Hermione walked into Lord Voldemort's office carrying a platter of leftover charcuterie. She kicked off her shoes and threw herself onto one of the chairs, happily munching on her array of meats and cheeses. Severus and Tom walked in soon afterwards, following her lead and plopping themselves down onto the chairs.
"Well my dear, it looks like you were truly a success!" Tom laughed, kicking his feet up onto his desk.
"I would have to agree. You dazzled every man in attendance, but still managed to gain everyone's respect and fear." Severus added.
"Yes, well, I would have to thank Bellatrix for that. I was going to establish my position by demonstrating my status to the first random Death Eater to cross my path, but, getting to face one of the most renowned members of the inner circle? Now that was perfect." Hermione smirked, relishing in her successful night.
"I would have to concur." Severus hummed. He took a brief pause before adding, "It seems like young Draco was among the group of young men who were very, very impressed by you."
Hermione shot Severus a glance, and Tom sat up straight.
"Oh really?" Tom asked, raising a questioning eyebrow.
Severus nodded, "He was so charmed by her that they took their very public dance to a more private location…"
"Private location?!" Tom yelped.
"Oh please, Draco was just trying to win me over so that he could gain status amongst the Death Eaters. He was playing the game, and so was I." Hermione said.
"Whatever you say…" Severus drawled.
Hermione rolled her eyes, looked over at Tom and said, "And he calls me insufferable."
xX_Xx
The week after the ball was uneventful. Hermione and Tom continued spending more and more time together, both plotting the downfall of the Dark Lord's regime and getting to know each other more intimately. Hermione found herself enjoying the conversations she had with Tom, but every time she laughed a little too long, or smiled a bit too wide, she felt as if a part of her was betraying the Grangers. The Grangers will always be her parents. They raised her, cared for her, and loved her. Yet, there was always a disconnect. While Hermione and her parents had a lot in common, they also had many differences. Of course, there was the most obvious disconnect: the Grangers lack of magical abilities. While they always did their best to support Hermione, there was a gap in understanding that made Hermione feel as if she and the Grangers lived in two separate worlds. But it was not just the magic that caused a disconnect. Hermione was always much more competitive than her parents. She was more ambitious, more headstrong, more restless. Hermione dreamed big and was willing to take the proper steps to get things done, while the Grangers were more relaxed, more willing to let the days pass as they worked in their small local dentistry practice. With Tom it was different. Tom understood her in a way that nobody ever had before. Tom and Hermione had grueling chess matches, both of them unwilling to accept defeat. They could speak about magical theory for hours, debating different theorists and practices. In a way, forming a bond with Tom felt much easier than forming a bond with the Grangers for the last 18 years. Admitting this pained Hermione.
"If looks could kill, your book would be completely disintegrated." Severus informed Hermione as he walked into the living room. Tom and Hermine were reading their own respective books in silence until Severus interrupted them.
Hermione rolled her eyes at Severus.
"How's your little network of spies?" Tom asked Severus, putting his book down on the coffee table in front of him.
This afternoon, Severus had informed them that he had set up meetings with his informants, members of his spy network planted to bring him information on both members of the Death Eaters' inner circle and members of the Order of the Phoenix.
"Nothing new. No one has seen Rabastan, Bellatrix has stayed in Lestrange Manor, and Dumbledore is busy prepping for the beginning of the school year."
At the mention of the start of the school year, Tom's eyes shot towards Hermione, realizing that she would be leaving him soon. A look of sadness flashed in his eyes, and Tom quikly blinked it away, but not quite quick enough.
Hermione stood up from her seat on the couch and walked up to Tom, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. Tom accepted her gesture and patted her hand. He cleared his throat and said, "Speaking of school, we must talk about our plan."
Hermione nodded, "I've been thinking about how to continue my role in your plot while I'm at school, and I think the obvious answer is for me to officially join the Order of the Phoenix. Although Severus is already a member, he has limited access to information because of his role as double agent. If I join the order as a full member, I might have access to information that Severus does not. Also, since I have been made Head Girl this year, I am in charge of making the hall monitoring schedules. I can schedule myself with Slytherin Prefects and keep an ear out for any talk of activity within our group of young aspiring Death Eaters."
Tom nodded, "This sounds agreeable. Severus and I share information through magical journals while he is at Hogwarts. I will make a third journal for you and link it to our stream. While you and Severus complete your duties at Hogwarts, I will continue to search for Rabastan and attempt to slow down his process in finding more of Merope's horcruxes." Tom took a pause, and continued, "I've also been thinking about the Dark Lady, and I think it is important for her to keep making public appearances. I believe Christmas break might be a good time for The Dark Lady to interact with more Death Eaters."
It was now Hermione's turn to have a sad look cross her face. Tom, noticing the change in Hermione's demeanor, asked her what was wrong.
"Does this plan not sound agreeable?" Tom asked.
"No, no, the plan is great. I agree with you, the Dark Lady must keep making appearances to gain her own following and develop her own streams of information."
