(A/N: This chapter is Hermione viewing Theo's memories of meetings with Ophelia. The first is his meeting in Chapter 7 and the second is his meeting in Chapter 26. I added Authors Notes to denote the chapters of these conversations. I should have included Theo POV for this chapter, but just remember Ophelia is a powerful natural legilimens and she shows Theo what she showed the "other person" at the ball she is talking about.

It always puzzled me why there weren't more elderly people in the wizarding world when wizards were supposed to live so long. My twisted mind needed a explanation.)

Chapter 43 – I'm on to You

22 April, 2010

Dagworth Castle

Dagworth Secret Library

Cornwall, England, United Kingdom

Hermione Granger

I had a lovely night with Roxie and Freddie. They are such sweet kids. I took them for pizza. We then rode the London Eye, twice, and finished our evening at Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor. Afterwards I took them home and played board games with them until I tucked them in for bed and waited for Angelina to come home. Her grandmother has a severe case of dementia, it is becoming increasingly hard for Mrs. Johnson to care for her mother. Angelina relieves her mother about once a week. I stayed at George and Angelina's until after midnight and that brings me to now.

The Dagworth Library was once very impressive until I pilfered a good portion of it to take on the run. Those books saved our lives and I always thought I would return them, but now I don't think I will. I have yet to visit vault 1109, which I have been told by Theo, it's quite impressive.

Theo gave me three memories of his during our meeting at DG Potions. He said these were the initial meetings with Ophelia that spurred the three major changes in British Society. He said he would give me more, but these were the most significant meetings he had with her. I thanked him.

I pull my pensive from my beaded bag, and drop in the first meeting. (A/N Chapter 7)

I watch as Ophelia slowly feeds Theo information about the educational system. He's so young in this memory. I watch as he has a panic attack. I see Ophelia's beautiful speech about love. I notice how she almost said granddaughter instead of godson. I realize she really did it all for me. Then I watch how she implicated Dumbledore for dumbing down the society. The man was worse than Voldemort.

I learned all this information when I escaped England and went to the I.C.W. James Wulff, the American representative for the I.C.W. was reluctant to talk to me at first. I initially wanted to go to Australia, but after speaking with the Australian representative, she said she felt I would be a better fit in America. She said because I wanted to pursue higher education, and I was muggle-born I would integrate with American society easier than the wizarding society in Australia. Australians are very close knit, and I would have trouble because I'd always be viewed as an outsider. Americans do not have as many qualms about outsiders.

James Wulff finally spoke to me and asked me to tell my story. I told him everything I could. Once I was done speaking he sat there for a few minutes expressionless, and I feared I would be turned down again. I started to apologize and leave, but he stopped me. He started speaking of all the issues the I.C.W. has had with the United Kingdom over the last century. How they have tried many times to assist with reeducation to help deter the continued bigotry in the United Kingdom. He said during the First and Second Wizarding wars the I.C.W. refused assistance until they agreed to total reeducation of the entire wizarding population, but the United Kingdom refused. I couldn't believe all I learned that day. James then proceeded to give me a practice test for the M.A.S.Ts, and I received a 90%. He told me I have two weeks to study and I passed with 98%. He said it was the highest score from a British person since the 1930's. He then proceeded to use his contacts to get me into Harvard Magical University.

However watching Theo's reaction to this news was heartbreaking. Theo once said in Eighth Year, I was the sister he never knew he wanted and it was extraordinarily convenient I was now with the brother he always had. Theo and Draco were extremely close, and I never realized the extent of it until Eighth Year. Theo always puts on a fun-loving façade, but with Draco he allowed himself to be vulnerable. It really endeared him to me that year. I have to say I love that Sasha and him are together now, it means I get my friend back too.

The next memory I had to watch twice. Ophelia was correct in everything she said. That is exactly what the histories tell us. It was believed the human gods were wizards. It is how Ophelia taught me when she was Viola. I read several history books that all back up this information, as well as history books that were available prior to the Statute of Secrecy that were available to muggles. These books spoke of the relationship between wizards and muggles throughout history. The issue is, if wizards wrote themselves out of muggle history, then it's clear the Deities wrote themselves out of everyone's history. The question is, why? (A/N Chapter 26)

I remember reading several stories of fairies from the Middle Ages, but it seems fairies have become stories of myth as well. Fairies were said to be demoted Angels. Why would the Deites recreate themselves as Angels and then Fairies?

