DISCLAIMER: HP belongs to JKR. The story line and all new characters, new character development, new developments are my intellectual property.
RL is messy right now. This was already written. Now it will be more about Hermione. As to who will be her pair, wait, it will be a surprise. Not Draco, something is wrong with him.
Being a Family
She was the first one to find out.
"My child we have a happy announcement," Tom said looking at Jean. A look which saint Hermione deemed entirely inappropriate.
Hermione just knew the next words, and her stomach rebelled.
"Darling, we are getting married, my dream will become a reality." Tom announced while looking at Hermione's mom.
It would seemed to many that love had melted a chunk of Voldemort' frozen heart.
It didn't matter to Hermione. She saw him as a traitor. He abandoned her young mother and her. He sent the Death Eaters to kill her father. She was beaten and persecuted because of his blood supremacy's movement. She wanted nothing from him.
He still wanted to know who had saved his witch besides Lucius. He had made Lucius his right hand, partly because his involvement on her rescue. He asked around, but nobody was forthcoming.
Although he would not share Jean, he wanted to make provisions if something were to happen to him. He loved both witches and wanted them protected.
He had way too many enemies, and he was afraid that this happiness was not for him; he could sense that something or someone would cut it short. Forces would try to take away his idea of heaven, making love to Jean.
Having a child, one so accomplished, one full of light, was hardly real. If Jean was heaven, Hermione was an impossible dream. He looked at the stored memories whenever he had free time. He loved seeing the baby, the chubby toddler and so on. Now he wanted a baby of his blood, a grandchild would make this dream come tru.
They met with the Order, Remus along with other selected sat on the council, a truce was agreed along with the elimination of anti Muggle laws. Everyone understood that Remus was Hermione's right hand. It had opened a big rift at home. Dora accused him of being in love with Hermione and vowed never to go along with the new regime.
Remus didn't bother denying it, where Andromeda and Sirius were trustworthy, Dora now showed a nasty streak, the Black's nastiness trait; he was troubled and feared for his son. He requested a separation from Dora and wanted to request custody of his son. He argued that she was an Auror and was gone much. The truth was that he wouldn't let Teddy become a pawn, nor would he allow her to endanger their son.
"Dora your words are dangerous, do what you will, but keep Teddy out. Treason is a deadly offense, people disappear daily. Give peace a chance, for once put your wishes aside." Her mother and father urged her to do the same.
Remus wanted to confide on Hermione; he just didn't trust his wife, and he really wanted peace.
Voldemort agreed upon a divided government. He instated his daughter in the council until she graduated, preparing her for a leading role, to rule with him.
His rule was strict, by now, many feared him more than ever. During an assassination attempt, the cloaked figures just evaporated with a twist of his hand. All eight of them were standing around the area, and he 'found' them. They were former Death Eaters, unhappy with his stopping the war.
Others witnessed him blowing up a wall just by looking at it. He could Legilemance many at once, thus hiding the truth from him was a lousy idea. The ones he could read the least were his two witches, along with a few others. Hermione was nearly unreadable, and he liked that.
As a wedding present he removed Jean's core blemish. She felt the magic energy coursing along her body. Remus would be her instructor. He would eventually move into the Manor and bring Teddy with him.
The wedding of Jean and Tom was the most coveted social event of years. It was attended by powerful supporters from all ends of the earth, as well as by all of Hermione's close friends.
The 37 year old bride, was admired by everyone at her wedding. She was an older Hermione, not by much, with blue eyes flecked with gold; her hair was blond to her daughter's darker hair.
Both the bride and the daughter were always heavily guarded, no surprise there. The surprises started at the wedding. Voldemort attire was impeccable, elegant, maybe a little Malfoy-ish. He smiled, a first in public, and held Jean's hand all the time. His eyes wouldn't leave her, nobody could believe this. He even kissed her tenderly at the end.
His robe displayed the new emblem, a witch and a wizard standing on a round globe. The shapes were undeniably, Voldemort and Hermione. The significance wasn't lost. The Dark Mark would be replaced with it. It allowed them to be located and recognized, nothing else, so it seemed.
