DISCLAIMER: HP belongs to JKR. The story line and all new characters, new character development, new developments are my intellectual property.
Conspirators
Voldemort called Remus. Remus was unhappy, "Lord Riddle, respectfully I must decline. I am not in love with Emilia, plus I already made a mistake once. I will however find someone suitable. Besides Emilia loves another." He was wrong, but he would find out later. She was reluctant to be vulnerable once more.
"You will learn with time."
"Sir, she won't accept it, she loves a witch."
The Dark Lord guffawed. "So why do you see her?"
"She wanted to try to be 'normal.'"
"Go out with her, ask to assist while we find someone suitable. If you want your ex-wife safe you will comply."
Remus paled, he knew better than to lie.
"I am not foolish, it must be her spreading these lies, jealousy I 'd guess. My daughter has placed a block on all those who might know, to include you." He chuckled, "clever witch, my daughter is smart and good. Do tell your ex-wife how lucky she is, but my ears and eyes are open; do not betray me."
Remus was in a dark mood, of course it was Tonks, who else? He was afraid that she was involved in a dark plot, she had changed much, Not she hasn't changed, she had always been petty, I told you to stay away from her, Moony grumbled. He was right.
Voldemort called the Goyle,he was annoyed, the Goyle and everyone of the guards were blocked to anything related to Hermione and Mrs. Lupin.
"I need Mrs. Lupin followed all the time, any unusual incidents to be reported to me. The young Lupin, make sure he always has guards around him. I don't want him to be used to endanger my daughter. Remus is too close to her and has full access. He is loyal to Hermione, but the child is his son."
Greg and Francois had to admire their lord. He was a hawk. They both wondered why he hadn't caught up to Draco.
Some days later Tom called Hermione. He was in a serious mood. "My child, I would have never abandoned you. Since I felt your life force, I wanted to give you all I never had."
He looked so tormented that she sat very close to him, to hold his hand.
"How could I have wished for you to grow up as an orphan when I grew up in a god-forsaken orphanage. Did you know that Albus came to see me when I was a little child, and I wanted him to be my rescuer, but instead he left me there, and the darkness grew inside of me. He called me a bad seed, five and a bad seed. Teach me to do it right by you. Please do it."
What he told her, she had already read about, but not the part that he had been hurt. She wanted to know what had motivated Dumbledore. Her heart opened that day, his words made her dislike her old professor who had destroyed all her family.
Feeling his pain, it planted another seed of love for his damaged soul. Knowing that loved her so much did something to her. They sat in silence, the pups sat on her father's lap, as they often did.
Voldemort was a better wizard, but only because he would lose Jean and his child. Others knew of his weakness, and he knew that they did. As time went by, both daughter and wife had more bodyguards assigned, they were his elite. His top advisors took turns, everyone, even Lucius, Dolohov and the Lestrange. He wanted his witches safe.
He was still a cruel and evil wizard, but fear kept him mostly in check. Moreover, he had another to live for, his Hermione.
She came into his office days later, "Father, I know you must have time traveled because Harry no longer has a part of you. So I have a request, help us get Sirius back, it should be possible."
He stood to put a hand on her shoulder. "No darling, I cannot change the past. Furthermore, even if I were able, I will not risk losing you or your mother. I already took too many chances. I made one exception, and that was to risky. Please understand, I cannot bear to think of a life without my two witches, it would kill me. Sorry my dear."
She slumped on the chair, letting tears roll down her cheeks. Neither saw Lucius standing by the door. He'd heard the entire conversation; now it was time to let his presence known, and to store the information.
"Thomas, sorry I didn't want to interrupt," Lucius apologized.
"Nothing that you haven't heard before. Even if I could, I wouldn't change anything. I won't risk my loves." Hermione looked at him, "I already trusted Lucius my darling; he helped me." He explained.
She left unhappy with her father, but trying to understand his reasons.
Later the next day they were having tea when Francois came in and whispered something, not low enough.
He had heard rumors that Narcissa had known of Jean. He had to control himself, or the entire Malfoy family would be gone. He wanted to investigate, but he didn't know who to trust.