Ophelia stated the humans have been here for 300,000 years. I was told 250,000 by Ricbert. Even scientists haven't been able to pinpoint a time of origin for humanity. It's all speculation. Ricbert said 250,000 years ago The Deity War created humans. Humans were The Fallen Angels, and were spread throughout the lands. However, some scientists believe humans have been here anywhere from 1.5 to 3.5 million years where as others only say 100,000 to 200,000 years. Why all the obscurity? Why would the Deities hide themselves? Why create religion at all? Was it simply to add constraints for human behavior? The more popular western religions follow a creation story of Adam and Eve. They believe in a monotheistic approach. Whereas the Buddist believe the beginning of this world and of life is inconceivable since they have neither beginning nor end. Buddhists believe that the world was not created once upon a time, but that the world has been created millions of times every second and will continue to do so by itself and will break away by itself. They also do not believe in a creator god. They even argue that belief in an eternal god is nothing but a distraction for humans seeking enlightenment. Even Gaia told me the translations were wrong. "You must make peace with god to find salvation. No must make peace within yourself."

I watch the memory again. Ophelia talks about Moses. How he climbed Mount Sinai to get the Ten Commandments. Moses asked for the messenger's name, they said Yehweh, which translates to 'I am who I am.' Gaia said the same to me. 'I am who I am, but you may call me Gaia.' Why would she give me her name? Why would she obscure herself that way to Moses? Or is something lost in translation? Could the men who wrote the religious works such as the Qaran, Torah, and the Bible omitted the fact that she was a woman due to some patriarchal belief that God must be a man? I really need to read the Deities history. Even if wizards did create modern religions, there is so much left unanswered.

Ophelia mentioned Perseus Black creating The Black Plague. Is this the event that caused Blacks to separate and become the Truebloods? Minerva had mentioned this when she met Sasha. It's curious if this was the event that caused members of the Black family to change their names. I'll have to see if I have a Trueblood tapestry in my vaults.

It's rather impressive how Ophelia was able to condense thousands of years of history into a ten minute speech. It could be the reason why history is so complicated. People tend to remember the history that furthers their own agendas. The histories of the world vary in so many ways. Every culture has their theories, religions, and beliefs, but how much is the real story?

I put in Theo's last memory and take a deep breath and enter.

5 August 2002

Theo's Memory

Theo is sitting at his desk crying. Pavarti Patil walks into his office and walks over to him and says, "Get it together, Theo. You have a meeting in five minutes."

He sniffs, "I just don't understand. I'm fucking fit! I have money, I'm an absolute delight, I'm attentive, I am emotionally available, and I have a large woman pleasing cock. Why would she just break up with me?"

Pavarti shakes her head, "Merlin's sake, Theo, shut up! Susan broke up with you because she needs to concentrate on her studies to become a healer and you're too needy. Maybe once things calm down for her, you and she will find your way back to one another. Now get yourself together, or so help me, next time your assistant needs a vacation, I'll make sure I'm unavailable."

Theo shakes his head. "Even you don't want me!"

Pavarti huffs and walks over to him, "Theo, you are wonderful." She takes his hand and her eyes white out. She begins shaking and Theo looks at her worriedly. Pavarti says in a flat strange voice, "A tall exotic beauty who shares your soul will come home from the west with England's treasure when the sun sets on England's true queen."

Theo looks scared and starts yelling, "Pavarti! Pavarti!"

She blinks her eyes and says, "Yes?"

Theo looks at her like she is mad, "What the hell was that?"

Pavarti looks confused, "I'm not sure what you mean."

Theo runs his hand through his hair and takes a deep breath and slowly exhales, "Your fucking eyes just went white and you started spouting shite like exotic beauties and treasures, and something about the true queen."

She smiles, "Wow! I have meditated so much trying to unlock my power. Did I just give a prophecy?"

"I don't fucking know, I was too fucking distraught watching you to listen. Fuck! I've never seen anything like that. Don't do that to me again!"

She laughs at him, "I'm alright Theo. You really don't remember what I said?"