He was in love, or something, that much was obvious. Even though, nobody dared to look too much. He didn't allow pictures of either his wife or daughter, the wedding pictures were of the attendees and some back shots where his profile was visible.
The list of hopefuls to Hermione's hand was long. Many approached Voldemort, err, Lord Riddle hoping to be considered when the time came for her to marry. He refused to engage in any talks, just wanting to be alone with his bride.
His wedding was attended by all Hermione's friends and Hogwarts professors. Nobody dared to refuse the invitation; however, nobody was allowed to carry their wands. Guards were everywhere, all dressed in black, with the insignia embroidered. They wore half-masks, Hermione's idea, best for others not to know who were closer to them, a security measurement.
Right away they moved to Jean's parents Manor, and Hermione was made to live at home.
Three days later Hermione was called to the family drawing room. Hermione couldn't stand being around the couple. They were in love, and did not try to hide their feelings.
Fatherly Plans
She came flanked by her three constant companions, Brutus, Zip and Zap. The later perched on her shoulders as if they were birds. Many had already 'met' the bad pups.
They disliked most anyone and tolerated a handful of people. They went to Hogwarts with Hermione, and others already knew their nature.
They had a short list of those they liked, Hagrid was one, and Vince was another favorite one. He raised dogs and kneazles, and knew how to please them. Predictably they liked Luna, and only a few more. Tom liked that as well, he liked the small creatures because of their fierce nature.
"Darling come sit here," Tom patted the place next to him, her mother sat on his lap on the other side, his hand was tangled in her long hair. His other hand touched Hermione's hair. He never missed a chance to be close to his daughter.
"Mom, there is plenty of room on the couch," Hermione made a face to point at the room's guards.
Hermione's mother shrugged a shoulder, "I like it here." Jean sighed and laid her head on her husband's chest.
Hermione harrumphed, but nobody paid attention.
After a brief conversation Tom looked at her, "My princess, I want you married and protected. Of course, one of the reasons is that I want more children, a big family. As you already know, you are a miracle, and I cannot father more."
He also stipulated that he would approve the hopeful and gave her a list, it was long.
"An arranged marriage? This is not the 1800's, although I agree on one point, I want several children, it is my dream."
He didn't pay attention to her complaints; so, as usual, she tuned him out.
The times went by. Lucius came to ask Tom to be considered. There was something about the witches that called him, either one. Since Tom had said he wouldn't oppose two husbands; that was a maybe, but only for his daughter.
He wouldn't even consider Lucius. Not because of his age, but because he was weak. He also wanted the Potter boy's magic for her.
Rabastan, the quiet intellectual, watched as the offers came. He saw the possibilities, besides, just like Lucius, the two witches appealed to him. Jean had called to him before, when he first saw her.
Rodolphus suggested series of duel matches. The winner would win the hand of the princess. He had plans of his own, to be closer to Tom; besides he agreed with Rabastan, the witches were tasty. A lifetime of loving them wasn't a sacrifice, not at all.
Finally, it was decided, Hermione would finish Hogwarts and start in the University but would live at home; a fact that irritated her. At Hogwarts she was Snape's favorite, she knew why, it was a no brainer. It made others mad, specifically, one Draco Malfoy.
Draco also had plans, his mind was poisoned, he went to see Greg. "I need you to help me get rid of that swot; I still think she is worthless. Help me to be the one who marries her. Then, I will take care of her, she won't last long." He smiled nastily. Theo and Blaise moved away, they were wiser.
Greg snorted, and Vince walked away with Blaise and Theo; he had promised his Pa to be careful. "Vince you are part of the elite guard. It is a great honor and pays well. Stay away from anyone who might be a danger to Lady Riddle or her daughter and keep an ear open." He listened to his Pa, his older brother, Greg, and Francois.
"You do that on your own, I find her charming. Besides, I am assigned to protect her. It is a great honor. Francois is part of Lady Riddle's guard. Vince is helping as well. Laugh away, you are the only one who opted out." Greg sounded cold. It was true, the elite guards were sons of the top families, but Draco turned it down.
