As the school year draws to a close, Estella (still posing as Hermione) grapples with her hidden identity and uncertain future. Between quiet moments with her friends, an unexpected exchange with Draco, and a plan to confront her adoptive parents, she prepares to step into the truth that could change everything.
Estella—no, she reminded herself, Hermione for just a little longer—was quietly sneaking back up to Gryffindor Tower. She had just settled on the common room couch with a book when Harry came bounding down the stairs. "Hermione! Put the book down, it's time for breakfast, and then we can go visit Ron!" Harry exclaimed, plucking the book from her hands. "Hey! I was reading that!" she protested, trying to keep a straight face as he raised his eyebrows at her in mock exasperation. "Ugh, fine, let's go," she relented with a small laugh.
As they made their way to the Great Hall, Estella's thoughts began to wander. She couldn't help but wonder how her best friends would react once they knew the truth. 'Will they even want to be my friends anymore? Or will they see me as just another slimy Malfoy?'
When they entered the hall, her eyes instinctively flicked toward the Slytherin table, searching for Draco's unmistakable white-blond hair. He wasn't there yet. "So, Mione," Harry began in a low voice as they moved toward their usual spot, "I need to thank you for helping me with Padfoot. How are you holding up after last night?" His tone was gentle, ensuring no one nearby could overhear. She gave him a small smile and whispered back, "Honestly, I'm okay, Harry. And there's no need to thank me. I'm your friend—I'd help you with anything." Harry's face broke into a warm smile. "I'm so lucky to have friends like you and Ron," he said earnestly. Estella smiled in return, but her thoughts betrayed her calm exterior. 'Will he still say that when he finds out who I really am?'
With final exams behind them, the trio spent their free time together in the infirmary until Madam Pomfrey declared Ron fully healed and ready to leave. "So, tell me more about what happened last night," Ron whispered eagerly as they made their way down to Hagrid's hut. Harry launched into the story, recounting Dumbledore's cryptic hint to Hermione, her big revelation to him, and how they managed to rescue both Buckbeak and Sirius. "Blimey! I can't believe I missed all that!" Ron exclaimed, shaking his head in disbelief.
When they reached Hagrid's hut, Harry knocked on the door, and they heard Fang's excited barking, followed by Hagrid's gruff voice. "Be there in a sec!" The door creaked open, and Hagrid greeted them with a wide grin. "Shoulda known it'd be you three," he chuckled. "Come in! I've got some exciting news to share… Buckbeak got away! That clever bird saved himself from gettin' killed!" Hagrid's eyes glistened with happy tears as Hermione rushed over to hug him. "Hagrid, that's amazing news!" she said warmly. "I wish we could have saved him before the trial, but I'm so glad he escaped." She exchanged a knowing look with Harry and Ron, who smirked in agreement. The trio spent the afternoon in Hagrid's cozy hut, chatting about the end of the school year, their summer plans, and the upcoming Quidditch World Cup before heading back to the Great Hall for dinner.
The Next Day
Estella lay awake in bed, her mind racing with thoughts of the summer ahead. 'Maybe I should sneak down to see Uncle Sev before I leave. We need to figure out how to stay in touch. I want to meet my real family. I've never felt like I belonged in the Muggle world, and now it all makes so much sense.'
Resolving to act, she grabbed her cloak and carefully slipped out of the dormitory, ensuring no one spotted her as she made her way to the dungeons. Standing in front of Snape's portrait, she whispered, "Can you please tell Professor Snape that Estella is here?" A moment later, the door opened, and Severus stood there with a rare smile. "Ma petite étoile, good morning. Come in."
Estella followed him into his cozy living room and settled onto the plush black leather couch. She looked at him earnestly. "Uncle Sev, is there a way we can communicate over the summer? Also, I want to talk to my adopted parents before meeting the Malfoys. I think we should wait two more days before telling them about me. I need to know what the Grangers know and why they kept this a secret." Severus listened intently and gave a small nod. "Estella, I understand your desire to wait before meeting your family. If that's what you want, we will proceed on your timeline. As for staying in touch, I've been working on a solution." With a graceful motion, Severus extended his hand, and two objects appeared in mid-air. Estella's eyes widened in awe at the display of wandless, wordless magic.
"I've created a special journal just for you," he explained. "It will only work for its owner, as I'll need to link it to you using a drop of your blood. After you meet the Malfoys, they'll receive their own journals, allowing you to write directly to them instead of sending owls. For now, it will only connect to my journal. To write to someone, you simply include their name at the top of the entry. If you want to message multiple people for a group conversation, just list their names." He held up the second object—a delicate star-shaped necklace. "This is for your protection. The necklace guards against mild compulsions and love potions, and it doubles as an emergency portkey. If you ever need to escape, say the word 'sanctuary,' and it will bring you directly to my manor."
