It had taken a few days for Molly to finally stop moping over her faux pas. Cleaning Grimmauld Place had helped, as it gave her a new task to focus on and a new place to think. While she still felt that way she knew better than to make her opinion known, especially as a Weasley. When she was simply a Prewett it was more than fine, it was acceptable since she was a pureblood from a good home. Just because the best happened to be a blood traitor didn't faze her one bit, after all he was still a pureblood. Being forced to marry said blood traitor was different. Everyone involved, minus the Weasley's as they didn't care, were at least happy they were purebloods and were content to soothe their nerves with "at least they're pureblood".

The exception had always been the Royal Family. While she may have wanted the mudblood for Ron, as a consolation prize mostly, with her being the brightest witch, her blood could be overlooked. Out of their generation she was the best.

Now it also seemed she was a member of the Royal Family and she had stepped on toes. While she was young and should know to respect her elders, she was… of a higher station. That alone technically made her their betters.

Out of all her wonderful children, only her wonderful Ronnie seemed to be on her side. He recognized that they had known Hermione before they knew about her status and knew her personally. That should have given them some leeway, being personal friends, real friends. They accepted her into their house, fed her, and treated her like one of their own. Molly however willfully chose to ignore how she responded to the article in Witch Weekly.

It was the twins who had been on her nerves the most. They had continuously told her that she shouldn't have listened to Ron about Hermione's reactions. Even Ginny agreed, claiming that her brother was a bit dense. Still she chose to believe her Ronnie since he was one of her best friends, not them. However… she reluctantly agreed with Ginny that her Ronnie had always been on the slow side. Out of all her children's grades, Ron's was the worst. In the beginning he had a few P's, and then they eventually rose to A's.

She had thought it was because Hogwarts was raising their expectations and increasing the difficulty in the classes. It wasn't until Ginny started however that she was proven wrong when her daughter was bringing home O's and EE's.

This whole situation was a mess. If Hermione was a regular muggleborn none of this would be an issue! But that wasn't the case and she had to accept it when Arthur put his foot down.

Just as she was about to go start making lunch when the fireplace started to show green, alerting her to a floo call.

'Now who could that be?' , she thought.

Molly walked over to the fireplace, absentmindedly placing a cushioning charm before she kneeled to answer it.

"Hello?"

Her expression brightened as she saw Albus's face.

"Hello, Molly. Is it safe to talk?" he asked mildly.

The plump witch's eyes widened for a second before she placed a silencing charm around them.

"It is now. What's the problem Albus?" she asked worriedly. She immediately thought he wanted to speak of something involving the Order.

"Nothing too serious," he replied in his normal grandfatherly tone, "But I seem to have come up with a possible solution to our problem involving Harry and Miss Granger," he said, purposely ignoring her status.

Molly thought nothing of it as he was a powerful and important figure himself, focusing more on why he called. Her heart leapt with hope.

"What is it?" she asked.

"How do you feel about coming out of your 'retirement'," he chuckled, "and brewing a few more potions?" he asked.

It had taken a little bit of needling for Harry to be reassured that she would be fine, but less so for her parents. There was a small bit of discussion concerning her safety, but after she told them it was approved by her master and he would be attending, they were reassured. Her parents had nodded and hoped that she had fun in Bulgaria.

It was a non-spoken agreement that they wouldn't tell Harry anything pertaining to the war, or at least Hermione's active role in it. If he knew that his sister was going through all this training to protect him he would most likely either be mad or upset and avoid her, or lash out by engaging in risky behavior regardless of what that meant to her. There was a third possibility, that he would accept it with grace, but they weren't going to put their money, or their daughter's life, on that one.

Before she left Harry snuck into her room so they could talk privately, learning early on that their conversations weren't mysteriously overlooked or ignored at the chateau like they were at Hogwarts.

"Hey, Hermione?"

The witch in question dropped her book and quickly rolled out of bed and before she stood up, grabbing her wand and training it on the intruder. It was quickly discovered however that it was just her brother. The curly haired witch blushed as she grabbed the sheet on her bed to cover herself while she still had her wand pointed at the messy haired wizard.

"Merlin, Harry, don't do that!" she hissed at him.