A new voice is heard from the doorway, "You said, 'A tall exotic beauty who shares your soul will come home from the west with England's treasure when the sun sets on England's true queen,' I believe."

All eyes are now on Ophelia Dagworth-Granger. Theo smiles at her and says, "Good Morning Madame Dagworth-Granger, it's lovely to see you this fine day. This is one of my top researchers, Pavarti Patil. She is acting as my assistant while mine is on holiday. Pavarti, allow me to introduce you to Madame Dagworth-Granger the owner of The Daily Prophet."

Pavarti curtseys and says, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Madame Dagworth-Granger."

Ophelia takes Pavarti's hand and looks her in the eyes. She smiles and says, "The pleasure is all mine. True seeing abilities takes years to perfect. Was this your first prediction, Miss Patil?"

Pavarti shakes her head, "No Madame Dagworth-Granger, I once saw where Padma lost her wand."

Ophelia smiles, "You're a twin correct?" Pavarti confirms, and Ophelia continues, "You must consider Mr. Nott a true friend if his distress allowed you to have a vision. Keep your visions close to you and those who care for you. You wouldn't want the wrong sorts of people to know your abilities. Seers are brutally mistreated, and I wouldn't want you to be used, especially when you are still learning, my dear. I'm sure Mr. Nott will keep your secrets."

Theo looks over at Pavarti, and says, "You can trust me."

Pavarti looks at Theo, and smiles, "I know I can, Boss. I'll let you get to your meeting."

Pavarti leaves and Theo and Ophelia take their seats. Ophelia is dressed in a royal blue dress with silver buttons and a silver and sapphire tiara. She takes a seat and waits for Theo to collect himself.

When Theo looks up at Ophelia she smiles at him, and says, "I see the truth serum helped quite a bit with your interview with Harry Potter last week."

Theo sighs, "I've never been more nervous in my entire life! Who gets away with giving truth serum to an Auror? Apparently, I do! Merlin, I was never more nervous in my life than giving the boy who never dies a serving of tea! I can't believe he agreed to be interviewed!"

Ophelia smiles, "Yes well the article was quite something. This Hermione Granger, she was a good friend to Harry Potter."

Theo sighs, "I miss her. She was my friend too. She was another girl that turned me down at every turn. Madame Dagworth-Granger can I ask you a personal question?"

Ophelia waits a moment and confirms.

Theo sighs, "Am I ugly?"

Ophelia laughs, "Oh, my dear, Mr. Nott, are you having female troubles?"

Theo sighs, "I was dating Susan. She's such a sweet girl and I thought we really had something. She broke up with me yesterday. She said she needed to focus on her studies. I thought we really had something special."

Ophelia smiles, "I believe we all grow and find ourselves at different rates, Mr. Nott. My Hector and I met when he was 24 years old. The Averys were once a very powerful family, not to the extent of the Dagworth-Grangers, but I was invited to tea with my mother. As you know, I was being interviewed as the possible next Mrs. Dagworth-Granger. I was simply a nervous wreck. Hector walked into the room and I knew instantly I would spend the rest of my life with him. He made my pulse spike and I felt flush all over my body. Mr. Nott, you are still so young. Twenty-two feels like you've lived forever and know all you need to know, and in a blink of an eye, you're forty-two and realize you've learned so much about life. Then you wake up one morning and you're eighty-two and wonder what you were even thinking when you were so young as a forty-two year old. No matter how old your body is, your soul never really ages. Your thoughts and reactions change, the core of who you are inside never changes. I was 92 when my Hector left me, and I remember the day he died I woke up that morning and he still made my pulse spike and I flushed just looking at him just as I did as a silly sixteen year old girl. If Miss Patil is correct, you have a soulmate, and one day you will find her. She will be a very lucky young lady, indeed. Losing love is just as important as finding love. Each person who comes into our lives leaves a mark. Mr. Nott, I suggest you learn the lessons you need to before your true love comes along so you can be the man she deserves."

Theo nods and wipes his eyes. "Thank you. What was Hector like?"