Severus, now also aware of Hermione's change in demeanor, jumped into the conversation. "Then why do you look like your puppy just died?"
Hermione shifted her weight. "It's really nothing important, nor relevant to the conversation."
Both men stared at her, lifting an eyebrow and urging her to share her feelings, inaudibly expressing the sentiment of "We'll wait."
Hermione sighed, admitting her defeat. "It's just - I just realized that I will be spending most of my holidays here at the Manor."
"And this makes you sad?" Tom asked dejectedly.
"No! It doesn't make me sad that I will be here! I have enjoyed being in the Manor and spending time with you and Severus, it's just - I am only now realizing that I will not be spending time with the Grangers anymore. I- I miss them." Hermione dropped her head, too embarrassed to look at Tom and Severus' reactions.
Hermione heard footsteps and lifted her head to see Tom approaching her. He looked guilty. "Hermione, I think I owe you an apology. When you first arrived, I was desperate to get you to stay at the Manor. I should not have threatened the safety of the Granger's in order to get you to stay. I sincerely apologize, Mya."
Hermione looked at Tom, who was looking deeply into her eyes, begging her to accept his apology. She took a deep breath and responded, "What you did was wrong, and I will not pretend to act as if it wasn't, but I accept your attempt to make amends."
Tom gave Hermione a small smile. He walked up to her and placed a hand on her shoulder, much like she had done earlier. "Thank you, my dear."
"But, here's a word of advice for the future; you shouldn't come off so aggressive if you want me to trust you." Hermione chidded.
From his corner in the room, Severus snorted. Tom glared at Severus and turned his attention back to Hermione. He ran a hand through his jet black hair, as if gathering the strength to tell her something. "As hard as it is for me to say this, I acknowledge that the Grangers were the people who raised you. They are your parents, in every way but in blood. It is my wish that one day, you will regard me as a father as well, but I know now that removing the Grangers from your life was not the way to do that. From here on out, I vow not to get in the way of your relationship with the Grangers."
Hermione smiled at Tom, and after a few seconds of contemplation, she wrapped him in a warm embrace. "Thank you. You're right, the Grangers are, and always will be my parents. But the more time we spend together, the more I see you as a father."
Tom's eyes watered at her words. From the corner of her eye, she could see that Severus, too, was touched by what she had said.
"That being said, do you mind if I visit my parents before I go to Hogwarts?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, yes of course. I will provide a protkey for you. I'm sure you have … many things to talk about." Tom said.
Hermione smiled brightly at Tom.
"As I prepare for the upcoming school year, there is one more thing I would like to ask you both." Hermione stated.
Both men in the room quirked their heads at Hermione in curiosity, urging her to continue.
"Before I leave, would the two of you do me the honor of performing the core bonding ritual on me?"
xX_Xx
A couple of days after asking Tom, Hermione left to go have dinner with the Grangers. Being back home was nice, but her initial interaction with the Grangers felt awkward. When she first arrived, not one of the three of them knew what to say. Eventually, Jean Granger stepped forward and engulfed her daughter in a hug. After Jean released her, Frank did the same, planting a kiss at the top of Hermione's head. They went inside and talked for hours. Her parents explained how Severus came to them, asking them to take a baby girl into their care. Frank explained that he and Jean always knew that Hermione was adopted, but they still loved her as if she was their own. Frank explained that he had forgotten his interaction with Snape had ever happened. It was not until the day they took Hermione to Riddle Manor that he remembered. Jean held back a sob as she told Hermione how difficult it had been to leave her at the Manor, but something side of her was compelling her leave. Even if she had wanted to stay, something was not letting her. Hermione then took the time to explain the spells that Severus had placed upon them, a timed obliviate which was followed by a timed imperius curse. Hermione told Jean that she does not blame her for leaving, as she had no control over her actions.
After the lengthy conversation, the three of them finally sat down to have dinner. Dinner was lovely, filled with pleasant conversation and the occasional break of laughter. Eventually, it was time for Hermione to head back to Riddle Manor. As she stood at the doorway, Hermione turned to Jean and Frank and said, "Although you may not be my parents in blood, you will always be my mom and dad."
Frank and Jean's eyes welled up with tears as they pulled their only daughter into yet another hug.
"You will always be our daughter, Hermione." Frank whispered, and Jean nodded, too emotional to add anything else.
They finished saying their goodbyes, and Hermione reached into her pocket to touch the silver spoon portkey that Tom had provided her. Within seconds, Hermione was back in the living room of Riddle Manor. She wiped the wayward tears off her face with the sleeve of her sweater and began to make her way up to her bedroom.
As she walked to her room, Hermione felt a pang of guilt. Although she had a lovely time in her childhood home with her parents, she could not help but feel a small disconnect. Once again, she compared her conversations with the Grangers to those she'd had this last week with Tom and Severus… and she could not help but feel dissatisfied with the Grangers. Sure it was pleasant, and they always made sure she was heard, but it did not feel as flawless as it did with her biological father and uncle.