Jean started having nightmares. "He is going to get me." She would wake up screaming, but when he asked she was quiet. All she would tell him were little snippets of her memories.
Jean didn't want to disclose the names that she remembered, or give any clues to alert him. He tried to find out more. Something kept telling him that Narcissa was hiding much.
He remembered that Lucius had a contract with his wife's sister, but said nothing. He assumed the baby had been killed, and it was too painful for Jean. Lucius had mentioned about finding the murdered family. Something didn't add up.
He had a wild idea, he called two of his top advisers, Rabastan and Francois Goyle. "It would seem that Narcissa already knew about Jean, and she also knew who my daughter was. Make inquires, be discreet."
He thought for a second, "Wait, remember out trip to Germany. That was when Bellatrix tried to kill my witches, were you two involved?"
Both paled and were quiet. He read his agitated feelings.
"Thank you, I will make sure you are properly rewarded. Strangely, you two have a powerful block. I am not angry that you didn't tell me; after all, that damn witch fooled everyone. One day when you wish, share the story with me. Francois, I am promoting Greg, your son, to be in charge of my daughter's security. You and Rabastan have my full confidence."
Neither said anything but both had nearly lost their bowels contents, they had been so afraid.
"I don't trust Narcissa, I need to know how much did she know about Jean, and since when she knew about my witches."
The ones who knew the truth lived in fear. Now many worried, what if some idiot should hurt either of the Riddle witches; his anger would kill everyone.
Lucius was angry, he heard about the investigation, which caused him to worry. What would happen if the Dark Lord would find out what Narcissa knew? Bella had told her of the Dark Lord's lover and of recognizing Hermione. Both sister had kept photos away from Voldemort.
At least that is what he knew, who knew what else. Narcissa had known of his contract to Jean's sister. He was afraid the Black sisters had something to do with the family's murder. He wished he had never been with Narcissa. The Blacks were a rotten bunch, the best were Sirius, Regulus and Andy.
The Hopefuls
Later that week, father and daughter went for a 'walk' alone. Voldemort had caught Hermione flying with the pups, he had followed her when the Manor was asleep. She avoided the guards by flying out the balcony. Jean was fast asleep, so he went to the balcony while drinking one of his daughter's Muggle fizzy drinks. He just took them, it was a secret vice.
That night he saw her flying out under a concealment charm, forgetting the wards that overrode concealments within the Manor. None work on him. He grinned at his sneaky daughter 's antics. It was a start, but in reality, little had changed, most of the time, she kept him at arm's length.
He waited until they were into the forest to talk. She had been terrified when he surprised and had yelped; no matter, both had to sit on a tree branch to laugh. Now they both flew together once in a while. It was their secret. It made her less vulnerable if she could fly at will and nobody was the wiser.
During their 'walk' she decided to ask, "Father, Rabastan wants me to accompany him to the ball at the state. May I?"
"Darling, his brother loved Bella; I don't believe the change. They all wanted her, all but Rabastan. I think Rodolphus blamed the marriage problems on him. Of course, I might be wrong. Do it, but you should be vigilant. By the way. Earlier today Fenrir asked if he could take you to his home. I accepted on your behalf. You have not seen him lately, you would be surprised.
Fenrir? Why not? Luna had seen him as a man. "Father I will accept but don't do it again. Let me decide from now on."
Hopeful 1-Draco- The Conspirator
"Point well taken. About the Malfoy boy, I am not certain, it is up to you."
Draco made her uneasy. He was handsome, but not as much as his father. Why did she feel that way? No idea, he just made her feel so; maybe because he allowed Tonks to talk trash about her? She kept thinking that neither him, nor his mother could be trusted. Yes, she was sure that Draco was in with Tonks, it made no sense. In any case it was another reason to mistrust him.
The same day Lucius was standing just outside his wife's receiving room, about to enter when he heard them talking.
"Draco, you need to seduce her, take this. We need to be in the family. Otherwise, I might suffer and you too since you cut her hair while in Hogwarts. Moreover, they will never find out about the other. Both of us would be dead if they did. I should have never obeyed Bella, what a mistake. Now we need to pretend and..."
