A knock on his office door made Tom look up from his mountain of paperwork. Sometimes he really hated being a Dark Lord. The door opened before Tom could say anything. Bellatrix slipped inside the room. She was of the only ones that could simply walk into his office without waiting for a response. The others being Lucius and Narcissa, since it was their house. He may be the Dark Lord but he did have respect for people's homes…well most people.

"Bella," he greeted. "What's going on?"

"Hermione messaged me a few hours ago," Bellatrix reported. "She was in Diagon Alley with the Weasley's and Potter. Her, Weasley and Potter went to Flourish and Blott's. While the two were distracted she checked the section on books for the Dark Arts. Snape caught her."

Tom's eyes flashed red and Bellatrix was worried for her young mate. His eyes went back to brown a second later. "She needs to be more careful," he said. "Luckily, she was only caught by Severus and I can keep him under control."

He held out his hand and Bellatrix automatically presented her Dark Mark to him. He pressed his finger to the mark and focused on Severus. Satisfied that Severus knew he was calling, he released Bellatrix's arm.

"What is the status of Lockhart?" he questioned while they waited for Severus to appear.

"I found the book with the curse," Bellatrix informed him. "I will do the spell tomorrow and send Lockhart to London right after."

"Good," Tom said with a nod. "Does Ms. Granger know of your plan?"

"No," Bellatrix answered. "We did not have a chance to discuss it. It is unlikely she'll be upset by the outcome. She cares little for what happens to him. Although she did see fit to warn me that holding the Cruciatius curse on him would do no good." Tom raised an eyebrow at her. "Torture isn't much use if they're insane."

Tom laughed. "Your witch is impressive," he admitted. Muggleborn or not, he was becoming fond of the young witch. Her open-mindedness regarding him and the Death Eaters was refreshing. He owed her a debt and he intended to fulfil that debt. It helped that she was interested in their side without manipulation. Though it was largely due to Bellatrix's involvement. He owed his second in command a lot as she had started the young girl's path to darkness.

"She is," Bellatrix agreed.

There was knock at the door.

"Come in," Tom said coldly.

He already knew it was Severus. Now was the time to see where his loyalties lie. He hoped he didn't have to kill Severus. Severus was invaluable, as a spy and a potions master. But he couldn't risk anything getting out about Ms. Granger. Ms. Granger had the potential to be his most valuable asset, possibly even more valuable than Severus himself.

Severus walked into the room and knelt down in front of the desk. "My Lord, you summoned me?" Severus questioned.

"Rise Severus," Tom hissed. He gestured toward the chair. "Sit, we have much to speak about."

"My Lord, I don't understand why you have called me," Severus said confused. He'd known about the Dark Lord's return for over a year. He wanted to return to his side, to get answers, but he couldn't just show up without invitation.

Tom leaned back in his seat. "I have returned for over a year yet you have not sought me out," Tom stated. "Tell me Severus, why is that?"

"Dumbledore," Severus said honestly. Tom raised an eyebrow at him. "I haven't told him about the mark," Severus admitted. "I wasn't sure if I wanted to tell him about the mark."

"Does this have anything to do with your… focus on Ms. Granger?" Tom questioned. Severus didn't answer. He didn't know how to respond or how the Dark Lord even knew about Hermione Granger.

"I…how do you know about Ms. Granger?" Severus questioned. He wasn't entirely sure how much he should confess to knowing.

Tom narrowed his eyes. "Do not question me Severus," he hissed. "I know you caught Ms. Granger looking through a book on the Dark Arts."

Severus' eyes widened in surprise. There was no way the Dark Lord could know about that…unless Hermione Granger was in contact with a Death Eater. Suddenly, some of the pieces fell in together. "Bellatrix," he realized. It didn't explain why Bellatrix saved Hermione, but it did explain the amulet and the dark arts.

"Yes, Ms. Granger is in contact with Bellatrix," Tom confirmed. "Ms. Granger isn't aware of Bellatrix's identity and if you're the one to tell her…" he trailed off.

The Dark Lord didn't have to finish his statement. Severus already knew what that meant. The Dark Lord would kill him if he told. "Yes My Lord," Severus agreed. "What do you wish for me to tell Dumbledore?"