Her brother turned bright red having seen his sister naked, if only for a few seconds. He didn't question her pulling her wand on him as it was a normal response for her in school. Being on the business end of her wand was not something unfamiliar to the boys.

"Sorry!" he squeaked.

"Why are you in here?" she asked, pulling the sheet closer to her body as she lowered her wand.

"I wanted to talk to you before you left tomorrow," he said, his face still red.

"And you couldn't do it in the morning?" she growled.

"I thought it would be better if we talked tonight. I tried to go to sleep, but it kept bothering me," he admitted.

Curious, she sat on her bed, "About what?"

Harry started to fidget, "I know we haven't talked about your relationship with Snape in a while, and I know it's not my place, but um…"

"What?"

"Y-you're not doing anything right?"

"What?" she asked confused now.

"You're not… doing it?" he whispered, as though saying it any louder would make it a very real possibility.

Hermione flushed, "Are you asking if Master Snape and I are having sex?"

His face still bright red, the green eyed wizard nodded.

Hermione was in such a state of shock that she let go of the sheet and covered her face with her hands. The sheet pooled around her feet exposing her nude form to her brother. Her pubic hair was in the shape of an oleander flower that perfectly matched the one on her apprentice badge. It was small and just above the hood of her lady bits. He couldn't help but notice the intricacy of the design. Hermione was many things, but vain about her appearance was not one of them.

"No, we are not having sex. We've just started kissing!" she hissed.

His stomach now lighter that he knew his sister wasn't shagging his professor, he couldn't help but stare at her.

"Hey, Hermione?"

She looked through her fingers at him.

"What, Harry?" she asked exasperatedly.

"How did you do that?" he asked, his voice lit with curiosity.

"Do what?"

"Make that design in your um… hair." He said, trying to be tactful about it.

"Design in my…?" It was then that she remembered that she was nude and tried to cover herself again, this time with her hands as her body flushed red.

Harry blushed again waving his hands, "Don't worry I'm not interested! I'm gay!" he exclaimed.

Hermione's body started to return to its regular color, her eyebrows now furrowing.

"What?" she asked partially shocked.

Having realized what he said he looked down at his feet, "I-I'm gay. I'm not into girls. I'm not even attracted to them. I can admit when they're pretty, but… they're not for me," he admitted, "Besides, you're my sister."

"Then why did you ask… are you, coming out?" she asked, still shocked.

"I-I guess so," he said still looking at his feet.

"Harry, the whole tower knows I'm pansexual", she said, letting her hands drop to her sides, "Why would I judge you for being gay?"

Heaving a sigh her brother looked back up and looked into her eyes, "I don't know, it's just... the Dursleys have always considered me a freak… and I was afraid that…"

"That it would make them right," she finished, "Harry that's farthest from the truth. I mean… the wizarding world is backwards on a lot of things but they're pretty accepting of things like that, the only one in the castle that seemed to have a problem with me kissing Fleur was Ron."

"I have to room with Ron," he reminded her.

She 'hm'ed and nodded, understanding his point.

"Is that why you canceled the contract with Ginny?" she asked.

Still looking down her brother nodded.

Hermione sat on her bed and pat the space next to her, no longer caring about her nudity. Harry followed her silent order and shuffled to the other side of her bed and sat on it with his legs crossed.

"Harry it's more than fine that you're gay. Mum and Dad accepted me, and I know because of that they'll accept you," she said, grabbing on of his hands.

Taking a calming breath Harry nodded and looked up into her eyes smiling.

"Now about that design?" he asked in a teasing manner.

The witch's lips quirked up into an amused smile, "Well there's this charm…"

Having had their heart to heart the previous night Harry felt closer to Hermione than he had before, and agreed to tell their parents while she was away. If there were any issues he could have Thimi send a letter for him, but she doubted that he'd need to.

She hugged each member of her family, telling them that she'd be home before term started and she was an owl away. She pet Martin and cooed at him, while Crookshanks and Elara had already gotten their fair share of attention and cuddling.

With that Thimi popped her over to Severus's house where he was waiting with the portkey and his belongings in hand.

"Ready?" he asked.

"If I wasn't I wouldn't be here," she smiled at him.