Ophelia blushes, "He was extremely intelligent, kind, logical, and pragmatic to the public. Privately he was free, and encouraged me to be free from the constraints of society. He had a silly sense of humor, and was playful. He loved to dance. He loved movies, and he and I would disguise ourselves and explore muggle London quite a bit. We enjoyed traveling, and he loved showing me the world. He tried to make the world a better place even if it was just making sure a homeless person had a hot meal. He gave people endless chances, and was forgiving to a fault. He had good friends, and loved alchemy and potions. He loved with his whole heart. I miss him every day."

Theo frowns, "He sounds like Hermione Granger. Could she be a relation to him?"

Ophelia smiles, "I hear she was very much like my Hector. If she were a relation, we would be quite lucky. She is a lost treasure of this nation, and I believe I must ask you of a favor."

Theo tenses, "Is this going to be like me getting hexed in Diagon Alley for outing Dumbledore?"

Ophelia laughs, "I never thanked you for the chaos you caused. I was so proud of you. Thank you for doing such an excellent job. I shall give you a nice bonus. I am asking this as a favor, because I need more than your support through the papers, which we will need as well. I would like you to introduce a bill to the Wizengamot."

Theo looks a little panicked, "Uh…Uh…I'm sorry. What kind of bill?"

Ophelia smiles, "I want to remind you of our first conversation when I offered you this job. Remember we discussed how men feared muggles?"

Theo looks to be contemplating something and after a few minutes, "I recall. Men feared muggles because of the weapons they created."

Ophelia smiles, "Yes. During World War II, four prominent women in our society were killed the first day of The Blitz on 7th of September, 1940, Violetta Black, Euphemia Potter, Cordelia Malfoy, and Lilith Nott. I was to attend this shopping trip, but detained. Even though that was tragic, and I lost all my closest and dearest friends, it wasn't the worst of the horrors we faced. The Ministry of Magic is now underground. Do you know why?"

Theo shakes his head. "No, I was told it has always been underground."

Ophelia frowns, "Not quite. Our country suffered great losses during World War II. The Germans bombed us for months. The worst day was the 29th of December, 1940. It was the second Greatest Fire in London. The Wizarding world was in the midst of a huge debate. Half wanted to go into hiding, and the other half wanted to fight in the war. Wizengamot sessions were huge public events in those days especially amongst the elderly. For two centuries it was viewed as a form of entertainment to watch the Wizengamot sessions. The Wizengamot had stadium seating for their sessions for public viewing. Most of the Wizarding Population flocked to the session on the night of the 29th of December. The Wizengamot met at 6PM that evening in an emergency session to determine once and for all if we should enter the war with the muggles. There were many young people in attendance. Hector attended with Abraxas Malfoy and sat with a large group of young men. Abraxas loved Hector and requested his support should he have to go to war. That night, the Germans bombed us and wizards assuming they were safe with their wards, did not account for 12,000 bombs that were dropped of London that evening. The Ministry of Magic was hit directly with 100 bombs, and because wizards fixed things with magic instead of doing actual repairs, the building crumbled. Of the 5,000 people in attendance, only 250 people survived, including my Hector. The devastation to our society was enormous. We lost most of our elders, all of the Wizengamot, the majority of the government. Wizards that were left either fled England or went into hiding. They wanted nothing to do with the muggle war."

She takes out a handkerchief and wipes her eyes. "We lost so many people. I lost most of my family, parents, brothers, grandfathers, and my uncles. Hector's parents and brother were killed. This bombing touched every wizarding family in Great Britain. It was horrific. I have an article for you to read."

Ophelia lifted her briefcase and pulled out an article. The headline read, "London's Hero: Hector Dagworth-Granger." Theo read the article while Ophelia composed herself. I couldn't imagine the loss she had to overcome.

Theo looks up, "Hector miraculously saved 250 people during this bombing, including my Grandfather and Abraxas Malfoy. He saved Elphias Doge and Bathilda Bagshot. This list of people he saved, is this the reason Lord Voldemort couldn't find a Death Eater to kill you or your husband?"

Ophelia looks taken aback, "I'm not sure how you are privy to such information Mr. Nott. It's true Tom Riddle wanted me dead. I heard he was very adamant about it too." She laughs, "He came to one of my balls in 1965 within of my great-nephews. You know of my gifts Mr. Nott. I simply made it clear to Mr. Riddle I knew his crimes and his secrets. I may have or may not have insinuated I knew how to kill him and shown how I was going to do it. I may or may not have also called him a plebian inbred half-blood with a god-complex and no real talent."

