise that you don't." Hermione's eyes went wide as Sirius began painting runes in their combined blood down her arms with his fingers before painting the last one on her forehead. "Now the dramatic bit." he grinned, raising his wand. "Te coniungat sanguis noster Antiquae et Nobilissimae Domus Nigri."
Despite Sirius' warning, the flash of light took them all by surprise. The moment he ended the spell, Sirius dropped to his knees, crying out in shock as a jolt of what could only be magic tore through him, stealing his breath. Theo felt Hermione go rigid beside him, her hand spasming in his, the light obscuring her.
"Fuck." Sirius hissed as the light faded and he could breathe again. "Fucking dramatic arseholes. Are you alright, Kitten?"
"I…I think so," she muttered, blinking slowly until her eyes re-adjusted.
"Bloody hell," Sirius muttered, looking at her.
"What!"
"Well…it would seem you got my eyes, Kitten. And…Andy's hair."
"Andy….Tonks' mum?"
"That would be her. You still look like you, don't worry," he reassured her, transfiguring a mirror from a sheet of parchment so she could see herself.
Theo sighed in relief, he could feel her worry pulsing through their bond. Nothing had ever felt better. "He's right. Your eyes are the biggest change. Your hair's still the same colour as before just less…."
"Bushy?" she supplied with a wry twist to her mouth.
He shrugged sheepishly. "I'm just glad I can still feel you," he muttered.
Her eyes softened in understanding. "Me too," she murmured, reaching to squeeze his hand.
"Right, this ring is yours," Sirius handed her a dainty little ring with three ravens linked with vines. "It has all the Heir protections, tracking spell, I won't use it unless I have to, an emergency portkey, you just touch it and say Portus if you need to, it'll take you to Grimmauld currently but we'll sort that once we've figured out where we're living, and it'll burn to alert me if you're in danger, so if you could not invoke that particular protection, I'd be quite grateful. I need to get this to Gringotts if you two would be so kind as to sign it." Sirius waved a small sheath of parchment at Minerva and Severus. Minerva took it from him, singing her name as Sirius rounded the bed, sweeping Hermione into a hug. "Welcome to the family, Kitten," he murmured into her hair. Not sure what to say, she squeezed him tighter in response. He let her go reluctantly, taking the parchment from Severus. "I'll be back once I've dealt with this."
It was then that Severus remembered Thoros' instructions. Fuck. He was going to fucking murder him.
"When you come back, Thoros wants a word."
"About?"
"Well I'm relatively certain he wanted to discuss this before it happened but there's nothing I can do now. I think he mainly wants to put his mind at ease. Whatever else you may believe, he was devastated when Florence died and he is desperate to get her back. I believe he is worried you'll be an obstruction."
Sirius hummed, "And I will be if I think for one second he's a danger to her."
Severus sighed, "Perhaps give him a chance? You have a relationship with his daughter that he'd give his wand arm for. It is…not his fault he was not part of her life. This is killing him."
Sirius pursed his lips, frowning. "Fine. I'll give him a chance. However, first I want this in Gringotts. Albus appears to have been too quiet and I don't like it."
Severus nodded, acknowledging the truth of his words. If he was honest, he was also uneasy. The headmaster generally missed nothing, for him to have not commented on the strange happenings of the last couple of days was concerning.
"While he's doing that, shall we complete the Godparent ritual? I'm afraid it's not as flashy as the last one, but I'm sure we'll cope."
Theo snorted, still gripping Hermione's hand. "Shame" she murmured impishly, "I do so like the dramatics.
Severus rolled his eyes, "I do apologise." he said dryly, raising his wand. "Unfortunately, all there is is a spell. Ready?" At her nod, he turned his wand in the air, drawing the infinity symbol. "Promitto, filia, dorsum tuum custodire et animum regere. Baculum meum tuum est si quando opus fuerit ad defensionem tuam. Ita fiat fiat" They both gasped as they felt the magic take hold. "It is done," Severus spoke quietly, pulling a necklace from a hidden pocket in his robes. He held out the diamond pendant before saying formally, "I gift you this, my goddaughter." placing the chain around her neck. "It has similar protections to your Heirs ring. Although it will also warm if it detects potions and poisons in your food and drink. It also has an inbuilt shield. It won't protect you from anything strong but it should deflect milder curses."
