Disclosure Hp belongs to JKR. The storyline, new character development, new events, and new characters are my intellectual property. Glorioux
Disc Hp belongs to Jkr. storyline, new character development, new developments are my intellectual property.
Life Changes
Hermione was out for a few days, Daphne and Greg stayed with her. Theo came to check her and had told her she should report it to Harry's chief. Andromeda came to ask her to stay with her for a few days, and Hermione accepted the invitation. Hermione loved playing with Teddy, it soothed her soul. He didn't like going to Harry's home.
Two flower vases were delivered while Hermione was gone, they were on her desk. Daphne applauded, Draco and Blaise's. "After Greg they are the best. Who will you choose, no, don't choose, take both."
They laughed and Hermione said, "Neither, both are too pretty and just not for me. They are snakes, I think not. Besides Draco is engaged to your sister."
"No, she hasn't heard of him since that night." Daphne told Hermione.
"I see," she didn't. She couldn't help but remembering that she felt like a mouse pursued by two snakes.
Hermione decides to move into her parents' home, Daphne and Greg were with her. After considering many invitations, she made a decision, it was a big home, and the apartment was too small. Daphne and Greg were together all the time, it was the best idea.
"Your parents' home is bigger than ours. It almost makes Malfoy Manor not so great," both said at the same time.
She shrugged her shoulders, "It is that, too big."
Daphne looked at the paintings and portraits, she giggled, "They don't move."
Again, a shrug.
"I though your grandparents were survivors." Daphne asked.
"They were, they had ancestors around here, and they inherited some property." Hermione explained.
"Damn, oops, excuse my language," Greg laughed, "look at this, they are wearing crowns."
"Circlets, not crowns, they were from long time ago." Hermione was annoyed, remembering their reaction was the reason she had never invited her classmates. Ron never felt at ease, but Harry adapted.
"So, are you some sort of Muggle err, princess?" Greg asked, he looked mischievous.
"Let me guess," Daphne laughed, "something like that."
"Nah, some of my ancestors were royalty long ago. The pictures come from different places; most were not from around here. "And yes, something like that, since it doesn't change who I am. They are meaningless tittles."
Daphne half listened, "You have been holding out, I love this place. Imagine a ball here. I make an official request my lady," Daphne curtsy, making Greg chuckle, "will you hold the ball to celebrate our coming engagement, here?"
Maybe it is a good idea, Hermione thought and bowed, "It is a deal; it will be lovely."
An old couple in their mid seventies showed up, both wore elegant and formal Muggle clothing.
"Lady Granger, so good to see you. Are you coming, ah…yeah that. Sorry, we forgot." Greg noticed they were holding back something; he saw Hermione shaking her head.
"Please don't tell anyone I am back. There is no news of my parents." Hermione sighed.
"You know your parents' orders, I will have to notify Mr. Eugene, the security staff aren't here today. I guess the dogs can help. Oh, you have luggage." The older man said.
The old couple ran to take their jackets and small bags, "Should we bring tea and a small plate of sandwiches and maybe a cup of hot soup? Sussy and Laura are here, they will get the rooms ready."
"A suite next to mine with the connecting rooms, and yes, tea will be lovely, add whatever you think suitable." Hermione avoided looking at her friends.
They sat by the fire with a giant spread, not a little something. "Lady? Wow, you are titled, we were right. This is great." Daphne sighed liking it, she picked up a small cream filled pastry, wondering why Hermione had never mentioned any of this before.
"Vince would have liked this," Greg said wistfully, looking at all the delicious food; he missed his friend.
Vince nodded, but he liked it better where he was at. He sat next to Sirius and Ron, who were eating something equally tasty. Besides, he was free from his father, and he could now look at Miss Granger at his heart's content. They all did, perhaps one day she could be his mommy, or maybe Daphne would be his mommy. The three were waiting for their next chance, sitting in another place, in a room with a view.
Greg had changed a lot, he was rather hot, not heavy, just huge. Daphne sat on his lap, making Hermione jealous.
Daphne looked at the portrait above, one of her parents on their wedding day.
"Ah, yes, my parents married when I was six, she was 16 when she got pregnant, and her foster father said that she was too young to marry; my father was also 16. Their guardian was unhappy with both, but he understood they loved each other. I omitted something, both their parents were killed in an accident while they were traveling. It happened when they were young children, such tragic lives. Both were raised by the friends who had helped their parents after the Muggle war." Her voice sounded sad; she missed them so.