"You would be wise to keep your mouth close. I would if I were you. Please don't ask me again, nor get Vince involved. This time I'll let you slide, only today. I value my life." Greg walked away leaving Draco to smolder.
The word was out, many avoided Draco, it was safer. Fathers advised their sons to mind what they discussed and not to engage on any plotting. It was becoming clear to everyone how dangerous life could be. They all had one job, make sure the witches were safe and happy.
Tom was frustrated with his daughter, he longed to be close to her. He called her again, "You must be married, it is the only way, don't ask me to change who I am. With Albus gone and your mother's love, I feel whole. "
She said nothing.
"My darling, how about Harry Potter, it would be a fine match."
"No, mind your own life; besides, Harry and I are friends, I am not attracted to him. That is a fact." She looked sullen and cross.
"The Potter boy told me he feels otherwise, he would marry you gladly." He insisted.
"Thomas, don't be so bossy, let her make her own decision." Her mother told him, and playfully slapped his hand and punched his arm.
Their bodyguards all held their breath.
Only Jean and Hermione could get away with their back talk, but maybe not slapping him, even in jest. Wrong, Voldemort chuckled, took Jean's hand…and kissed it. She rewarded him with a small peck. He held her hand to his face. Predictably, Hermione made a disgusted face.
Later the guards would tell others, "She slapped him, and what happened? Lord Riddle laughed and kissed her, imagine that."
She was called again. The same theme, marriage, "I will not even consider the Weasley, they worked for Albus, Krum is a fine choice, although a bit, err, not so smart, please come and sit by me." Voldemort called Hermione.
He wanted to be close to her whenever they were together, and Hermione hated it. She wasn't allowed to stay in Hogwarts in the evenings; it was suffocating.
Hermione hated to sit by Tom, "Tom, as i—."
"You won't call me Tom, I am your father, Dad, Father, or any other term denoting our filial relationship will suffice, any other, I will ignore. Don't try my patience."
"Hermione, dear, it wasn't his fault that you didn't grow with him. He is trying his best, he stopped the war, you sit on the different councils. He didn't hurt any of your friends, and has favored them in the new government. Aditionally, there are no anti-Muggle laws; pus, he has released political prisoners. You must respect him."
Her mother was right, but she still felt strange around him. And as usual, Voldemort's arm went around her shoulder. He wanted her to lean her head on his broad shoulder. He held her close to him and held Jean with his other arm. He always looked at peace. True, yet, his eyes would often survey the room.
He often played with her hair and kissed her on top of her head. "The brightest witch of the century, my child, what else could you expect from my daughter?" He liked to breathe her in, "You smell of goodness, my flower. The Shaman told me that you were my salvation."
Hermione would invariably cringe in anger, and he would smirk, he knew that he annoyed her. It was the closest to a sense of humor.
She was still to ask him about Nagini. He wanted to tell her, but she refused to ask. Moreover, she had not opened the box, and he knew it. Gods, she hated to talk to him. She kept the box within sight, but never opened, she was afraid of finding something gross.
The source of her greatest discomfort was her mother's closeness with Tom; it made her stomach sick.
She had see them kissing, lost in their embrace. They were worse than her fellow students. She often wondered how it felt to be so deeply in love, but not for long.
She knew that her parents spent hours behind closed doors while she was at Hogwarts, and could see the telltale signs of their love making; they would infuriate her.
Soon she was out Hogwarts and attending the magical campus at an old university. One day, she saw the door to their room open and needing something from her mother, she came in without announcing. A force of habit, at her own former home, this had been the norm. At her old home, her parents left the door open, she suspected her parents waited until she was sleep to have sex.
What she saw made her upset for days, but they were so involved that they didn't notice her. They were in the middle of an energetic and passionate love session. The room smelled strange, probably of sex, she figured.
Tom was at her mother's sex, and Hermione had to recognize they made a beautiful couple, and their love for each other was awesome. It was their raw sexuality, and his words which haunted her.
Her father was a beautiful man, built perfectly, her mother was the same, they were well matched. He was talking to her mother with a broken voice.
"I loved you all these years, I cried rivers of tears for you two and never stop thinking of you. I mourned you two daily. My love, my love. My witch, my love, the mother of my child… mother of my hope. You gave me the greatest gift ever, you gave me my angel, my daughter, my Hermione, thank you for her."