Tom considered his options. He could order Severus not to say anything but if news of his return got out then Dumbledore would lose faith in Severus. But Dumbledore knowing about his return didn't sit well with him.

"Tell him I have returned," Tom decided with a sigh. It was the only choice he could make. "Tell him I am weak and have yet to call any of my followers, except you, as I need potions."

"Yes My Lord," Severus readily agreed. "My Lord…" he started. Tom gestured for him to continue. "Your aims…"

"My aims have not changed," Tom told him. "I still wish to run the wizarding world and I will do what it takes to take over. Death is inevitable in war. However, I have learned that some muggleborns may have their use, such a Ms. Granger. If someone were to prove themselves then I would be more than happy to add them to my services."

Severus nodded. He could live with that. "And the raids?" he asked. He never had to participate in raids due to his status as a spy.

"The raids will continue in due time," Tom told him. "You will not participate as usual. I will inform you which raids to tell Dumbledore about. While I do want the wizarding world to fear me so they will be less resistant when I take over, I cannot have them on guard now. It would not do well with my goals."

Severus nodded in understanding. "And Potter?"

"When the time comes, I will get the prophecy and from there determine how to deal with Potter," Tom explained. "Potter is to remain untouched until I am ready to deal with him. Ms. Granger will be keeping an eye on him until the time is right. Speaking of which, I would like you to tutor Ms. Granger in potions."

Severus frowned. "Ms. Granger has an O in potions," Severus told him. "I'm not sure how she could benefit from tutoring."

"I am aware of Ms. Granger's skills. Bellatrix has been training her in the Dark Arts and the art of healing. As Bellatrix isn't as skilled in potions and I do not have the time to teach her, I need you to do it. Teach her healing potions, poisons and anything that could potentially help her and us. Do you understand?"

"Yes My Lord," Severus agreed. "Do you have a timeline?"

"No," Tom answered. "Take as much time as you need in order to keep this a secret. I will have Bellatrix explain the extra tutoring. She will comply."

"Yes My Lord," Severus said. "Is there anything else you need?"

"No Severus, go speak to Dumbledore," Tom said waving him away.

Hermione carefully packed away all of her new things. They would be leaving for Hogwarts soon and Hermione wanted to make sure she was packed long before they left. She'd never been more excited to go back to Hogwarts because that meant she would see Bellatrix and Draco soon.

"You're packing already," Ginny commented in surprise. "We still have two weeks to go."

Hermione shrugged in an attempt to act like she wasn't in a hurry to go back to Hogwarts. "I like to be prepared."

Ginny wasn't sure how to react but she didn't say anything. She understood how exciting it was to go back to Hogwarts but she had a feeling there was more to it for Hermione. She got the feeling Hermione didn't really want to be at the Burrow. "Well, okay," Ginny said. "Oh, I wanted to tell you. Dinner is ready. Mum asked me to come get you."

"Great," Hermione exclaimed. She was starving and Mrs. Weasley was an excellent cook.

She put the rest of her stuff in her trunk and followed Ginny downstairs.

Everyone was already there when Hermione and Ginny arrived. "Girls," Molly exclaimed. "Right on time. Take a seat."

Ginny and Hermione took their seats and Molly levitated the food to the tables. Molly preferred to serve food buffet style. She put the dishes on the table and they all served themselves.

Hermione served herself some food. While the food was delicious, it wasn't the healthiest food. But that was okay. Once she went back to Hogwarts she would be back on track.

"Have you gotten your homework done Hermione?" Mrs. Weasley asked curious.

Ron groaned. "She's been getting on us all summer about homework."

"Yes Mrs. Weasley," Hermione answered. "All of my homework is done. I like to get it done early so I can relax the rest of the summer."

Mrs. Weasley beamed while Ron stared at her in disbelief. "Relax," he repeated. "You call reading all summer relaxing?"

"Ronald," Mrs. Weasley scolded.

"Everyone has their own way of relaxing," Hermione said calmly. Thank Merlin for Occlumency or she would be yelling. "It's like Quidditch for you."