"Cheeky witch, hold tight," he instructed.

Grasping tightly onto his arm and her suitcase there was a pull behind her navel and they were whisked off to Bulgaria.

Their landing was a bit ungraceful as Severus had landed on his feet and had to catch Hermione to keep her from falling on her behind.

Their hosts however ignored that and instead were happy that they arrived. They were unaware of who the witch's master was and were pleasantly surprised that it was the potions master they had seen while they were there and it was not an entirely new stranger for them to meet and get to know. Tatyana however discreetly hid her smile noticing the similarities between her son and Hermione's master. It would appear that her attraction to her son's physique was genuine.

"It's nice to see you again, Viktor, Tatyana, Mr. Krum," Hermione said with a bright smile, "This is my master, Severus Snape," she introduced her dark wizard.

"Messieurs and Mrs. Krum, it is a delight to be here," Severus spoke first.

"The pleasure is ours, Master Snape," Tatyana replied as her husband and son bowed.

"Please, call me Boris. Ve vant to thank you for accepting our offer on teaching my son in exchange for learning that which is not taught at Hogvarts."

Hermione looked at Severus in the corner of her eye before he nodded discretely at her, "It's no trouble at all. I meant what I wrote, Viktor is a great friend and I want him safe."

"From vhat you wrote you have stronger vill than him. Is dis true?" his father asked.

"Yes. To throw off the imperious curse you must have a stronger will than the caster," she replied.

"And you know how?" Tatyana asked in a kind manner.

"I took lessons from our Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. It was one of his first lessons this year and I got extra tutoring at my request," she answered easily while adding the proper omissions.

Severus was impressed, even if it didn't show.

"The best way to keep a strong will is to have a firm mental frame of mind," Hermione said.

"What I have found is the best way to have her frim frame of mind, as my apprentice calls it, is to practice occlumency," Severus said, knowing that neither of them could cast a full powered imperious on them.

"Ve haff heard of it, but it is taught only to control our emotions," Viktor replied.

Severus nodded knowing it was an obscure art. It was studied and taught in the older, purer families, but lost its luster as the generations went on. Some families did not trust the younger generations and did not teach them the mind arts so they could see into their minds. Instead it was taught in its most rudimentary base, to control one's emotions so they didn't embarrass the family. Thus eventually the secrets and arts started to die off with those family members. It was not an unfounded mistrust as there were mysterious deaths from time to time, allowing an heir access to the family fortunes earlier than what would have happened naturally. Most of the heirs newly married.

"My apprentice learned in a different way than it is usually taught. She did not have the benefit of someone testing her as she learned. I will gladly teach you in her place," Severus asserted.

Tatyana smiled brightly, glad for the pair.

"Our elves vill have your things settled, and ve can get started, da?" she suggested in a polite, but with an underlying insistent manner.

Severus arched an eyebrow, "Yes. We have but so much time, and it would be prudent to not to waste it."

"Lead the way," Hermione said with a bright smile.

"You will not learn it all in one day, but I expect improvement by dinner. The objection is to keep me out." Severus announced.

Many hours later the potions master was almost frustrated with the family's lack luster manner. They were not catching on as quickly as he had hoped, even with their basic. Their shields were weak, like a thin glass, allowing all their thoughts to be available to him. He was able to break through every time with little prodding. It was no wonder Viktor was able to be imperioused with ease.

The curly haired witch caught on, seeing the telltale signs of her master's temper, and spoke up, "It would be best to try to keep him out as though your will was a solid wall or a rapid river, to hide your thoughts instead of just your emotions, as if they were behind your eyes, the forefront of you mind."

Tatyana caught on to the younger witch's suggestion and nodded, the men struggling to accept the concept as they tried to visualize what she was saying in their minds' eye. The intelligence in the elder witch's eyes had a gleaming effect. They had all felt the dark wizard swim in their minds, but instead of trying to keep or push him out, they tried to simply be strong and intimidating, most of their efforts had they simply glaring at him.

"Again if you please," the older witch said looking at the potions master's eyes.