Hermione closed the door and left as if she was in a daze. She felt drunk.
"Miss Riddle, please stop."
It was Rabastan, the younger of the Lestrange brothers, "I must talk to you," he paused to look at her, "Are you okay? Do you need to sit down? Sheny come right now," he called a house-elf.
A pop, and the small creature appeared, "Please bring us a nice herbal tea, a calming one, now."
He escorted her to the main receiving room of the newly renovated Manor. The house that had belonged to her grandparents. The guards had been posted away from the room, and he'd heard the loud lovemaking.
He was used to it, but Hermione had arrived early from school, from her first year at the University. She wasn't allowed to live away from home. Harry was made to attend school, as well as Ron, and her other friends. Voldemort made sure the guards stayed with his daughter. He had several young wizards guarding her. Greg was in charge of her guard, so all enrolled as students. She was never alone, it was very oppressive.
"There is nothing wrong with me, I need to lie down, tired, that is all." The words Voldemort was saying had elicited a discomfort in her gut. Tom loved her, no lie, and she had researched.
It was true, Dumbledore was a bit of a monster; he murdered her grandparents, they were Dumbledore's victims. It made her suffer to think she had fought for another monster.
A seed of love grew and grew; her love for Thomas started blooming. She wished that Dumbledore was alive. She wanted to ask why had he killed them, why?
"Miss Riddle," Rabastan started again.
"I am not Miss Riddle, I am Hermione Granger, please call me Hermione."
"Miss Riddle, I am rather attached to my tongue, and I enjoy being alive, so permit me to call you Miss Riddle." He smiled one of his rare dazzling smiles.
Rabastan Lestrange, already thirty five, thought himself in love with the young witch, but was afraid to let his feelings known. He believed that he would be unacceptable.
"I would like to request your company for a gala at my parent's home, they live in the south of France. Actually, if you would come as Rodolphus and my guest, I'd be honored?" he smiled again.
She looked at him puzzled, and her heart beat faster. Her father's high advisors inviting her, hmm, Tom, err, father would be unhappy. Though, she liked the idea.
"Does my father know?" she asked. Only when talking to a Death Eater she would use his name, but this time it wouldn't do.
"Err, no, but if you accept, I will tell him directly. Your parents are coming as the guests of honor."
"Why do you want me to go with you?" She looked at him and thought that he was very handsome.
"Because I don't know anyone as beautiful as you, and it would be a great honor." He answered directly, making her blush.
"Let me talk to my mother. As you know, Tom, err, Father wants to know my schedule. He is afraid for our safety."
"Fair, I shall wait."
Winds of conspiracy
They talked for a while, until a visitor was announced, Draco Malfoy. Hermione didn't like him, not before and even less now.
Narcissa went out of her way to be pleasant, and she was aware that the Malfoys now sought her for their son. Now, she was good enough for him, no longer the Mudblood. That alone, made her upset.
She knew that Narcissa longed for a daughter, but there was something wrong with her. Hermione just didn't know what, but she was certain that it was so.
Hermione's heart beat even louder. When Greg noticed her discomfort, he made sure to stay close.
"Miss Riddle, your father wants me to stay near by when you are with visitors. Any gifts are given to me first. Next time send them ahead to get them cleared." Greg looked at Draco, who frowned. Greg took the flowers and the chocolates from Draco.
—Later, Greg would find out that the candy contained a lust potion, and the flowers were dipped in an unknown potion. Greg was furious. He told Draco that this was his last warning—
Hermione smiled gratefully, Greg was now in her trust. This gesture had done it. She noticed that Vince barely greeted Draco, she would talk to Vince, later. She was already aware that Draco was less popular.
The pups were growling at Draco, and Brutus recoiled from him. He used to love Draco before.
Draco started, "Granger..."
"You may call me either Hermione or Miss Riddle, either will do. We are no longer in Hogwarts."
The remark brough out smiles all around. The message was loud and clear. Draco wasn't a favorite. He really had an ongoing campaign against her, one that made most stay away from him.