Theo just stares at her with his mouth open, "You said all this to him at a fucking ball?"

She looks at Theo and smirks. After a couple of minutes, Theo eyes are practically popping out of his face, "You are one terrifying old hag!"

Ophelia purses her lips, and Theo says, "Fuck, I said that out loud, didn't I? Pardon me, Madame Dagworth-Granger, you know I'm in awe of you, truly."

She smiles, "I do, my dear Mr. Nott. As you know, Hector survived the bombing and saved as many people as he could. The impact was horrendous, he wouldn't tell me exactly how he survived, he was only furious he couldn't manage to save more people. He continued that fire and rebuilt our society, he helped rebuild London. Assisted with rebuilding the Ministry. We were quite lucky our archives were buried deep in a second floor basement. Hector put forth the funds to build the façade above the Ministry of Magic and the current building underground. We helped widows and orphans. Every magical family was taken under our wings. We helped them in every way we could. Through my grief and Hector's anger we were able to rebuild our society. The only thing neither of us could do was erase the hate towards the muggles who caused so much grief in our society. Laws were passed to further separate ourselves from muggle society. Muggle-borns, who as you know, already had a stigma against them were suppressed from holding any power within the Ministry. The law that prevented Hermione Granger from holding her Level 6 position at the Ministry was passed during the aftermath of World War II. Many Muggle-borns fled England during this time. By 1955, we had gained some peace. A new norm was established. However our society was split; The Purebloods and The Blood-Traitors. The Purebloods wanted to have total separation from Muggles and wanted to stop educating muggle-borns altogether at Hogwarts. The Blood-Traitors believed muggle-borns were from magical bloodlines of squibs and should be allowed entrance into our society."

Theo interrupts, "Is that true, muggle-borns are born of squibs?"

Ophelia smiles, "Partly true. Genetics are a strong factor in producing Muggle-borns. Harry Potter's mother who was percieved as a muggle-born, was actually a great-granddaughter of a Prewett squib. There are other ways muggle-borns are produced. Love. Humans magical or not are capable of true unconditional love. Love is powerful magic. It protected young Harry Potter, it can split seas, move mountains, and can create magic. Our very souls are magic and everyone possesses a soul, Mr. Nott." She takes out her briefcase and hands him a stack of articles. "These articles are studies conducted by the I.C.W. in the 1960's. Read them later. They basically prove the idea of magical genetics. That squibs still have magical cores, albeit damaged. Similar to a muggle birth defect. Squibs are still quite talented at Potions and Herbology. They can learn magical theory, and can be quite adept at processing all the nuances of history. They can be quite talented at arithmancy. There is also an article on the power of love. Even humans are capable of great feats when love is involved. There are stories of mothers who can lift a car to save their child. Muggles call it adrenaline, but we know it is truly the power of magic that manifests in all of us."

Ophelia continues, "I want you to research the origins of muggle-borns, I want you to write a bill with the help of people such as Bill Weasley, George Prewett-Weasley, and Harry Potter to overturn the laws suppressing muggle-borns in our society. I want young muggle-borns to be given the opportunities to be educated at Hogwarts, the same way magical children are. I think your father who was present when Tom Riddle killed my Hector would roll in his grave knowing your name is on the Hermione Granger Act. Her mother, after all, was a Fawley." She reaches into her briefcase and takes out a folder. Here is her file. I want all percieved muggle-borns and muggle-borns to gain equal rights, and I think you presenting this bill after you publish your research is going to make this possible."

Theo sits back in his chair, and stares at Ophelia. He looks down at his desk and pulls out a carafe and two tumblers. He pours a large portion in one and a small portion in the other. He hands Ophelia the smaller portion and drinks the larger portion in one go.

Ophelia sips her drink, and smiles, "Your maturing Mr. Nott. A fine aged Scotch is a drink of a man."