Without saying a word Severus focused on her and dove into her mind, but was surprised to see a waterfall surrounded by daunting jagged rocks in place of the nothing there was before. He prodded it and was pleased that it would take some effort to get past her defense. The rocks surrounding it were firm, but not without their cracks. The waterfall was strong, and if he were a lesser man, he would either be ejected or possibly lose his mind and drown in her rapids. He backed out and nodded with clear approval.

"Your rock wall can be more mountainous to be rid of the cracks. But it will hold strong, especially against a lesser legilimens. It is much better and impressive that you were able to create that instead of trying to push me out."

The Bulgarian witch smiled proudly, "Thank you, Master Snape. You and your apprentice are a vonderful duo."

"Mama has alvays been de smartest of us," Viktor smiled at his mother, proud of her accomplishment.

"Dinner is being ready," a small elf squeaked before it popped away quickly.

"Ah! Dinner. Let us eat," The matron proclaimed.

The next few weeks had them continuously practicing both arts, keeping their mind clear and trying to keep the potions master out of their mind. Unlike the first day there had been breaks so they could focus on what they could do better, Tatyana explaining to them in their native tongue what it was like when she kept Severus out of her mind. In between breaks, that Hermione had insisted on so her dark wizard wouldn't explode on their hosts in anger, the duo was instructed to relax, trust themselves, stretch and practice falling into prescribed stances.

The schedule for their days had been almost nonstop practicing and training. They'd wake up eat, wait half an hour for digestion, and continue. They would stop an hour after dark had settled in. Both parties had agreed that while the company was pleasurable this visit was for business purposes only and that next time would be for fun. Despite what they said everyone but Boris was having fun.

Master and apprentice were pleased that due to their constant exercises and sparing learning the physical aspects of battle magic wasn't as taxing as it would have been if they weren't used to it. The Krum family was surprised at first, but overall pleased as that meant they could transition into the second part with ease.

When Hermione had asked what style it was Viktor paused and thought hard and eventually answered Nozh Tochka, Knife Point, but they just called it Battle Magic in Durmstrung. Tatyana then claimed that the name had little to do with the art, and that the wizard who named it was just dramatic.

"Again!" Tatyana shouted.

Hermione panted and wiped the sweat off her face before falling back into the proper stance. Her legs were apart and slightly bent, her wand poised next to her face as though she were pulling back an arrow on a bow, and her other arm was in front of her as though she was going to block a physical hit.

In front of the young witch was Viktor Krum also in the same state and panting just as hard. Viktor and Boris had gotten the rudimentary basics of occlumency enough to protect their minds and give Severus at least 10 minutes to get through their shields. They were instructed to try to strengthen their shields and meditate every night before they went to sleep. Severus promised to test their shields once more before they left, claiming they were adequate enough to protect themselves from intrusion and do something about it if they recognized someone trying to use legilimency on them. Thus they had more time to practice what they had come for, battle magic.

The curly haired witch had to agree with Tatyana, the name of the art had little to do with the art itself. There was less physical interaction than she had initially thought there would be, but enough that it would stun or startle the average wizard. They would shoot spells at one another, moving all the while. The spells were aimed at venerable areas; the head, chest, wand shoulder, knees, and feet. When hit it was debilitating or deadly, thus they only used stinging hexes. All the while the objective was to get close enough to your opponent to physically disarm them. It was the defensive part that the witch had the most fun with though. After training with Barty and Moody she had come to enjoy such activities.

Defending from these attacks was the most exhilarating. There was much movement, ducking, tilting, jumping, and instead of moving to the side by stepping as she was instructed, Hermione had found that twirling worked best for her. Moving over felt clunky and felt awkward when the witch did as she was instructed. When they had started practicing, it became intense, and one attack at her knees was coming so fast, she twirled out of the way instead of stepping to the side. It was in this moment that Hermione realized that she was able to twist some of the movements she was instructed to do into a semblance of the movements and dancing. It was beautiful and would eventually become deadly.

While moving out of the way of the attacks was encouraged instead of shielding, firing a counter spell was also encouraged. The counter however would either be the counter curse or simply another spell, and it would be aimed directly at the spell instead of the opponent. The objective was to cancel out the spell midway. Eventually they moved on to chain spells, which made it harder to do so, thus forcing them to move while dueling, or rather battling.

