A/N: Thank you for your feedback! I'm really happy you liked the last chapter so much - I hope this one can keep up :)
Thanks to Sue for beta reading!
Cassius and Maeve were shocked when they heard what had happened and Cassius immediately agreed to come to the Ministiry with Lucius. Maeve would floo to Malfoy Manor and inform both Tom Riddle and Narcissa Malfoy about the situation
Hermione did not envy her. Draco seemed to feel similarly, because he also opted to go to the Ministry insteaad of waiting for them at home.
They took the Floo Network from Nott Manor to the Ministry, where Karkaroff was already waiting for them in the Entrance Hall.
Lucius called in an emergency joint meeting of the Wizengamot and the Board of Governors and while they were waiting for the members of both groups to arrive, they had Hermione's name changed by providing the copy of the Ancestry Retrace Cassius had had at home.
The Wizard who registered her new name looked uncomfortable during whole exchange, but Hermione was strangely at peace. She would still have to pretend her father was dead, but carrying his name felt right and when she signed the document, next to Lucius' signature as her Magical Guardian, for the first time with her new name, there was a small smile on her lips.
When they were done, the members of the Wizengamot and the Board of Governors were waiting for them in a large room. Hermione was not surprised that she knew many members of the Wizengamot, as her friends' parents as members of the Old Wizarding Families had seats. Several of them caught her eyes, ensuring her without words that they were on her side.
Lucius presented the case, explained the situation and the reason for the change in Hermione's name. There was a shocked murmur, discussions started to arise, and when it started to get out of hand, Lucius demanded for attention for the present case. "Her parentage is of no import other than it may have been the motive for adding her name into the Goblet of Fire. She's a 14-year-old girl who was forced to enter into competition that could cost her her life and thanks to Albus Dumbledore's illegal action of making all candidates commit to an Unbreakable Vow without their knowledge and permission, there is no way out." At least there was a general agreement on that.
Cedric Diggory's father, Amos Diggory, who was working at the Ministry and whom Karkaroff had informed while Lucius and Hermione had been busy with the name change, was understandably angry about the kind of contract his son was now forced to adhere to and joined in with the claims against Dumbledore.
Next it was Karkaroff's turn to speak. He agreed to everything Lucius had said about Hermione's situation and once more raised attention to the impact this also had on the other chosen champions, including Viktor Krum, who was under his care. They had agreed to participate, to enter a magical contract, but not to an Unbreakable Vow.
Then Hermione was questioned and asked repeatedly whether it was really true that she had not added her name to the Goblet of Fire and each time she denied it.
Even Draco and Theo were questioned as witnesses and they both confirmed that Hermione had shown no interest at all in participating in the Tournament.
"There were naturally many underaged students who tried to get their name in," Draco said as he stood there, in front of everyone, once more reminding Hermione very much of Lucius: Self-assured, calm, an easy way of holding everyone's attention. "People came up with many creative ways, it was actually quite entertaining. Still, no one was successful. Some people paid older students to enter their names and the Goblet immediately spat them out again, so it is safe to assume that students were only able to add their own name and the Age Line prevented younger students from doing that. I am absolutely convinced that no one could have entered her name into the competition, except for Albus Dumbledore himself."
When he stepped back from the witness stand, Lucius nodded at him in approval.
Then Dumbledore was called in and he tried to talk himself out of it, claimed once more that he had been ordered to make the contract unbreakable by Crouch and Bagman, who later vehemently and believably, in Hermione's opinion, denied that. He also claimed that he had had no idea about Hermione's parentage, that he had not put her name into the Goblet of Fire.
He played innocent, but while it could not be proven that he had put her name in, Lucius had still been right: The fact that he had turned the magical contract into an Unbreakable Vow for a sports competition without the participants' knowledge let alone consent was undeniable and was ruled to have been his decision alone. Therefore, there was no real choice for the Wizengamot and the Board of Governors.
After almost five hours, Cornelius Fudge, Minister for Magic, stood up and announced the decision: Albus Dumbledore was to be removed from his position as Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry immediately. He was permitted to collect some personal items, accompanied by a Ministry official, and then he would be banned from school grounds permanently. The Minister closed his little speech with the words "I'm sorry, Albus." in a heavy voice.