"Your dad is wow," Daphne admired him but stopped from saying more, making Greg smile.
"Yeah, he was that; both my parents were. At first Ron and Harry flirted with Mom, and Luna had a crush on my father." Saying Luna's name hurt, she was no longer her friend. Sadly, she believed all the lies.
Greg was walking around the room. He stood looking at another portrait. "I've seen this witch, in a portrait at home, Vince and I were in love with her, but in my house she talks. She is wearing the same clothes than here."
"Greg, she looks a lot like Hermione, a whole lot." Daphne looked cross.
Greg blushed, "We were 10, it was before Hogwarts. She was just a legend, but maybe not."
"Ah, her, Lilian L'Argent, she was from Mom's family. She was burned by idiots who attributed her beauty to w…Wait, she is a witch in your house? Maybe it was true, we can look into it. Why in your home? So might I be related to you?" Hermione was surprised.
Daphne huffed, "Greg, I hope you are over the crush, considering her looks, ahem." She coughed; Hermione noted she was jealous.
Greg heard Vince snickering, "Liar, tell her we secretly pined for Granger; tell Daphne how we disliked Draco's commands."
"Vince?" he looked around.
"Hearing voices, ha-ha," Daphne didn't believe him.
Greg laughed, "A good way to get out of hot water."
Hermione laughed as well. They settled into the house; her new friends were in love with the house's conveniences, the lift, interior swimming pool, screen T.V.s, and more; her parents also had a Floo access, but it needed updating.
Several days passed, life went back to normal. Hermione was in bed sleeping when somebody touched her shoulder, and she screamed. She opened her eyes and saw Harry sitting on her bed, next to her.
"Why did you scream, shh, it just me. I came to say that I am sorry. I've asked Ginny to move out." Harry reached to touch her, and she cringed.
"Is she gone? And the baby?" Hermione thought he lied.
"The baby is coming; I will take care of him." Harry ascertained.
"Please go, and why did you ask her to go?" She moved back, he was lowering her nightgown's shoulder strap.
"I have a fear, I think she was behind the attack." He continued, trying to touch her.
Greg was at the door, he had a wand, "Leave now. Daphne is calling the Aurors."
"Go now." Hermione ordered Harry and stood by Greg, who wrapped his arm around her shoulders. When Hermione leaned against him, Greg felt her shaking which angered him.
"Cousin, you need to be in a place he cannot access. You leave," he told Harry again. "You have no honor. We found out how she took a hit for you; the one that killed a precious cargo. We also know that you abandoned her just months later. Leave!"
"She is not your cousin bloody Death Eater, and you are wrong, she wasn't pregnant." Harry shook his head.
"I was, and he is right, I took a hit for you." She was angry, no longer broken.
Two voices spoke clearer; one said, "She did, and she was pregnant."
The other voice added, "Shame on you, let her be or else."
"You are doing something; they are not here." Harry was pale, looking around.
For a couple of seconds, they could see a room in front of them. Standing right at the edge of the room, they saw Ron and Sirius. Neither was well defined and their clothes not discernible, but it was them. Behind them, Greg saw Vince.
"It is a trick." No sooner than Harry spoke he felt cold hands touching his face.
The Aurors were at the door, being guided by the old couple. The man carried a rifle, the woman a pistol. Before they came into the room, Harry was gone. "The other guards will be be here tomorrow."
Hermione still refused to press charges. Harry had left Ginny, she heard him, but also heard his denial of her sacrifice. She needed to go, and since she wanted more distance, she accepted Lady Zabini's offer. She would return home later.
Moving
It was strange to be in a Death Eater's home, she thought looking around the room. Daphne had packed all her personal belongings, and they were already in her room. It was a beautiful suite, decorated in muted colors, heavy silk curtains, plush Persian carpets, yet warm and welcoming. There were fresh cut flowers over the tables, a welcoming touch.
She had been invited to tea, when she entered the room, "Mrs. Zabini, nice to be here, thanks. The room is lovely. I especially love the flowers." Hermione walked to the meet Mrs. Zabini.
The tall exotic witch stood up and hugged Hermione. Mrs. Zabinni was beautiful, and her dark skin glowed with vitality. Hermione felt a large head nudging her leg and nearly screamed. Until she saw a furry head looking up at her; it was a feline of some sort, huge, bigger than a dog, with golden fur.
Mrs Zabini chuckled, "She is a sweetheart, don't be afraid. It was a gift, she is a magical, hmm, there is no equivalent in the Muggle side, a lioness would be the closest. Her name is Luala. Her parents were killed by dark practitioners, so she is probably the last of her kind. I travel too much and need a good witch to take her. She prefers females."