Viktor was often her opponent, while Boris was often the potions master's opponent, but the Krum family switched things up so one of them was always observing. Tatyana often observed as she was the slowest of the three. They admitted that while slow she was the fiercest.

They never allowed for more than one sparring to occur at one time so that they could focus and make sure no one was seriously hurt. Sometimes they were forced to fight through a certain hit, other times they were stopped so they could be healed. At one point Severus had been hit his eyebrow and it swelled enough that his eye was practically swelled shut.

Severus was also enjoying himself, but looked a little more serious than Hermione did. Whereas his witch was fierce and feral, a terrifyingly sexy combination, a grin to match was often found on her face. He admitted it would unsettle most wizards and witches. Whereas he was terrifyingly intimidating. Darkness rose off him in waves as he glared at his opponent, his face either impassive or twisted in a sinister sneer.

"Begin!"

Hermione growled out the stinging hex, aiming for his head while moving her wand in a deft manner, to aim her following hexes at his wand arm and his heart, moving with his steps. Her spells moving fast as she stepped closer, taking a step with each hex leaving her wand.

In response Viktor had to move, only able to deflect the one that was coming straight for his face. He side stepped the one aimed at his wand arm, only for the one aimed at his heart to hit it instead. The more they sparred the more unpredictable the witch became. The only thing that stayed constant was her first spell was always aimed at the head. It was smart though as the opponent would always be more distracted by a bright light aiming for their face, drawing most of their attention to the first one, rather than the follow ups. This left the following spells an almost guarantee hit. Would she fire at their stomach? Their feet? Their wand arm? She also had a knack for hitting their wand hand too. Something she improvised on.

The wizard hissed in pain as he moved to return the hex at her knees and feet, angles that were hard to combat against, forcing the opponent to either take the hit or move.

The witch twirled to the side with a delicate jump forward, her wand pointed above her head as her elbow had moved during the action, before she fell back into the stance. Her wand poised like an arrow, and fired more hexed at the lanky wizard.

Her spells shot to his knees and one to just below his left hip, hoping to hit the joint that connected his leg to his hip.

Viktor quickly stepped, practically jumping, to his left, just for her third spell to hit his crotch. The quidditch professional groaned before he doubled over and fell holding his groin.

"Break!" the elder witch exclaimed as she walked quickly to her son's prone form.

Hermione blushed a brilliant red, standing in a shocked mortification, before running over to the wizard on the floor and crouched next to him. The other wizards winced with small "Ooo"s slipping from their mouths, and covered their own groins in sympathy in a kneejerk reaction.

"I'm so sorry, Viktor! I aimed for your hip, I didn't think you would walk into it!" she cried.

Viktor groaned in response.

Tatyana rubbed her son's back glad they were using light spells.

"It's not your fault, Hermione. I saw him valk into it," she couldn't help but giggle at the end.

The younger witch smiled ruefully.

"You have gotten much better, I am proud," the elder witch said, as she continued to rub Viktor's back.

"Thank you, Tatyana. I wouldn't have been able to do it without all your family's help," she replied.

The older witch smiled gently at the younger witch.

"Please, I vould be honored if you called me Mama or Mama Tatyana. I know you vill never be with Viktor again, but I vould be honored to keep you in our lives."

Hermione blushed and grinned, "Thank you, Mama Tatyana. I hope we stay close, even through this war."

"I think we should call it a night," Severus suggested lightly.

"Agreed," Boris replied in a quick secondary motion.

Tatyana shared a secret smile with Hermione.

"Alright," the elder witch replied loudly enough for the wizards to hear her, "Severus, please come here?"

It wasn't uncommon for the Bulgarian witch to call Severus over to assist her with healing. More so to help the wounded party to sit still or move them in a manner which it would be easier for Tatyana to heal them.

"What can I do to help?" he inquired.

"I need you to move Viktor onto his back, and I need you to start calling me Mama, or Mama Tatyana like your apprentice," she said in a businesslike manner.

Severus froze in the middle of turning the boy.

"I'm sorry?" he asked.

"Call me Mama. You've earned it," she said.

"We're practically the same age," he said uncomfortably, trying to decline the offer.