"Thank you," she whispered, still feeling off kilter with the magic coursing through her. "It's beautiful."
"It's useful." he corrected pointedly, making her roll her eyes. Not sure if it would be welcome, Hermione cautiously shifted, wrapping her arms around his waist. He pulled her in tight almost instantly, hiding his elation in her newly tamed hair.
"Can I leave the bed now?" Hemione asked once he released her back to Theo.
"I'd rather you didn't," Severus replied honestly.
"Because it's medically necessary or because you're overanxious?"
He scowled in response, "Might I remind you that you almost died this morning, my girl?"
She sighed, "Right but am I going to be in any more danger if I move to the sofa?"
He glared at her for a moment before conceding. "No. I suppose you are not. However, if I agree to let you up, you have to agree to remain here until the train home. You would not like it if I was forced to visit you in your tower."
"I never realised you were so dramatic, if I agree, I can wander as I please?"
"My rooms, yes. The castle, no."
"I get to have lunch and dinner in the Great Hall." she bargained.
"You may have one of those."
"For the love of Merlin. Fine, free rein of your rooms, dinner in the Great Hall and my friends can visit me here."
"Very well." he conceded reluctantly, "But if they break anything I will ban them all."
"Well seeing as no ones come to blows, I shall take my leave." Minerva stood with a slight smile. "I'll attempt to distract Albus but we both know I cannot promise anything. If nothing else adoptions are easily checked in the Ministry, the Prophet will have it reported on by the week. Hopefully, you'll be at home by the time that happens."
Theo helped Hermione from the bed, both of them following Minerva out.
"I really am happy for you Severus," Minerva murmured, squeezing his arm before she disappeared, leaving him to contend with four teenagers.
"Mione!" Harry exclaimed, "Wow! It changed your eyes!"
"And the hair," Ron joined in.
"Yes, I imagine the eyes will take some getting used to. I'm not going to lie, I hope the hair is easier to manage."
"You still look like you," Harry reassured her, reaching for her hand.
"Good. It'll be hard enough to explain as it is. Now, I'm allowed out to dinner but that's it. Uncle Severus said that people can visit me here." she gave a slightly wicked grin, checking where Severus was before she whispered "No ones allowed to break anything but that was the only criteria. End of term party?"
Theo choked, "You're not serious?"
"Gryffindor throws one at the end of every year," she replied with a shrug. "We didn't have one last year as a mark of respect but the Weasley twins have been planning this years since Christmas and with both know Uncle Severus is never going to allow me to go if it's in Gryffindor tower."
"He's going to fucking murder you," Theo stated quietly.
She grinned impishly back at him, "Of course he's not. He's going to grumble and he's probably going to shout. I imagine I'll also get a rather long lecture but it's his own fault, he wasn't hugely clear on the rules."
"Oh, my gods, may I remind you that you almost died this morning?" Theo muttered just as Sirius came back through the floo.
"Can we trust you lot to behave?" Severus asked sternly, his stomach dropping at the innocent smile his goddaughter sent him. That was not going to end well. He knew it. "I'm taking Black to meet Thoros. For the love of Salazar, do not make me regret leaving you."
"Of course not, Uncle Severus." She smiled, he barely suppressed a groan. What the fuck was the little witch up to now?
"Theo I'm leaving you in charge." he barked, "For fucks sake at least try to keep them in line!" The look Theo gave him indicated how unlikely he thought that notion was.
"I didn't die." Hermione responded briskly, "And I feel fine now." Theo let out a noise that was too close to a whimper for comfort, she merely grinned before turning to Harry and Ron. "Right you go get the twins, we'll need to sort logistics. Theo..maybe you could invite some of your lot. It might make Uncle Severus less murderous. We've never had Slytherins before but there's usually Ravenclaws and a few Hufflepuffs."
Theo gaped at her "How…you're ….you're Hermione Granger! The one that abides by all the rules and…why the fuck are you all laughing!"
"If you think 'Mione follows all the rules, you've not been paying attention." Harry laughed at him. "She only sticks to the ones she wants to, and even those change. Gods, do you think we would have survived this long if she hadn't broken at least a few?"
"Theo we stole Thestrals and broke into the Ministry, it's what started this entire mess," Hermione explained patiently. "How on Earth can you believe I've never broken a rule?"