Opening the door to her bedroom, Hermione ripped off her sweater and plopped onto her bed, shoving all thoughts of the Grangers to the back of her head. She needed to rest, as tomorrow was a big day. Tomorrow Tom and Severus would be binding her magical core.
xX_Xx
"How come you get to be the one to bind her core?"
"Piss off, we're already going to be using your blood, at least this way I'm involved."
"I feel degraded. Like a glorified blood donor."
"Did I say a word when you and my sister snuck off and performed the ritual by yourselves?"
"That was different, she was testing her Familial Community Binding Ritual-"
"Aha! Then I don't want to hear any more complaining from you!"
Hermione walked into the living room where she, Tom, and Severus would be performing the ritual. As soon as she entered the room, both men stopped their bickering. Hermione raised an eyebrow at them.
"Lover's spat?" She asked.
"Nothing to concern yourself over, my dear niece. Your father is just complaining about his reduced role in your ritual this evening." Severus said with a hint of triumph in his voice.
Tom shot Severus a death glare. "I am honored that you included me in your ritual. Merely being present is enough for me." Tom said.
"That's not what it sounded like 5 seconds ago." Severus muttered under his breath.
"What was that?" Tom asked, daring Severus to repeat himself.
"Nothing, O' powerful Lord and glorified blood donor." Severus said with a mocking bow.
Before Tom had the chance to retaliate, Hermione said, "Alright, let's do this, shall we?"
The two men nodded and began to get into place. Tom had explained what exactly was to take place. The wizard with the unbinded core recites the spell, and the chosen blood relative offers a stream of their blood to bind the core. Really, only the two wizards are necessary for the completion of the ritual, but oftentimes, families are included in order to celebrate together. It has even become a costume to have a separate family member perform the ritual in order to allow more people to be involved.
Tom and Hermione took their place behind the standing table that Severus had conjured. Severus took his place at the other side of the table, taking a silver knife out of his pocket and placing it in front of Tom.
"Before we begin, I just want to let you know how honored I am that you have asked me to be here. You are so much like my sister. I know that I was not the kindest to you in these past 18 years, but I hope I will be able to make it up to you." Severus said.
Hermione looked at her Potions Master. This is the most vulnerable she had ever seen him. She held out a hand to him, and he accepted. Hermione gave his hand a squeeze in acceptance, and then released it. No words were necessary. He gave her a smile followed by a small nodd of his head.
"Let's begin." Severus said.
Hermione held out her wand vertically in front of her and began to recite the words that Tom had taught her earlier that week. The words that were meant to reveal her core, to bring it forth.
"Egredere virtútem meam." She whispered. As soon as the last word left her mouth, her chest began to feel warm. Hermione could not help but bring her chest forward, giving her lower back a slight arch. As her chest grew warmer, she could feel something inside of her shifting. She looked down and found that her chest was glowing, emitting a warm white light. She looked up at Severus, who locked eyes with her, as if asking permission to perform the next step. Hermione gave him a small nod, and Severus touched the tip of his want to her chest.
As soon as the wand made contact, she felt the warmth in her chest shift again. As Severus retracted his wand, the warmth in Hermione's chest followed, melting out of her, and physicalizing itself.
Floating in between the three wizards was a mass of white light, free flowing. It was mesmerizing, its moment reminding Hermione of a silver colored molten lava, small sparks flying out.
Severus grabbed a hold of the knife on the table and held out his hand to Tom. Tom placed his hand upon Severus' and braced himself. Severus slid the silver blade across Tom's palm, causing a gush of crimson red to appear. Severus placed the knife down and grabbed his wand, touching its tip to the end of the gash he created on Tom's hand. As Severus withdrew his wand, a stream of blood followed. Severus led the stream of Tom's blood to the floating mass of light; Hermione's unbound magical core.
"Cinge et securam magicam interiorem per sanguinem maiorum meorum." Severus recited the ritual enchantment as soon as the blood made contact with Hermione's core. The stream wrapped itself around the core, spiraling around and around, beginning to emit its own glow. After a few seconds, the stream of blood began to spark, as if parts of its magical properties began to infuse into Hermione's core. As the stream of blood sparked, the mass of light began to compact itself, morphing into a small glowing orb. Once the core reached its final shape, the stream of blood burst, disappearing into the air.
Hermione touched the orb with the tip of her wand and it began to float towards her. The orb made contact with her chest and melted back inside of her, causing Hermione to gasp. A sense of fulfillment and resolution rushed through Hermione's body. She closed her eyes and relished the feeling. She could feel her magic running down her veins, her now bound magical core energizing her entire body. What once felt unpredictable now felt constant, infallible, and unwavering.
Tears gathered in her eyes. Never before had she felt her magic in such a raw way.
"How do you feel?" Tom whispered, taking a hold of Hermione's arm.
"Invincible."