Theo pours some more scotch into his glass, and takes a sip. "Madame Dagworth-Granger, as fond as I am of you, I have to say, how infuriating I think you are. Things just started to calm down for me. This is going to cause me a lot of trouble. I'll do it. Hermione Granger was a hero, but most importantly, I loved her. She was my friend, and the only person I know who truly loved me. Well except for Drake, he can't live without me. However, you are a right cow, and it pisses me off you use me like this, but I love your style." He smiles brilliantly at her, and continues, "I will do your bidding, but this is the last time you disrupt my life like this. You know all of this will label me as a Blood-Traitor. You know what little clout I had left with the purebloods will die the moment I publish this first article. I have known you long enough to know you have your reasons, that you won't share, but you are done using me."

Ophelia laughs, "Mr. Nott your cute to think so. We both know you have loved every minute of this journey. I told you from the beginning this is all so my godson can marry his soulmate. His soul mate is Hermione Granger. These changes are all for her. She left this country feeling used. I met her once, she is an absolute delight. The only way we will ever bring her back home is to prove England has changed for her."

Theo tilts his head to the side. "I'll let you keep your Slytherin secrets Madame Dagworth -GRRRANGER, but I'm on to you. This has shit to do with Drake and everything to do with Hermione. Last week you fed me questions for Potter to get him to talk about Hermione. I will do this because I believe it's the next logical step, but one day I expect to find out the truth."

Ophelia smirks, "One day, I promise to reveal to you my truth, Mr. Nott, but today isn't that day."

Theo nods, "Fair enough."

Ophelia smiles, "Now let's go over the game plan."

The memory ended. It was nice to see how Theo matured over the years. I can't believe Pavarti made a prophecy of Theo and Sasha. What I want to know is why Ophelia was percieved as the true queen of England?

"Hester."

Pop*

"Young Mistress calls for Hestor?"

"I'm apologize for the late hour, I was wondering if you could bring me Hector's portrait, please."

She bows her head, "Right away."

Pop*

The portrait appears, and he appears to be sleeping.

Pop*

"Hester brings you tea, Young Mistress."

I smile, "Thank you, Hestor. That was very kind of you. You may go rest if you wish. Thank you for bringing my tea."

She bows her heads and leaves.

"Hector. Can you please wake up? I have a question for you."

He opens his eyes and looks around. "Ah Dagworth's secret library. I take it you are the new Morrigan, young lady?"

I nod, "I am. I was hoping you'd answer some questions for me."

Hector thinks a moment and answers, "I am very limited in my knowledge through this painting. I couldn't let myself reveal all my secrets. O commissioned this painting in 1970 as a 70th wedding anniversary present. There are things I held back, but all my memories are stored in my office at Dagworth-Granger potions along with O's."

I nod, "I understand, thank you. I thought all the memories were hers, it's nice to know I'll be able to know you as well. Can you tell me how you survived the bombing at the Ministry?"

Hector seems to think, "The Deities slowed down time just before the bombing and told me what was about to happen. I begged them to help me save all the people. They said they didn't have time. I must leave immediately. I asked them to save the people in my section. I had no time to think. I was sitting with Abraxas Malfoy. The boy requested I sit with him instead of my parents. He was merely 20 years old. All of the youngsters were in that section with a few exceptions. The Deities confirmed and apparated the section of the Wizengamot to an open field far from the bombing. The others were given false memories and we were apparated to the scene once the bombing was complete. They remember me saving them and leading them through the building, but none of that happened. They were put to sleep, while we waited. It was 10am the next morning when we emerged from the building. In the aftermath, we were only able to find 140 survivors apart from the original 250 who were seated in my section. It was a devastating loss. I was furious with the Deities for not saving more people. We suffered heavy losses, and lost so many people all for a war started by evil Deities."

"Evil Deities?"

Hector laughs, "I suggest you do you readings, my girl. You're a Dagworth-Granger, reading should answer all your questions. Richie, would never have a child who didn't love to read."

I laugh, "Yes, you're right. I do need to read the Deity History. Will my readings tell me why Ophelia is the true Queen of England?"

He smiles, "O was always my queen, my dear girl. Very well, you have work to do. O always said you were just like me, but all I see in you is my O. She was always a feisty little thing. I shall go find a painting to sleep in. Don't move my portrait until I'm back please."

I laugh, "I promise. Thank you and sweet dreams." His form disappears and I decide it's time to read the The Deity History.