Hermione couldn't have cared less about the Minister being sorry or not – she was ecstatic. Finally, finally they had made a step into the right direction. Not only was Dumbledore no longer headmaster or even teacher at Hogwarts, the reason for this would be made public and Hermione could imagine the outrage of Wizards and Witches with children or younger siblings. Students, one of them underage, had been tricked into an Unbreakable Vow for a competition – people would hate that and Hermione planned to play into these emotions during the interviews the champions would have to give.
In front of the Ministry fireplaces, Lucius put a hand on her shoulder. "I'll go to talk to the new headmistress. I want you home over the weekends so you can have additional training. Draco can join you" He looked at Karkaroff. "I suppose this won't be a problem. She's three years behind the other champions, so it will hardly give her an unfair advantage."
He shook his head without hesitation. "No, that's not a problem at all. What matters is that she learns as much as she can to get her through this unharmed. I'll talk to Madame Maxime, she was a bit … upset at first, but I'm sure she will come to understand."
Suddenly, Karkaroff frowned and Cassius gave a small half-hearted smile in Lucius' direction who just nodded.
"What?" Theo asked.
Lucius placed the Muffliato Spell Karkaroff had used earlier. "Someone is getting impatient. He has called for a meeting. Hermione, go home, change into something black. Draco, Theo, you're fine. The three of you will probably be permitted to participate, at least this once. It will take a while for everyone to get over the shock of being called after so many years, although it shouldn't be completely unexpected after the World Cup. I'll have enough time to go to Hogwarts, talk to Headmistress McGonagall and hopefully be there in time for the meeting in time."
Karkaroff nodded. "Yes, I'll go with you, I'll have to change, too, before going."
Cassius nodded in agreement. He was wearing dark blue robes, Karkaroff partly red ones. How inappropriate for a Death Eater meeting.
A Death Eater meeting … It was really starting.
She exchanged a short look with Draco and Theo, then they went into the flames after the adults, albeit with a different destination.
"I'll go upstairs to change, tell father I'll find him afterwards," Hermione told her friend and cousin before hurrying up the stairs. While she was still walking, Noodles slithered out of her bag and onto her shoulders.
Narcissa just left her and Lucius' suite when Hermione wanted to enter hers. For the first time she saw the other witch completely dressed in black with simple, unadorned robes.
"There you are, Hermione. Are you alright?" She saw the worry in Narcissa's eyes and smiled reassuringly.
"I'm fine." Her smile became wider. "Dumbledore was fired!"
"Really?"
"Yes! Lucius is at Hogwarts to talk to Headmistress McGonagall. He wants me to come home over the weekends so I can get additional training."
"Very good. Come, I'll help you get ready. Tom will want to introduce you as his daughter tonight, I expect. Did you really change your name?"
"Yes!" She beamed.
Narcissa didn't quite seem to share her enthusiasm judging by her worried gaze.
Half an hour later, Hermione looked into the mirror in her bedroom. She was wearing elegant black garments and as she was not a member of the Death Eaters, that would do. There was minimal make-up, her hair was pulled back, but open, and Narcissa had managed to make it look less unruly. The locket lay on top of her blouse.
"You can take Noodles," Narcissa said. "Nagini will be there, too." She thought for a moment. "Maybe, avoid calling him by his name unless in Parsel." Hermione grinned.
"I'll do my best."
Noodles, who had watched them from her bed, slithered down and climbed back up onto her shoulders.
"Ready?"
She gave Narcissa a small smile. "I am."
She was nervous when they went back downstairs, but she tried not to show it.
From the large Dining Hall she could hear many voices, talking to each other, as they waited for everyone to arrive.
When she and Narcissa walked around the corner, she saw that more tables and chairs now stood in the large room and a few eyes fell on them, but they looked questioning. They did not yet seem to know that they were to expect Tom Riddle's daughter today.
When her father noticed her, he excused himself from the group he had been talking to, stepped outside the room and Narcissa, who would surely take over the role of the hostess, went inside and closed the door.
"Are you alright?" He eyed her intently and she nodded.
"I am. Did Draco and Theo tell you that Dumbledore was fired?"