The elder witch laughed, and she helped him move her son onto his back, "Severus, I can assure you I am nearly twice your age. We had Viktor at a later age, I was 51 when I gave birth to him. Thank you for the compliment though," she retorted.

Severus froze recognizing that she was at least 30 years his senior and had to concede that she was old enough to be his mother.

"Yes, Mama," he replied dutifully, his face tinged pink as his chest filled with warmth. The wizard held Viktor by his shoulders to keep him grounded on his back so she could heal the poor wizard's groin.

Hermione smiled at her master. She could tell it meant something to him to call the Bulgarian witch his mama. Owning his childhood home she assumed that his parents were dead, and it had been a long time since he had a mother figure in his life. She was glad that they came to Bulgaria, even under the set circumstances.

Elsewhere Ron was writing a letter to Harry, only because his mum told him to. He was excited that they were going to get Harry, but that also probably meant Hermione was going to be there too. He hadn't written to Harry at all this summer, and Hermione was on the outs with his whole family as far as he was concerned. The redhead was still upset that they didn't tell him they were related. Even when Bill had said it could have been for security reasons and Ron could understand that, after the stone incident they should have told him. They could trust him! They didn't even write him this summer!

Ginny however shook her head whenever Ron would grumble about it. Ron seemed to complain about everything this summer. The twins rolled their eyes at him and instead pranked him more than usual rather than argue with him. While it was unusual that both Hermione and Harry didn't write this summer, the most of the Weasley's could understand.

Their mother had insulted all of his living relatives thus Hermione, one of the Harry's few family members Harry actually got along with. She insulted muggles and muggleborns, which included his mum. Ron got mad that he didn't know about them being related. The prat argued with Hermione about almost everything this past year: her going to the ball with Viktor, dating Viktor, 'fraternizing with the enemy' which led him to hating Viktor his once all-time favorite quidditch seeker. He also got upset that she had kissed Fleur. He had hurled words about her sexuality at her as though it was something to be ashamed of. He was one of the loudest members of the 'Harry cheated to get in the tournament' club. Even Fred and George were still talking to him, even when they thought he had cheated, they at least supported him.

The youngest Weasley at least hoped it wouldn't be as tension filled when Harry showed up as she thought it was going to be.

Dolores Jane Umbridge was setting up her office, wanting everything to be perfect. She made sure all her kitten plates were just right. The Hogwarts letters with the supply lists were to be sent out later that day, and she had picked just the right books. Since she picked it she could claim that it was Ministry approved. After all Cornelius said he would support all of her actions, as she was given leave to do whatever it took.

However she did have to retake her OWL and then take the NEWT. The board of governs refused to allow her appointment unless she passed both as she would be teaching so they students could take their own OWL and NEWTs. Regardless of who the students were. Surprisingly it was Lucius who was most insistent that she have a score of at least EE for her OWL and an A for her NEWT.

Defense Against the Dark Arts was not her strongest subject, if it weren't for her forcing one of the auror trainees to tutor her, she wouldn't have passed. She wanted to curse Lucius but he was one of their better, most upstanding citizens and she knew that he was right. He pointed out that some of the proper witches and wizards didn't have parents to teach them the proper subjects at a satisfactory level. Some of them were lost in the previous war, and others didn't do well on their OWLs and NEWTs. Some of them even stopped attending after they received their OWLs and some of their children needed to take their NEWTs for proper jobs, such as becoming aurors.

However she thought hard about how to properly teach and hinder the right witches, wizards, and magic thieves. Theory could be taught in class, and the proper witches and wizards could join a club run by her. A simple club that was invitation only, one that almost no one would want to join unless she told them what it really was, a wand polishing club. Who would want to join a club whose goal was to clean your wand?

The fat froglike witch waddled to sit behind her desk. She opened her desk drawers and started filling it with the stationary she brought from the office supplies closet at the ministry and some special ones she picked up special for troublemakers.

Dolores smiled as she placed her special blood quills next to regular self-inking black quills. After all it wouldn't do for proper purebloods to be taught lessons that would sink in, but had to show a semblance of fairness in her classroom. She couldn't wait for the school year to start, then she would be able to renew the pride of attending Hogwarts by cleansing it.