Later, once he left, Hermione went to Greg.
"Greg thanks, I know he is your friend. Sorry, I just don't trust him."
She was beautiful, but he knew better. He remembered his last talk with Francois, "Son, aim to be on her council. I think being Thomas' son-in-law could turn out to be unpleasant. Nevertheless, always be ready. Being on her trust might turn out better than being her consort. Imagine the power you will hold, be loyal to her, not to Draco. He is under bad advice, avoid him. Her father will be merciless if something happens to her."
"Miss Riddle," she raised her hand.
"Greg, we known each other too long, same goes for Vincent, call me Hermione when we are away from my father. "
He ignored her, he was learning.
"I am charged to guard you. Who was or is my friend is of no importance, keeping you safe is my job. You do whatever is right for you, and I will make sure you are safe."
She understood, Greg felt like her. Being away from Draco was a possitive influence.
Vince made her smile, Zip was perched on Vince's shoulder, licking his face, the pups knew that he kept treats for them. He had turned into her loyal guard.
"Dogs always know who is trustworthy. They want what is best for you. Notice who they dislike." He told Hermione.
She had, they disliked Draco.
Rabastan who had stayed to eavesdrop went to Lucius. Lucius was frustrated.
"I am not so sure what we can do. Draco won't listen. What I think is that Narcissa has an agenda. I love my son, but I won't risk my neck because he refuses to join the elite guard, a great stepping stone into a position of power, he thinks that he is too good for it; anyway, thanks."
The next day while shopping with Remus, her mom and Teddy, she saw Draco at the same time that Remus did.
"Miss Riddle can you hold Teddy's hand? Or if you wish I can put him in the per..."
"Go, I will stay." She turned around and noticed that Greg was shaking his head.
She could see Remus arguing with Tonks, she was having tea with Draco. Since when were they friends? At the wedding the cousins hadn't even greeted. Hermione had noticed. Her hearing was exceptional, so she concentrated and blushed. Tonks had called her a name, and accused Remus of being her lover. Draco was smirking.
Zecke Greyback whispered to Greg. "Miss Riddle," Greg asked, "may we go and greet Draco, Theo will watch."
Francois, who also was there, narrowed his eyes. Remus looked purple, and Miss Riddle was holding her mother's hand. He saw Draco with his Halfblood cousin, what was going on?
Greg was talking to the cousins, he looked threatening. Two minutes later both Draco and Tonks had left.
Remus stayed back with Greg and Francois; both Goyle wizards seemed upset. Francois, Remus' former enemy, patted his arm.
"Remus what was going on? Why is Draco with Tonks?" Hermione wouldn't look at him on the eye, and Remus look haunted.
"You heard? I am so sorry; Tonks isn't well. We will be making some inquiries. Please don't tell your father until I get some facts." His mind was spinning, he had a bad feeling, they all did. Those two were in cahoots, he held Teddy tight.
Jean answered promptly, "Of course nobody will tell Tom anything, but you must come to talk to my daughter and I. You need help." He nodded.
Hermione was afraid for Tonks, since when did Tonks dislike her so much? What was she doing with Draco? Poor Remus, he was seeing Pansy's mom, now a widow. What was going on?
Days later, they were having tea when Francois Goyle went straight to Lord Riddle, he whispered something. Hermione heard. She stood up, "Father it isn't true. Remus..."
Francois blushed, "We know it is a lie; however, it is being published on the continent. There are pictures when you are walking; they are not real."
Voldemort was quiet; Jean held his hand. "Darling, ignore them, if you fight it, it will take a life of its own. Those news must be forbidden in Britain, effective immediately. Remus needs a wife. We need to publish many pictures of him kissing his future bride."
The Dark Lord smiled, "Clever, just keep your ears open. Remus should not worry, it is all nonsense. Who would believe that I would allow my daughter to live with her newly divorced boyfriend? Let it go," he held Hermione's hand.
For once she allowed the comfort. "Father you must promise that you will also let it go. I will look at your list if you do." Hermione wanted insurance if her suspicions were right. She didn't want any deaths over nasty rumors. She avoided looking at anyone. No clues for her father.