"Yes, and I'm glad to hear that. It would be even better, if that hadn't required you to participate in a dangerous tournament." But then a very small smile came to his lips. "Miss Riddle. You know that was reckless, right? You will probably have a lot of trouble with that."
She could see that he wasn't mad at all that she had taken his name, maybe a little worried. She beamed up at him and just wanted to tell him that she could handle trouble, when a smooth voice came from the direction of the Entrance Hall.
"Reckless doesn't cover it." Ah, so Snape had arrived. "You are welcome to have a look at my memories later. That girl of yours accused one of the most powerful wizards alive of lying, probably cursed him out in Parsel, demanded that he was to call her Miss Riddle and then accused him of murder, in front of McGonagall, Moody, Crouch and Bagman, the headmasters and champions from the other schools, and unfortunately me. He tried to get a word in, but she wouldn't let him. Do you remember when you wrote to me to keep her safe?"
Her father looked amused. "I do."
"I quit."
With that, Snape opened the door to the dining hall to join his fellow Death Eaters.
"Just for the record, I did not curse him out."
"I'm glad to hear that you at least prioritised your manners."
They exchanged a grin.
"I think it's time to go in. Most of them are here and some may not be in a position to come. This was rather spontaneous, after all. Lucius is still at Hogwarts, but he is already aware of the first few announcements I'm going to make. It doesn't matter, if he's a little late." He locked eyes with her. "Since you so recklessly took my name, I presume you do not mind, if I introduce you as my daughter?"
"No, I don't." She had wanted that for a long time.
He led her inside.
Hermione had no idea how many people there were, it had to be at least a hundred or so, all now seated at the long dining tables and around them. There was an order there. At least roughly. The parents of her friends were all seated close to her father, so were Karkaroff and Snape, who sat directly by his left. Hermione occupied the chair on his right – which caused renewed interest in her and in Noodles, who was still around her shoulders. The chair next to her was empty and then came Narcissa. Draco and Theo were seated opposite her and while she looked through the rows of people in search of more familiar faces, she was surprised to see Remus Lupin in a far corner. She knew that he had met with the Malfoys several times already, but she hadn't expected him to know that her father was alive, let alone be invited here tonight. Had he taken the Dark Mark?
The attendants were still talking quietly among themselves, but when Tom Riddle rose from his chair, there was an immediate silence. Everyone's eyes were on him. Nagini, who had been lying by his feet, now wrapped herself around him in a surprising speed, until her head was a little higher than his, looking over the crowd. A show, Hermione realised. A reminder of who he was. A half-blood, but the most powerful wizard among them, and a descendant of Salazar Slytherin. Their leader. Not everyone was here because of undying loyalty. Some were probably mainly here for their own gain, because they considered Dumbledore a danger to their life, reputation and status. They needed to be reminded of their place; they could not afford a fight for leadership.
"Welcome back." His voice was calm and just loud enough for everyone to hear. "I have called you here tonight for a variety of reasons. Some of which you are aware of and some you are not." His eyes came to rest on Remus Lupin. "Mr Lupin, thank you for joining us. It would be my honour to welcome you to our ranks before we part. But this will be, of course, your decision. Firstly, …"
The door opened and Lucius stepped in. He bowed formally. "Forgive the interruption, my Lord. I had business at Hogwarts to complete."
"Of course, Lucius. Have a seat." He gestured to the seat next to Hermione, which Lucius took without hesitation. Curious glances in her direction again. The place at her father's right, she supposed, was usually reserved for Lucius Malfoy, his second in command, and everyone was wondering who that girl was.
