AN: A second reviewer! I'm so happy you are enjoying Savior magicalalice :) This is my first attempt at writing in a long while and I am happy it is leading to keyboard-smashing, capitalizing adoration (though I am now feeling "the heat" as they say and hope I don't let you down). This chapter is a bit longer than others, but I feel like there's a lot happening in my head that I want to get down. Hope it isn't too confusing.

Edit: This is the same day

"Cissy, I haven't heard any of this before. Are we sure your owls are safe?"

That's the question I'm going to ask? Really Bella? Her black ringlets shook wildly as she cleared her head. Bloody owls. Draco had long since scampered off, Lucius leaving to attend to some business, which left Narcissa to face her emotional sister across their plates of breakfast crepes.

"The owls have been returning unharmed. Plus, I don't see why anyone would steal mail regarding this… family issue."

The blonde seemed unsure of herself. If she was right, that meant someone had taken Hermione. Someone that powerful may want to keep ideas around it quiet.

"Bells, forget the owls. Hermione is named Hermione! And she is starting Hogwarts this year. Those are two pretty big coincidences. Also you haven't seen her but when I passed her on the street her magic reached out for mine, for me."

"Wouldn't my Hermione be a year younger than Draco?"

Bella was cautious, but she so wanted to believe this little witch Narcissa spoke of was hers. Her blonde sister just smiled.

"She's only ten, Bells. They must be starting her early to cast doubt, but she is the right age."

The dark witch wiped a trail of cherry syrup off her plate with a delicate finger before licking the digit clean, thinking. This had been a most informative breakfast. Once they had returned to Malfoy Manor (and Draco had finally let go of his dearest aunt), the Malfoy's cooking elf had delighted them with a spread of crepes, waffle-spears, and mixed berries. After brief niceties were shared, Narcissa explained to Bella her run-ins with the child (her child?), and the powerful company she seemed to be surrounded with.

"Bella, I know this has been a long day. But what if we could go and see her? I've gone by her room in the past–"

"You've done what? Cissy, we don't even know if it is really her and you are going to her room? I don't like that old coot of a headmaster anymore than you, but he is dangerous. If it is her and he finds out we know, he could do anything he wants to her! How could you be so impudent–"

Bella was swatting at her sister now, hands flying freely to make any painful contact they could with Narcissa. The blonde, grabbed at the hands that were assaulting her finally having enough.

"Bellatrix. Stop it!"

The two witches were both angry now, breathing heavily. Draco walked in, looking sheepishly towards the seething women.

"Mum, an owl dropped this off."

He handed a scroll to the witch, before glaring at his aunt.

"You can't hit people when you disagree with them, you know. It isn't polite."

The blond boy turned and left the breakfast room, his nose pointed up towards the ceiling. Narcissa laughed at her sister's affronted face, before unfurling the parchment. Bella moved behind her to read over her shoulder.

"LADY MALFOY,

Thank you for your interest in courting our young Miss Granger alongside your son. As it stands, you would need permission from her parents to remove her from school grounds. Further more, Auror Tonks has guardianship of the girl and she will be spending future holidays with said guardian and her parents, Madame Andromeda Tonks and her husband, Master Ted Tonks. Your threat of the governors does not fall on deaf ears, but your insistence that she attend your home causes me concern. Miss Granger is a muggleborn and your family's views could not ensure the safety of her person. I hope that Draco is looking forward to his sorting and that you all maintain good health.

Sincerely,

Headmaster Dumbledore"

"You ordered him to have Hermione attend your outings with Draco? Sister you are bold, he would never allow that."

"We just have to prove it. Bella, if we can test Hermione's blood we can show that she is yours and–"

"Narcissa, stop-"

"And of course he is dragging Andy into this. He is rubbing it in our faces. How dare he give her your little girl-"

"This is enough! This is the ninth anniversary of my daughter's death and I don't want to be around you right now. You sit here, chirping on about my daughter like she is alive. We messed up the potion, Cissy. That is why she is gone. The book dictates that a creature will come to punish a faulty attempt–"

"We didn't mess up Bella. I stirred that potion as often as you did. She was stolen! There was only a bit of her blood at the house. I know we haven't had hope for her return in a long time, sister, but believe me. Once you feel her magic it will change–"

"Stop!"