"But I…It's a running joke in Slytherin…how are you never…."
"I think we broke him." Ron grinned.
"Wait until he hears about Rita." Harry laughed, dodging as Hermione went to hit him.
"Rita Skeeter?" Theo asked faintly.
"Kept her in an unbreakable jar," Ron replied with a sinister smile. "Gave her to Sirius to look after for a few weeks, she was terrified given that she believed he was a mass murderer."
"You did what?" Theo barked.
"She kept reporting utter nonsense and turning up when she wasn't wanted. The woman is an unregistered animagus and was the reason I got sent hate mail! She's lucky I let her out at all!" Hermione protested.
"Holy Mother of Merlin." Theo breathed. "You're fucking terrifying."
Hermione's grin was wicked, as she responded primly, "Don't be absurd, Theodore. I am the Gryffindor swot, I could never be so interesting as to be terrifying, don't you know I've never been caught breaking a rule in my life?"
Theo choked. "I really hope you go with Uncle Severus' plan to allow Draco to seduce you, sister mine. He isn't going to have a fucking clue what to do with you."
Hermione smiled back serenely, a glint in her eyes that immediately set Harry and Ron on edge. "I'm sure he'll figure out something."
All three boys' faces wore a look of horror. "No!" Ron gasped, "No, no sexual inuendos when discussing Malfoy! And I thought he was just supposed to pretend to be your friend not…not…trying it on!"
Hermione rolled her eyes, "So it's alright for you to blatantly discuss girls but the teeniest little hint of innuendo from me and it's banned?"
"You can discuss girls if you want Mione." Ron grinned.
"Arse," she muttered back.
"Right, we'll go and find the twins before they come back and then we can get the word out that the venues changed. How are you getting around Snape?" Harry intervened before they could descend into further name calling.
"I just intend to ask if I can have a few friends over." Hermione grinned.
"Going to fucking murder you," Theo muttered.
"Don't be absurd, next year perhaps. But this year he's just glad I'm alive."
Theo gaped at her for a moment before he laughed. "Fucking hell. You're going to be the death of us all. How the fuck do you manage to look so fucking uptight and rule-abiding?"
Harry and Ron shared a grin, "Grydffindors' best-kept secret. It's a gift."
"Sweet Merlin. I'll stay until those two come back, I'm not leaving you alone."
Hermione rolled her eyes but gave in, knowing some battles would not be won. "Fine, who are you considering inviting?"
"Um...Draco, Pansy, Daphne, Blaise, Tracy, Cassius, Adrian. I think that's probably it."
She hummed, "Fair enough, I'll trust your judgement."
"I really am glad you're alive, you know." Theo voiced softly into the silence. "I…I don't think you're going to be anything like I expected but I can't wait to get to know you properly."
Hermione squeezed his hand tightly. "I can't wait to get to know you either."
"Good now, tell me more about this troublemaking you're so good at hiding."
Hermione laughed, "Want to hear how we saved a Hippogriff from under the Ministry's nose?"
Nodding, Theo listened in stunned silence to his sister's version of her school years until Harry and Ron appeared back with the twins.
"Alright, Mione….Mione's twin," Fred rounded the sofa, plopping himself down next to her. "I hear we're discussing a venue change."
"We thought we'd have the party here." Hermione gestured vaguely around the room.
"In Snape's rooms? Are you sure? I wouldn't like to reach the end of seventh year only to be murdered by the bat before we can graduate!" George grinned, "Although, no one has ever done it….can you imagine? It'll be legend!"
"Right," Fred clapped his hands, grinning slightly manically. "Mione you and Gin and whoever you think you can trust can be in charge of decorations. Forge and I will sort the drinks. Think Bones and Abbott will sort the food again?"
Hermione nodded, "I don't see why not. Ron, can you check?"
"On it, Boss." Ron saluted, heading back out the door making Hermione smile.
"Matchmaking, o wise one?" Fred grinned.
"I wouldn't dare." She replied primly, only to give in to her grin. "They're adorable and utterly clueless. You are spiking the whiskey, aren't you?"
"Whiskey!" Theo spluttered.
"What else do you play truth or dare with?" Hermione asked with exaggerated innocence.
"Seamus' punch." Harry grinned.