"As I was going to say, firstly, I would like to introduce you to my daughter, Miss Hermione Riddle." He held out his hand, and she took it and rose to stand next to him. Surprised looks, some murmurs, Remus Lupin looked slightly shocked. Hermione did her best to stand straight and not to look as nervous as she felt. Noodles, taking Nagini as an example, raised his head and looked over the crowd. "Until one and a half years ago, I was not aware of her existence. Her mother was Cyrelia Nott and while we may never know what exactly happened, we do know that the night she was murdered, Cyrelia left Hermione with a Muggle family, likely to keep her safe and hidden. She was admitted to Hogwarts as a Muggle-born, but of course she was still sorted into Slytherin; the Sorting Hat cannot be fooled. Until a few hours ago, she still went by the name of the Muggles who raised her: Hermione Granger." He had been looking at someone in particular during the last few sentences and Hermione followed his gaze. There was very pale man in the back of the room, making himself as small as possible. He bore a striking resemblance to Marcus Flint. Probably his father. Hermione supressed a smile. "When she made friends with Draco Malfoy, she came to visit Malfoy Manor during the holidays and Lucius and Narcissa noticed that she is a Parselmouth." That was a lie, but Hermione understood that he did not want to share her situation in her old home with all these people she didn't even know and she was grateful for that. "They conducted an Ancestry Retrace and when it was clear that I am her father, they were kind enough to claim Magical Guardianship over her in my stead. Today, she officially accepted my name and all her titles. Lucius and Narcissa remain her guardians for obvious reasons."
He nodded towards her and she inclined her head respectfully, as Narcissa had taught her in her etiquette lessons, and sat down again.
"The other information that those of you who are not members of the Wizengamot or Board of Governors may not be aware of yet, is that Albus Dumbledore is, as of today, no longer the Headmaster of Hogwarts." Murmurs, smiles, especially among those who had children at Hogwarts and now felt safer with him gone, Hermione supposed. As soon as her father continued, they all fell silent again. "While I can now say that, like many of you, I will feel better without him being at Hogwarts, there is another advantage for us. The way he got himself fired will tarnish his reputation in the eyes of the general public. Severus, please tell us all what happened at Hogwarts today." He sat back down, Nagini smoothly moving from his torso to the backrest of his chair.
Snape rose and explained the situation around the Triwizard Tournament, very matter-of-factly this time. Still, there were angry reactions, not only because of the general facts, but on her behalf as well. Hermione could see that while it was certainly true that some here had their own interest at heart, her father understood very well how to inspire genuine loyalty in his followers.
Lucius rose next to briefly recount the Wizengamot and Board of Governors meeting earlier today. She had already noticed that several members of both groups were present.
Then her father spoke again. "Dumbledore has already made it clear that he is playing his old games, trying to frame us for crimes he committed. The World Cup was certainly just the beginning. This time, we cannot let him get the upper hand. We will use this situation as a starting point to make the public doubt his credibility. Lucius will work from within the Ministry and we will use the press. Hermione proved to us all today that she is very much capable of speaking her mind." Several people chuckled. "Therefore, we will see how we can use the interviews the champions will certainly undergo in our favour. We have to be discreet, especially in the beginning, but there will be risks. If everything goes as we hope, there will come a point when we may have to come clean and admit to the fact that the Imperius Curse was not used during the war, at least not among our ranks. During all this, I want you to remember that it has always been and will always be a priority of mine to keep you and your families as safe as possible. Therefore, I ask you to continue to put your trust in me. Are there any questions or concerns? Any input at all?"
There were, but mostly it was extremely constructive, people in various positions having ideas how they could at some point come in helpful. Hermione was impressed at how organised and professional this entire meeting was, how respectfully everyone addressed her father.
At some point, Remus Lupin stood up. "Lord Riddle, if I may?"
"Of course, Mr Lupin."
"I understand that there is no other way but to let your daughter participate in the Tournament. But will there be additional training for her? She's three years behind the other champions and the tasks will be adjusted to their level."
Her father credited this with a smile. "I really appreciate your concern for Hermione and I assure you that we will do everything in our power to prepare her for anything she may have to face. After what happened at the World Cup, I trained her and her friends during the summer beyond the level they have reached at Hogwarts. The reason Lucius was at Hogwarts before this meeting was that we want Hermione home during the weekends for further training. Lucius, I trust that Headmistress McGonagall agreed?"
"She did, my Lord, and she assured us that she would provide any further assistance we deem necessary. Furthermore, she agreed to allow Draco to join her during the weekends so she has a training partner at her level." She and Draco exchanged a small smile at that.
"Very good. Severus, Igor, as you will be at Hogwarts, maybe you can provide some additional training as well, if there's time." They both nodded in agreement. "And Mr Lupin." Her father looked back at her former teacher. "Both Hermione and Draco had nothing but praise for your lessons. Maybe you would like to assist in her preparations on some weekends. While we cannot do anything specific to the tasks, we can do as much as we can to help her reach the level she requires to master them."