Ron frowned. He hadn't considered that. "Sorry," he muttered.

"So, Hermione. What electives did you choose?" Percy asked curious.

Percy was one of the Weasley's Hermione genuinely liked. Mostly because he was the most like her, driven and hardworking. Unlike his younger brothers, Percy took his education seriously. He had plans to work in the Ministry when he graduated and Hermione admired him for that.

"Ancient Runes and Care of Magical Creatures," Hermione answered. "I also bought some books on Arithmancy so I can teach myself."

"I'm in the NEWT class for Arithmancy," Percy started. "I have my old books and notes if you would like to look through them and I'm more than happy to answer any questions you have."

The Weasley children groaned while Mrs. Weasley beamed. She was proud of her son for offering his support, especially during NEWT year.

"Thanks Percy," Hermione said gratefully. "I'll take you up on your offer of books and notes. I'll let you know if I have questions."

"Excellent," Percy said. "Come up with me to my room after dinner and I'll get you the notes."

The rest of the meal went by in silence. As soon as Percy and Hermione were done they left the table and headed up to Percy's room.

"Thanks for this Percy," Hermione said gratefully. "I've skimmed one of the books I bought and it looks rather difficult."

"It is one of harder classes," Percy admitted. "I found Ancient Runes much more enjoyable but I refused to give up Arithmancy after my OWLs. I don't like the idea of quitting just because something is difficult."

Hermione nodded in understanding. "I feel the same," she admitted. "I heard you can take OWLs even if you're not registered for the class. Is that true?"

"It is true," Percy confirmed. "However, it is extremely rare. You see OWLs offered at Hogwarts are free. But if you wish to take OWLs at the Ministry, there is a fee. It's a rather steep fee. Fifty galleons for one exam as that pays for the examiner and to book the room you use. If you want to take more exams they're only five galleons each after the initial fifty."

That was a steep price, Hermione had to admit. Muggleborns and families like the Weasley's wouldn't be able to afford it. She knew if she asked Bellatrix, she would give her the gold to do exams at the Ministry. She wasn't planning on it but if she got decent at Arithmancy, maybe she would try.

"Did you try?" Hermione asked curious. He had to at least be considering it. How else would he know about the details of taking exams at the Ministry? She didn't think it was common knowledge among the students.

"I was going to," Percy admitted. "I didn't feel confident in my ability in Arithmancy. I was going to take the exam over the summer and focus on the other exams. But well, you know my family can't afford that. So, I threw myself into studying and took the exam with the rest."

"Did you pass?" Hermione asked curious.

"Of course I did," he said puffing out his chest slightly. "I only got an E though," he admitted.

"An E is still great though," Hermione said though she understood his disappointment. She would be devasted if she got an E on her exams.

"It is," Percy agreed. "I want to work in the Ministry and the better my scores, the better chance I have of getting a job in a department I want. Luckily, they care more about NEWT scores than OWLs."

"I should let you get back to studying then," Hermione said reluctantly. She really enjoyed Percy's company, far more than anyone else's, except Bellatrix and Draco.

"If you ever need a quiet place to study, you're welcome to come here," Percy offered. "The others won't bother you."

"Thanks Percy," Hermione said gratefully.

She made her way back to Ginny's room. Though it wasn't late, everyone was already in their rooms for the night. Hermione enjoyed the silence.

"Hey Hermione," Ginny greeted. "How did it go with Percy? You were in his room for a while."

"It was fine," she said. She showed Ginny the notes. "We were talking about OWLs and NEWTs. I was curious about them."

Ginny laughed and shook her head. "I can't imagine worrying about OWLs right now," she said.

Hermione shrugged and went to the camp bed Mrs. Weasley had set up for her. She sat the notes on the bed before digging out her pajamas and toiletries from her trunk.

She quickly got ready for bed, not wanting to hog one of only two bathrooms. Once she returned, Ginny left to do the same.

Hermione took advantage of the time alone. She pulled out her journal, quill and ink. She set Percy's notes up next to the journal so it looked like she was creating her own notes.

Do you think the Dark Lord would be willing to recruit a Weasley?