Bella was crying now, as she strode over to the fire place.

"Thank you for a lovely breakfast, Cissy. I hope our owls can reach each other in the future. For now, let me rest. Alone."

With that goodbye, Bellatrix released the floo powder and returned to the empty summer house of their youths'. Narcissa sighed. I didn't expect her to not listen to me. I couldn't even tell her about giving Hermione the Black Book. Making her way to the front room, Narcissa watched out the window as her son flew on his broomstick, braking hard at the treeline and doing the short quidditch drills Lucius had taught him.

"Oh, Draco. You would have been the best cousin to Hermione. I hope that isn't lost."

The newly named Crookshanks sat next to his young master as she fed him bacon from the table, purring at her affectionately. Hermione was determined to find out more about her new world today, from both her books on wizarding tradition and from anyone she could ask questions. Crookshanks hopped up onto the table to help himself to the eggs on her plate as the brunette witch scanned the dining area.

"What do you think of him, Crooks? Maybe he can show me where to mail things here?"

Hermione was looking at the front table where, she assumed, the professors were sitting. She was the only student here, and the adults she had met so far all seemed stiff and angry when she spoke to anyone they hadn't introduced her to. Well, angry when I spoke to Lady Malfoy, anyways. The man she had singled out was sitting further away from the others. He was off-putting, with long greasy hair and a bitter scowl. He doesn't look friendly, but he also isn't speaking with Professor McGonagall.

Severus Snape was not unaware of the eyes on him. It isn't hard to notice the only child in the student seating staring in his direction. As outstanding as her mother. Dumbledore was a fool. The child should have been disposed of instead of hoping that this idiotic scheme plays out.

"Excuse me, sir? Would you be able to show me where the mail room is?"

Snape's eyes narrowed at the girl. Everything was her fault.

"Mail room? Listen here, little muggle. We don't have a mail room. Now go."

Hermione was obstinate, and even though this foul man was angering her, she held her ground. Squaring up her shoulders she swallowed before trying again.

"How do we receive mail then, sir? I know there is a system for it as I saw signs about delivery when I was in Diagon Alley, in London. So I can only assume Hogwarts can accept delivery–"

"Stop talking, brat. You should not be allowed in this school. You shouldn't exist and–"

Dumbledore, listening to the conversation, decided to intervene. The old wizard placed a hand on his friend's shoulder, hoping to calm the agitated man.

"Severus."

The black-haired man sighed. Glancing at Hermione he rolled his eyes, amending his statement.

"Fine, yes, we receive mail. There's an owlery in the West Tower."

Severus stood up, leaving abruptly, his cloak flowing behind him. Hermione had felt pressure build up in her head during their conversation, but as the greasy man left, the feeling dissipated. Meeting the Headmaster's twinkling eyes, she decided to ask him.

"How can I use an owl to send a letter?"

Hermione was in her room again, trying to write her questions out to send a cohesive letter to the only witch she felt she could trust. She was on her fourth draft when she finally felt the letter was legible enough to result in a message back. What? Writing with a quill wasn't easy, okay?

"DEAR LADY MALFOY,

This is Hermione Granger. We have met on a few occasions in Diagon Alley. I am from a muggle home and the adults here won't tell me things about wizarding culture that I was hoping you would. What are the "sacred 28" and why am I to be careful about my blood? Also do you know anything about a Black family? I received a book about them but can't understand a lot of the wizard things within. Why did you buy me Crookshanks (what I named the orange kneazle)? I hope you can write back to me. Headmaster Dumbledore explained to me how to send letters through owls but people inside the castle have been unwilling to answer my questions.

Thank you,

Hermione Jean Granger"

Hermione blew on the ink, hoping to dry it quickly. She angled the parchment to her cat, who let out a soft "hrrrmmpf" and trotted to the door. Getting up to follow him, she was surprised when he batted at her feet, pushing her back to the desk. Crookshanks again let out his quiet call, which was answered by a timid knock at the door. Standing outside her room was Stoozy, whose dirty smock seemed to have been washed since she last saw him.