"I will be at your disposal whenever my assistance is needed, Lord Riddle."
"Thank you." Tom Riddle sounded completely sincere, although Hermione knew that Lupin probably couldn't contribute anything that he, Lucius, Snape and Karkaroff couldn't provide. Still, she was looking forward to training with him, he was a very good teacher. "Have you reached a decision?" Her father's eyes were still on Lupin, who nodded.
"I will be honoured to pledge loyalty to you, Lord Riddle." There was applause, especially from the corner in which Lupin sat. Where these the Werewolf members of the Death Eaters?
Her father smiled. "The honour is mine, Mr Lupin. Please step forward." Her father got up and Nagini followed. Mainly because the chair would have fallen over with her on the backrest and without his counterweight on the seat otherwise, Hermione guessed. He walked around the table and met Lupin in front of it.
Without being asked, one of the Death Eaters at the nearest table stood up and pushed his chair towards them. "Thank you, Rabastan." Her father gestured to the chair. "Please sit. I fear the Dark Mark cannot be applied without pain. I have tried to modify the spell several times and it never worked."
An amused voice from one of the tables in the back chimed in. "We've all gone through this, why shouldn't our new members? I bloody fainted." Laughter erupted from the whole room.
Her father gave the man a wry grin. "Very charitable of you, Dane." He knew all of them by name, Hermione realised.
"Also, kind of you to remind us how funny your initiation was," the man next to Dane said with a large grin. He looked very much like him, maybe he was his brother. More laughter. Her father chuckled. Whether he found it funny or not, Hermione couldn't tell, but it certainly evoked a sense of comradery and belonging when their leader joined in. While she believed that he took his responsibility towards these people seriously, she also understood that every little move he and Nagini made during a meeting was calculated and only the people who sat on the table Hermione was seated on were partial to this calculation. He knew very well how to ensure loyalty and obedience. She admired that.
When he turned back to Lupin, who was now sitting on the chair, the room immediately fell silent.
"I really appreciate any help you can provide to us, Mr Lupin. Do you pledge your loyalty to this group and to me as your lord?" His voice was solemn now, all humour gone.
"I do."
"Do you pledge obedience to me?"
"I do."
"Then hold out your right arm."
Everyone's eyes were on Lupin as he tucked up his sleeve and lifted his arm.
Tom Riddle drew his wand and his free hand closed around Lupin's wrist, holding it firmly in place as he pointed the tip of his wand to the inner side of his lower arm.
Hermione watched intently. Draco and Theo had turned around to see as well.
As almost always, her father used non-verbal magic as black smoke erupted from his wand, then Lupin stiffened, his jaw tightened and his free hand was clenched into a fist. But he made no sound as the smoke burned itself into his skin, slowly but surely taking form. The Dark Mark. This wasn't what would be considered light magic, this was part of the Dark Arts. It took a few minutes and when the tattoo-like symbol was firmly in place, her father withdrew his wand and Lupin slowly relaxed, taking deep breaths to gather himself.
"When I call you, the Dark Mark will briefly burn, not really painfully, and you will know from where I call. I can either call all of you or just those I need at that time. Lucius is also in a position to do so. When you are called, I expect you to come without fail and as quickly as possible, unless there is a very good reason that you can't. When Lucius gives a command, I expect it to be obeyed as if it were my own. You can call me as well in case of emergency. When you cover the Mark with the palm of your hand, Lucius and I will know you called and we will know from where and even if we cannot come ourselves, we will send assistance. No Death Eater stands alone, if I can help it. Any Death Eater can contact me at Malfoy Manor the normal way at any time. Welcome, Remus."
Lucius rose and turned to the back of the room, from where he took a set of black robes and a Death Eater Mask, which he handed to Lupin.
The official part of the meeting was over, but most stayed for a while longer, the house elves brought food and drinks and her father called Hermione to his side to introduce her to some of the Death Eaters. They all treated her very respectfully. Some kept a little more distance than necessary and kept an eye on Noodles, which her father observed with obvious amusement.
They were apparently used to Nagini as no one paid much attention to her now.
"I'm not that scary," Noodles complained, a little miffed.