"Are you mad? To save your hide you are risking your son? What is wrong with you?" Lucius came in, his robe billowing, he was angry. He looked at her like she had sprouted horns.
"What else have you done? Draco, you must tell me."
Draco looked away, he didn't answer. Lucius was sick worrying. He suspected the worse, what had happened to his son?
Hopeful 2- Harry- The Heartbreaker
Harry was always flirting with Hermione non-stop. He no longer had a sliver of Tom, but it had changed him. He craved for his best friend, not in a healthy manner; he was borderline harassing her.
Strange how he had also turned against Dumbledore, but he decided not to dwell on it.
"Harry, I have cousins from the Granger's side. They are French witches. I want you to meet Elaine or Monique; they saw your picture, and no, neither is your fan. Actually, I insisted."
"It won't do, I want you to be my wife. Your father has asked me if I were interested, how couldn't I be? I cannot forget our dance, or my lips on yours. I burn for you. Tell me why not? You used to feel the same." He was trying to seduce her, that was clear to her. He caressed her face with the back of his fingers.
"Remember at the tent? To be honest, that is all I think about these days. Tell me that you don't want it; marry me, we were meant to be together."
"Harry, cut it out. Once upon a time, maybe, I shared those same felings, but no more. I remember how you told me that you needed a family, days before we were caught. You went on explaining how you had planned your future; it was painful. How about Ginny?"
He blushed, "Silliness, she was a fan, please give me a break," he came closer.
"No…" she said when his arms wrapped around her, she could feel his arousal, hard against her. His arms tightened. Where were the dogs? Probably in the kitchens, begging. Fool, she had dismissed Greg and company because Harry was with her. This wasn't going to end well.
"No, cannot..." But her pleas were cut short.
Her father stood by the door looking rather scary. The Dark Lord's robes moved as if he were outside in a windy day, power poured out of him. He leaned on the door with his arms crossed. He didn't have a wand, but so what? He clicked his teeth disapprovingly.
"Mr. Potter, when my daughter says no, she means no. I clearly see that her heart isn't with you. I've looked into the matter; now I know about your kiss, and how you decided for the Weasley chit. That bit about the tent forget it. As a matter of fact I strongly recommend to lose that memory. You broke my daughter's heart. Poor choice, now live with it. I personally would have liked you for a son-in-law, but she has to be happy. Good day."
Hermione was aghast with Tom, but quickly realized that he had repeated her thoughts. "Thanks Father, I couldn't have said it better. If you don't mind, I still need to talk to Harry, hmm, about homework."
She started to leave when she turned around. She went to her father, tiptoed and kissed his cheek. He bent, and she rubbed her cheek against his, "Thanks Dad," she whispered.
Tom was frozen in place. His fingers went to his cheek, and he smiled, luminously. He looked human, and, well, truly happy. "Dad," he whispered at least twice.
Harry's eyes opened like plates, the guards now back also saw the Dark Lord's reaction. They averted their eyes quickly, only the two witches could make him a human being.
He chuckled, "Yes angel, homework indeed, you are my daughter, quick of mind and astute. I'll leave the door open. Zecke Greyback will be right outside. I'll find the pack, probably begging at the kitchen, we are having roast chicken, your favorite." They both laughed.
That day, a minor demon that still resided inside Tom, one of many, was expelled out when his soul burned bright with true joy. Now, all demons were gone; wheras the darkness prevailed, he had more room for love in his heart.
That was the day things started changing between Tom and Hermione, sort of.
Hopeful 3- Fenrir- Prince Charming?
Weeks later Hermione sat with him, the love for his daughter was cleansing him, everyone could see it. But this day she was annoyed with him. She was on the warpath...
"No excuse, wait till you love." Ha, ha, what an apology. Gods, how she wanted her own place. Her parents couldn't have more children, and he wasn't fertile, thus he wanted grandchildren right a way.
She could not even read in peace. She went to read a book to cool her head. This was the second time she had caught them; it was gross.
Tom entered the library and kissed her head and caressed her cheek. The love he felt for his daughter was fierce, she was a part of him, his only blood family. He loved Jean, true, but the love for his daughter was boundless, she was a part of him. She was perfection.