Overwhelmed with gratitude, Estella threw her arms around her godfather. "Uncle Sev, you're a genius! Thank you for everything you've done for me." Severus gave her a rare, genuine smile. "You're welcome, ma petite étoile. Now, I suggest you sneak back to your tower before breakfast. Don't forget to write to me, and we'll finalize a plan to reunite you with your family." Estella nodded, her heart lighter as she hurried back to Gryffindor Tower, a small smile playing on her lips.
On the Hogwarts Express
"Thank Merlin for summer break!" Ron declared as he dropped heavily into his seat in their train compartment. "No more dungeon bat taking points from us, no more homework, and no more slimy snakes to deal with." Harry grinned but then sighed. "At least you'll be at the Burrow with your family, and Hermione will probably travel with hers. I'm stuck at the Dursleys." Ron smacked himself on the forehead. "Oi! I knew I forgot to tell you something! Mum wrote to me weeks ago—she said you can come to the Burrow after two weeks with the Dursleys and stay the rest of the summer! Dad even got tickets to the Quidditch World Cup, so you'll get to come with us!" Harry's face lit up with excitement, his smile so wide that Estella worried it might hurt. "That's brilliant!" Harry exclaimed, turning eagerly to Hermione. "What about you? Any fun plans for the summer?" Hermione gave what she hoped was a convincing smile. "At the moment, I'm not sure. We might travel, but my parents missed me, so we'll probably spend the summer relaxing at home."
While Ron and Harry launched into a game of chess—Ron strategizing confidently while Harry shouted useless advice at his pieces—Estella quietly buried herself in her book. The calm was shattered when the compartment door suddenly slammed open with a bang. "Scarhead, Weasel, and Granger," Draco sneered, his pale face twisted in mockery. "How did you lot save the oaf's beast? I know you were behind it." Ron's ears turned a dangerous shade of red as Harry shot to his feet, his nose nearly touching Draco's. "How would we know, Malfoy? We were in the hospital wing all night. Why don't you run back to your goons and leave us alone?" Draco huffed in frustration, his sneer faltering, before spinning on his heel and storming out of the compartment.
Estella made a quick decision. "I'll be right back," she murmured, slipping out after Draco. She caught up to him in the corridor and spoke softly. "Malfoy." Draco paused, turning to her with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. Estella nodded toward an empty compartment, and after a moment's hesitation, he followed her inside.
"I need to tell you something," she began, pacing nervously in front of him. "I can't explain everything yet, but not everything is what it seems. I've recently learned there's more to me than anyone knows. In time, you'll find out the truth, but until then, I'm asking you to keep an open mind." Draco stared at her, the usual sneer gone. For the first time, he felt something other than contempt toward the girl before him. There was sincerity in her voice, and though he didn't fully understand, he knew she was telling the truth. He gave a slow, reluctant nod. Before he could say anything, Estella turned and slipped out of the compartment, vanishing as quickly as she'd appeared, leaving Draco standing alone and bewildered.
As the train pulled into the station, Estella felt her nerves begin to build. 'Why would the Grangers lie to me? Have they known about magic my whole life, or were their memories modified? Could they be victims too?' The trio made a swift exit and quickly spotted the rest of the Weasleys, sharing hugs and cheerful goodbyes. Soon after, Harry and Estella headed toward the Muggle side. "Bye, Harry. Good luck with the Dursleys—and write to me as soon as you get to Ron's," she whispered, pulling him into a tight hug. Harry smiled at her reassuringly. "I promise, Hermione. And maybe you can come visit the Burrow once you figure out your summer plans." She nodded, giving him a small smile before turning to find her parents. Together, they made their way to the car, heading home in a quiet but familiar routine.
At dinner that evening, Jane Granger looked at her daughter with concern. "Hermione, honey, is everything alright? You've been unusually quiet since you got back." Estella looked up, offering what she hoped was a convincing smile. "Yeah, Mum, I'm fine. Just tired after such a long term," she replied. Her parents seemed satisfied with the answer, and the conversation shifted to her school year. Estella carefully avoided any mention of the time-turner, her adventures with Harry, or the discovery of her true heritage. After spending the evening together as a family, Estella curled up in her bed, pulling the blankets around her. As sleep began to claim her, she whispered to herself, Tomorrow is the day I confront them about who I really am.