"Stoozy! How are you?"

Hermione scooped the small being into a hug, making the elf shout out with shock.

"Miss Grangy needs help?"

The blushing elf saw the parchment in her hand and put the pieces together.

"Miss wants to send a letter? I will show you Miss Grangy."

The short elf reached for the (not much taller) witch's hand, tugging her towards the West Tower. As they walked, Hermione asked Stoozy about the castle and passageways she had read about in Hogwarts: A History.

"Yes Miss, there's all kinds tunnels and hidey-holes in Hogwarts. Youse just needs to look for them."

"Stoozy, we are friends now right? Please, you can just call me Hermione."

"Miss Hermy can'ts be friends with Stoozy, Miss. Youse a witch."

"But I would like to be friends. And just 'Hermy' is fine, Stoozy. I am not a 'Miss'."

Hermione chuckled as she continued following her friend. The elf just turned pink again as they neared the owlery.

"Miss– Hermy, sorry, Hermy. Youse just tells the owl who to send the letter to and they know."

Hermione stared at the house elf.

"The headmaster said to tell the owls a list, like how muggles send mail? I need to include 'Hogwarts' right?"

Stoozy shook his head, fleshy ears flopping about comically.

"No Hermy. If youse says Hogwarts then the owl will go to Dumblydore's office. I don't know muggle mail but it sounds messy."

Hermione looked at Crookshanks, who was smirking up at her. I know he's a cat, but that was definitely a smirk. Tying her rolled letter to one of the school owl's legs, she glanced at the bird before telling him,

"Narcissa Malfoy."

Stoozy nodded at her, before wishing her a good night and 'popping' away. Crookshanks wrapped his tail around her legs before guiding her back to her room. Why would the headmaster tell me the wrong way to send a letter?

In his office, Dumbledore was hosting a small meeting. Himself, Severus, and Alastor Moody were all present. Moody was Tonks' supervisor, and since the young metamorphagus couldn't be present, he was there in her place. There was a knock on the door, before a flustered Minerva entered the small space. Dumbledore decided to speak now that all were present.

"We have all viewed the prophecy and spoken of it at length, mostly so at Grimmauld Place in our summer meetings. However, the time is nigh that the hidden one is emerging. Miss Granger is in danger from the blood supremacists we know in our government. I have reason to believe the Malfoys are interfering with the girl and may know her identity. We must protect her from them until we can ensure her side."

At this, Albus turned to Severus.

"Sev, outbursts like yours today are not acceptable. We may have Hermione in part due to you, but you cannot push her into the arms of our enemies."

Minerva chose here to interrupt, before the older wizard angered the fiery temper of the potions master.

"Albus why do they want her? Even if she is "the hidden one," we should have another three years before there is any pressure on the girl."

The bearded wizard turned to his longtime companion.

"Min, Hermione is Bellatrix Black's missing heir. Sev kidnapped her, and, when he couldn't kill her, he started the actions of the prophecy–"

"I could have killed her. You stopped me! That bloodline is a curse–"

"Severus, she was a child. You would have dishonored Lily's memory had you killed the girl."

"Stop!"

Minerva yelled over the arguing men. It was true then, Bellatrix had birthed a child. No wonder Narcissa had recognized her magic! They were blood! Minerva sighed before continuing.

"We need to keep them from getting proof of her lineage then, Albus. Otherwise, they can go through the ministry and we won't be able to control what happens."

"Not to worry, Min. We should be receiving any mail Hermione wishes to send out. Two steps ahead." Here, the old wizard paused, tapping his temple with the crooked wand in his hand. "Now, Alastor, you will make sure that Tonks can come to Hogwarts on the weekends…"

The moon rose high overhead. Across the castle, resting peacefully, Hermione Granger wasn't aware of the discussion around her past. Nor was she aware of the blonde witch appearing outside her window, checking on the girl. Narcissa made eye contact with Crookshanks, nodding to the small beast. The Blacks have always bonded well with felines. Acknowledging the girl was in good hands, Narcissa flew away. In her heart, she knew that was their blood. I'll be damned by Morgana before I let them take you away again.