"I suppose some of them know what you are and prefer not to rot alive," Hermione countered with a smile in his direction. Some heads turned when they heard her speak Parsel.
After a while, the door opened once more and a man came in. He was tall and thin with brown hair and brown eyes, presumably around Lucius' and Narcissa's age. He bowed deeply before her father. "My Lord, I apologize for not coming immediately, but I heard from my father about the matter regarding a girl he called your daughter? And whatever that meant, I thought it may be helpful to you to hear the whole thing out at the Ministry."
"Barty, it's good to see you. And that was good thinking. I will fill you in about what you missed later. This is Hermione Riddle and she is indeed my daughter. Mine and Cyrelia's. Hermione, this is Barty Crouch junior. You've met his father."
So this was Bartemeus Crouch's son. Wasn't it ironic that the son of the man who had given Aurors the right to kill Death Eaters on sight was a Death Eater himself? "Mr Crouch, it's nice to meet you."
"And you, Miss Riddle." He gave her a small smile before turning back to her father. "My Lord, after Lucius and the other members of the Wizengamot and Board of Governors left, there was a conversation between my father, Bagman, the Minister and Albus Dumbledore. As I came across them on my way to the fireplace to come to Malfoy Manor after you called, my father filled me in on what happened at Hogwarts today. I've rarely seen him so angry, and I've seen him angry plenty of times. If I know him at all, I'm sure he didn't know what Dumbledore was planning. And I don't really think Bagman did either. Dumbledore still tried to push the blame on both of them and he kept insisting that they did discuss the matter of the Unbreakable Vow."
"I can't imagine that your father had anything to do with this either," Tom Riddle agreed. "He may be many things, but he considers himself a righteous man."
"Exactly, my Lord, he holds himself to a high standard." He sounded a little bitter at that. "He may be fond of Dumbledore, but he wouldn't even consider such a thing out of loyalty to him. However, the Minister made a few remarks that made me believe that he would do pretty much everything, if Dumbledore asked him to. He even offered him a position as Vice Minister. That is apparently something the Muggles have. Dumbledore declined. Said something about needing time to think."
"I'm sure he does."
"Yes, I fear that was pretty much everything of interest. I'm sorry, my Lord."
"No, it was quite interesting to hear the Minister's standpoint. It says quite a lot that he's willing to introduce a previously non-existent position just to accommodate him. Barty, I want you, Lucius and everyone else who work at the Ministry or frequents there to try to find out who is loyal to Dumbledore, especially when it comes to the high positions. I'm aware that may take a while."
"Yes, my Lord."
Her father turned to her. "I'll tell Barty what he missed in the meeting. Since you've been there, that will be rather boring for you. You can go and find someone else to talk to, if you want."
Thus dismissed, Hemione did go and had some polite conversations with several of the Death Eaters and when people started to leave, she finally had time to join her old teacher for a short chat. He had just said goodbye to some of the men who had sat with him, the ones Hermione guessed were the other werewolves. "Good evening, Professor Lupin."
He turned to her with a small smile. "I don't think there's any need to call me Professor anymore, Miss Riddle." They both chuckled. "I admit, that was pretty much the last thing I expected from tonight."
"Believe me, when I got up this morning, it was pretty much the last thing I expected from today, too." She looked over to her father, who was in conversation with a couple around Lucius' and Narcissa's age. "But I'm not unhappy about this particular turn of events. I've wanted to be able to take his name for a while. I was sick of keeping it a secret. I didn't expect you here tonight, though."
"Well, after what I learned in the Shrieking Shack, I met with Lord and Lady Malfoy several times. And their arguments were more than sound." He smiled and she nodded in understanding. Maybe much of what had happened during the war could have been provided, if people had just been willing to listen. "They even got me a job," Lupin added and Hermione smiled up at him
"They did? That's amazing! As what?"
"I teach children below Hogwarts age. Mainly reading, writing and basic knowledge. I also help them, if their accidental magic gets out of control. I'm employed with an organisation providing such tutors for magical families, which the Malfoys support financially. It's really quite enjoyable."
Hermione was happy for him. It wasn't the same as teaching at Hogwarts, but it had been clear that he had enjoyed teaching in general and those children were certainly lucky to have him as a teacher.
~tbc~