"Oh Gods, I try to block that out." Hermione groaned.
"What the fuck is Seamus' punch?" Theo demanded, feeling like he was losing his grip on this particular conversation.
"Seamus Finnegan makes his own punch, we have no idea what's in it. Quite honestly, I do not want to know. However, do you remember the rumour about someone mooning Umbridge, sending her into an incoherent rage?"
Theos eyes went wide, "That was Finnegan?"
"Oh no, it was Neville. We were playing truth or dare with Seamus' punch. He can't remember a bloody thing. Thankfully, Colin got pictures."
"Longbottom!"
"Yup. Another one not to be fooled by." Hermione grinned.
"What the fuck are you lot doing in that tower!" Theo barked.
"You don't want to know, Mate." George patted his shoulder consolingly.
"Don't you get up to anything like that in Slytherin?" Fred asked with a frown.
"No! The most exciting thing that happens is a couple of firewhiskey's at the weekend once you hit fifth year."
"Godric, how boring," George responded, wrinkling his nose in disgust.
"Right, go and speak to your snakes. They need to promise to behave." Hermione commanded with a smile.
"Are your lot promising the same?" Theo asked pointedly.
"Of course. They know the rules. Anyone not able to abide by them gets cut from the next one and no one wants that." Hermione responded with an eye roll.
"Seriously?" he asked, surprised.
"Of course. Anyone hexing, belittling, sharing when they're not meant to, or talking about the parties in front of teachers puts it at risk and we don't allow that. The rules are simple and we're clear. There's always a newbie who pushes their luck, but one removal is usually enough to get them to fall in line."
"Good gods."
"Now, we think we'll set up the littlies party in the tower, keeps things easy. Harry, will you ask Dobby and Winky to impose the curfew?" George asked.
"On it." Harry grinned, "I was a bit peckish anyway. Be back soon."
"Curfew?" Theo queried.
"The party is for the entirety of Gryffindor and a few adopted from other houses but the younger years aren't allowed to drink and they have to be in bed by a reasonable time. The end of year one is the biggest but we have one at least once a month. No one below fourth year takes part in the games and we appoint a few people to enforce curfew and ensure there's no sneaking of the firewhiskey for those third year and below. Fourth years are monitored to ensure they're at least reasonably sensible. No one wants a fourteen-year-old with alcohol poisoning."
"Oh, but once you're fifteen it's fine." Theo replied sarcastically, "When did this start?"
Hermione looked at him strangely. "I have no idea. It's Gryffindor tradition. Each year we appoint someone to take charge. It's been Fred and George since they were old enough to drink. Next year we'll vote in someone else."
"I have no idea what to say to that."
Hermione laughed. "Stick with me, Theo, we'll loosen you up yet."
"Is there anything else to consider?" George asked.
"Music, maybe Dean?"
"Good call. Lee can help."
"Fabulous. Now…I wonder if Padfoot will distract Uncle Severus for the night?"
Theo groaned. "Are you trying to get us all killed? Are you trying to get Lord Black killed?"
"Of course not. Now, Harry will be back in a moment, off you pop to speak to your snakes, the twins will keep me company."
"I don't think I trust any of you enough to leave you alone together," Theo muttered.
"I'm so glad I don't have a stupid twin." Hermione beamed, making Fred and George laugh. "However, it is not up for discussion, off you pop."
Theo breathed a sigh of relief when Harry reappeared carrying a mountain of food just before he left. "Am I wasting my breath asking you to keep them in line?"
Harry snorted, "Of course you are, good try though, mate." Ignoring Theo's whimper, he shoved him out the door.
"Now. What exactly is the plan for Snape?" Harry asked, settling himself on the sofa as they began to throw ideas back and forth.
"Theo!" Draco exclaimed as he walked into the common room. Nodding Theo acknowledged him.
"Right, I need you, Tracy, Pans, Daph, Blaise, Cassius and Ade."
Draco frowned but moved to round up the people Theo asked for.
"What's going on Theo?" Pansy asked as he warded their table, preventing anyone else from hearing their conversation.
"Right. Remember how my twin died?" at their wary nods, he continued, "Apparently she didn't. She's here and…well, quite fucking frankly it's an utter mess. And as a result, we've all been invited to the Gryffindor end of year party."