Luala roared and licked Hermione's hand, her tongue was just like a Kneazle's but bigger, she rubbed her body against the witch carefully, aware of her size.
Hermione bent to scratch her head. It was love at first sight. "I find myself in need of companion, but I know nothing about her."
"You'll learn, frankly, I was hoping she would like you. As I said she is magical, you will see. She'll be by your side whenever you need her. She prefers cooked food and is fond of fish and goat's milk. She also likes ice vanilla ice cream, cottage cheese, and grilled tuna. If you want her, she might be yours if she wants you as well. Let me ask her, "Luala would you like to be with Miss Granger?""
Luala nodded her head to Hermione's amazement. She looked at Hermione and a band of light circled Hermione's hand and Laila's neck. Images of faraway forests flashed in front of Hermione's eyes, and now, she had a new companion.
Hermione felt loved at once, the shadows that followed her all the time liked the large cat as well. Luala saw them clearly and liked them as well, but they needed to stay away. In minutes Luala learned much. She was warned about Harry and Ginny, and she understood.
Hermione was enjoying Lady Zabini's company, by the end of the tea they had become fast friends.
They were talking when Blaise arrived with Draco. Hermione was uptight when she saw Draco going straight to kiss Lady Zabini's cheeks. "Beautiful as ever, a pity you don't like younger wizards." He flirted.
"Smart of me, I'd say. Older wizards are a better choice since I have to worry less about younger witches. I wouldn't want to compete with Miss Granger." She answered.
Blaise kissed his mother and pecked Hermione's cheek, not really an air kiss. "You look better. I hope you like it here." He sounded really concerned. Nevertheless, Luala pushed him away from Hermione.
Blaise laughed, "You have a new protector I see."
"Yes son, you were right, they are a perfect match." Both mother and son looked happy to get their way.
"I trust Luala will be a suitable companion," Blaise grinned.
Draco frowned, "Suitable for whom? Certainly not for me. Luala dislikes me." He complained.
Blaise's smile couldn't be clearer, "Yeah, exactly my same thoughts."
Hermione laughed, the first time in days. Blaise stared at her, she looked beautiful when she smiled; he looked at Draco who was also thinking the same, though Blaise was not sure about what he wanted.
Nobody knew what went thru Blaise's mind. Contrary to his public persona, Blaise was reserved, and no one knew of any special friends, female or male, or could ascertain if he ever had a lover.
What many of his friends knew he liked to watch others having sex. While his friends shagged during wild parties, Blaise sat drinking something and just looking. His face was unreadable, only signs that he was enjoying the view was closing his eyes.
Theo and others wanted to know if he preferred wizards, but there was no reason to think so. When asked about his sexuality, he never answered. One thing was certain, he was a giant flirt, and a good kisser according to several witches, any other talents remained a mystery, to most.
"I see, what happened to greeting me?" Draco asked and grinned.
His smile took her by surprise, though she already knew that he was handsome. At present, he looked like his father. He had grown half a foot or more right after Hogwarts, but he wasn't as broad as Lucius, more like Sirius, with long hair like many wizards. She thought the smile transformed him; he was breathtaking.
"Sorry, hi," Hermione answered.
He advanced and kissed her cheek like Blaise had. Draco nearly went backward, his lips tingled, her skin was as soft as he remembered, and she smelled divine. He never told Blaise, but his hands tingled for a day after touching her, now he was certain, it hadn't been his imagination.
Blaise said, "Mom, did you see that? Look at her cheek," small speckles of light still glowed where he had kissed her. "What was that, a magic trick?"
Draco had lost his speech, not quite sure what had happened because he felt a little drunk.
Hermione had felt her cheek warming up, it felt nice, a sweet kiss from the nastiest of Slytherins.
Sirius whispered on Draco's ear, "Go cousin, catch her for the Blacks, make lots of babies."
Draco exclaimed, "Who was that?" He sounded distressed, looking around but didn't see anyone.
Nobody made any comments because Luala growled and lunged her body and stopped; shechanged her mind the moment she recognized the shadow. They stayed for tea, Blaise and his mother left to do something. Draco and Hermione stayed alone; thus, they sat on the same sofa. Since he was sprawled, she guessed this was home to him.
She had the feeling that they had left them alone intentionally.
"So, tell me, why do you let Potty get away with trying to rape you?" Draco sounded and looked peeved.