Hermione sat on a divan reading with three dogs sitting around her; they were keeping an eye on Crosshanks on top of a cupboard. She kept given her father dirty looks when a visitor was announced.
She remembered earlier that day, he had her mom against a wall; they weren't hidden, or not very well. His trousers were down, and her mom's legs around his naked bum. "Darling, like that...so good...open a little...want...cock deeper...gods...His loud breathing was disturbing. She caught what she assumed was near the tail end, agh, she wanted to wash her eyeballs and rinse her ears with a bleaching detergent.
Why couldn't they wait to get to their room?
Tom saw her. Unreal, all he did was to hide his face on the crook of her mother's neck. They didn't stop, she ran straight into her bathroom and was sick, what was wrong with them? Her mother was 37 for goodness sake. She was old enough to know better.
She was fuming and giving her dad nasty looks, and he kept sending her air kisses. He knew why she was angry and refused to acknowledge it. Besides he was having fun, she was precious on her anger. They were looking at each other, she furiously, he lovingly, when the visitor arrived.
"My Lord," Fenrir entered the room. He had shed his werewolf persona, he was a scholar and of high nobility amongst his people, also victims of Dumbledore.
He had lost his mind with grief. It happened the day when had just returned from Hogwarts and found a massacre, bodies laying everywhere. Later, he was educated in Oxford, but periods of darkness would descend upon him.
"Hello Fenrir, you are looking fine; are you going to a ball, or do you have a lover?" Tom, or Thomas, or Lord Riddle, nee Voldemort, supreme Dark Lord, gave him one of his new, rather sinister, smiles.
Fenrir didn't answer directly, "Not really, just want to make a good impression, in general." He observed Thomas, (his new name for close friends.) "I have a story that you might want to hear. It is about your lovely wife."
Now, Fenrir had the daughter's attention; as for Tom's, not much of it, his mind was wondering.
He was thinking about Jean who was taking a nap. He was almost never without her, but he had been particularly amorous when she came to breakfast dressed on a traditional southern German style attire. It always did something to him.
He had exhausted her, too bad, maybe after her rest. Tom couldn't wait, he loved the taste of her sex, it would make a delicious desert, or it could be an apperitive...he was lost in the erotic smorgasbord of Jean's delights.
"Sir?" Fenrir asked when he noticed Thomas' spaced out look; he wasn't listening and had a half smile.
Hermione nearly growled, she had seen the same. Yuck, she knew why, she had seen them getting out the breakfast room, right before she had an eyeful; she wanted to barf, again.
How did he dare to demand she married? He was magnanimous, according to him; so generous that he was willing to let her choose her husband. What a concession, she didn't like anyone enough.
Of the latter, she was no longer so sure after she really saw Fenrir. She had been in such a funk that had not even looked at him. Damn, that cannot be him, He is... well, magnificent. She was dazzled.
She was surrounded by beautiful wizards, but this, holy cow. His eyes were the color of a sunny sky, an impossible light blue, very large and not human; the pupils were different; the blue shade was unnatural with yellow flecks, framed with full lashes.
His multi-hued, auburn, silver, white, tan, with a grey streak, fell down his back, glossy and shiny. The multicolor eyebrows, were straight curving upwards. His ears were pointed, lupine she guessed. He had a raised round mark right above his left eyebrow, unusual.
His chiseled face was classic, along with pouty lips. She thought, nobody compares to him. He didn't look old, probably in his mid to high twenties. He was taller than all of them, but perfectly proportioned, lean and powerful. He wore a strange grand robe opened to under his arms, with a large belt to hold the swords hanging on both sides. To complete his image, she could see a large bow on his back.
On his wrists, she could see wide bracelets with tiny tubes sodered on top. Around his neck he wore a thick link chain with a large medallion made of heavy gold. She liked the short helmet like, made of a gleaming metal.
He looked like a king from long ago, a Prince Charming. Wow, he dwarfed everyone else.
Her heart made a funny flip. She felt light headed and very warm. She liked him, did she ever.
A/N ? Hmm. Me wonders.