"What?" Daphne asked frowning, "None of that made sense. Your sister is alive?"
"And here?" Blaise asked.
"Who is she? And what has it got to do with a Gryffindor party?" Adrian Pucey asked bewildered.
"She's…she's Hermione Granger," he admitted quietly.
"Potter's Mudblood?" Pansy screeched.
"Call my sister that again Pans and I won't be responsible for what I do," Theo growled.
Pansy paled, her eyes widening, "Your sister is…she's seriously Hermione Granger?"
"Hermione Black now." Theo sighed.
"What the fuck mate?" Blaise interjected.
"Right it's a long story that I have no urge to get into just now, I've just left my sister with the bloody Weasley twins. I had no idea that that was as terrifying a thought as it is until today and I would like to get back before they can come up with fuck knows what scheme that they shouldn't."
Tracy frowned, "Are we talking about the same Hermione Granger?"
Theo's laugh bordered on hysterical as they all looked at him in concern. "Theo mate. What the fuck is going on?" Draco asked, watching his friend with worry.
"My swot of a sister is…Gods you have no idea the shit they get up to in that tower. She's…. she's going kill us all. She kept Skeeter in a jar for months and threatened her into behaving…they have these parties regularly. Gods, the thought of it alone is terrifying. They're planning on having it in Snape's rooms because he won't let her leave. In. Snapes. Rooms! They're plotting how to work around him at the same time they're discussing spiked firewhiskey, lethal punch and truth or fucking dare! In Snape's rooms!"
"Mate…are you sure?" Draco asked gently "Because that sounds fucking suicidal. Are you sure they're not messing with you?"
"No! Gods you should have seen them! Hermione and the Weasley twins planning and issuing orders like they do it every week….which apparently isn't too far from the truth. They have them monthly! And they have all these rules for the younger years and for protecting the parties. And Merlin, she is nothing at all like I expected."
"Ok. Back up. One, how the fuck is she Hermione Black? Two, why are we being invited to this party? Three, are you sure they're not messing with you? Four, what has Snape got to do with anything and why is she in his rooms?" Pansy barked, attempting to bring order back.
"The current Lord Black adopted her. She's still a Nott because apparently, the Black ritual requires two parents, but she's also a Black. Her name will change and I assume that's the one she'll go with. Someone kidnapped her as a baby, it's a long story but I imagine they won't be pleased so if you could keep it to yourself until Severus figures out how to protect her from them, I'd be grateful. Not least because, let's face it, the Dark Lord would have her murdered on the spot for being Potter's friend. I've only just got her back, I want to fucking keep it that way." Everyone blanched.
"How is that going to work?"
"I have no idea. Severus and my father are figuring something out. Whatever she believes, she's still my twin and she doesn't deserve to die because of a difference of opinion."
They nodded, fear flashing over their faces. "He won't like it," Draco whispered.
"No. I don't imagine he will. But can any of you truly say you support purebloods dying, there's little enough of us as it is."
"Be very careful who hears you say that, Theo." Cassius Warrington warned.
Theo shrugged, "They're going to come for me anyway. I refuse to pretend she doesn't exist."
"Right well that got heavy fast, back to my questions." Pansy interrupted, barely masking the worry on her face at the thought of what might come next should anyone get wind of this conversation.
Theo sighed, attempting to remember what she had asked. "You're being invited because Hermione extended an invitation to anyone I thought would want to come and could be trusted to behave. I'm sure they're not messing with me. Perhaps you need to see it to believe it but it's too good to be an act. And as for Snape, he's her godfather. She…she almost died. The people who took her, they bound some of her magic and blocked our bond. Then they layered secondary curses under it as a failsafe. Luckily they were caught before they killed her. He might be an arse in class but I've always known Severus loves me. It's only been a few days and it's already obvious he adores her, he and my mother were close, he'll do anything, including managing to be civil with Lord Black, to keep her safe."
"Bloody hell," Cassius muttered. "This will be interesting then."
"None of you have to come. I can obliviate this conversation from your minds, we all know that if the Dark Lord doesn't go for whatever my father and Severus come up with, knowing about Hermione puts you at risk."
All of them looked briefly terrified before they shook their heads. "No. She's your twin, and you're one of us."
Theo let out the breath he hadn't been aware he'd been holding. "Thank you."