Disclaimer: I own nothing. Thank you J.K. Rowling for creating this magical word for us to play in.
a/n: Thank you all you beautiful people! Please keep in mind that Hermione's world has been shattered and suddenly hope has appeared. Things will get worse before they get better.
Chapter 9
"Normal Speech"
Thoughts
'Mental Conversations'
At Gringotts-
"Hermione!" Harry screamed in a panic as he caught her before she fell to the floor. Everyone jumped into action. Sirius and Remus came running over, and Ragnok called for a warrior to escort the guard to the task master for his punishment for disrupting everyone in his office. When Sirius and Remus got over to Harry and Hermione they instantly froze. The look that Harry was giving them told them all they needed to know. Touch Hermione, and there would be consequences. "Harry, why don't you put Hermione on the sofa."
Harry looked up at the sound. If looks could kill, everyone would be dead right now. "How long? How long did you know she was alive?" Harry quietly asked. The tone of his voice sent chills up Sirius' spine.
"We figured it out from the Heritage test. We had the Goblins investigating since you went to the healer" replied Sirius as he took a step back.
"And you decided to keep this information from us? Just who the hell do you think you are! I have been lied to and kept in the dark my ENTIRE life! It. Ends. TODAY!" screamed Harry.
Remus thought he might have a little more luck and would be able to get through to Harry at the moment. "Harry, I need you to listen to me right now. We were planning on telling you both about this. We wanted to make sure Emma Granger was alive before we came to you." Remus took a minute to make sure what he said was sinking in. "What would have happened if we came to you with the thought that Mrs. Granger was still alive only to find out that it was false. Think Harry, what would that have done to Hermione?" Remus could see that he was getting through to Harry.
"Your right. I'm sorry for yelling at everyone. I can't stand to see her hurt like this. You have no idea what the death of her parents did to her. What it was still doing to her" said Harry he hung his head. "She may have looked like she had it together, but on the inside she was a mess. She was barely holding on. She collapsed in the shower this morning. The heart ache was just too much for her." He had tears rolling down his face at this point. How could he protect her? "What do we do now? We need to get her back. Should we contact Madame Bones?"
"I think that will be for the best Harry. We can go from there. Director is there a way to get Madame Bones here?" said Sirius.
"We are already on it Lord Black. There is a guard waiting for her at the entrance who will escort her directly back here." Replied Ragnok.
"Do we contact Minerva and Poppy?" asked Remus.
"I think we should. We don't know what condition she will be in after we rescue her" said Sirius as he put a hand on Harry's shoulder trying to offer him some comfort. "Harry, we will get her back. I promise you, even if that means blowing something sky high." Harry just sat there on the floor holding Hermione. Sirius knew he heard what was said, but right now it was all just too much for him. "Harry," added Sirius, "Remus and I will take care of the rescue mission. Do not worry about a thing." Sirius knew there was no way Harry was letting go of Hermione.
"Director, is there a way to get the estate plans for Malfoy Manor?" asked Remus. As they were getting ready to start planning there was a knock at the door. After what happened to the last guard who walked in without knocking, no other goblin was willing to take a chance. "Enter!"
Amelia Bones came running into the room with Poppy and Minerva hot on her heels. "What happened?" asked Poppy as she ran over to Hermione but stopped abruptly as she saw the look in Harry's eyes. "Lord Potter, I just want to examine Lady Potter. I do not want to move her; I just want to make sure she is alright." Harry gave a slight nod in acknowledgement.
"Sirius, what is going on? I was only told that there was an emergency at Gringotts and that I was to come alone" said Amelia as she looked into the grey eyes of a man she once loved.
"If you don't mind, I would like to wait for Poppy to finish her exam before we start discussing it. I really only want to explain this once" replied Sirius as he stared back at the only woman he ever loved. "While we are waiting, Director, would you please show Madame Bones and Minerva the copy of James' and Lily's will?"
"Of course Lord Black. Madame Bones, Professor McGonagall, if you would please join me over here for a moment." Amelia and Minerva both looked a little shocked. Neither of them knew about the will. While they were reading it, Poppy came back over. "Lady Potter has only fainted. I am not sure how long she will be out. I also see that there is no way to move her or Lord Potter at the moment."
"I hope you didn't try Poppy. Harry nearly murdered Sirius when he suggested such a thing" replied Remus. "I was able to get him to listen, and Sirius was able to tell him that we would take care of everything."
"What happened? Only a great shock could do something like this." Poppy softly asked, so as not to disturb the young couple on the floor.
"As soon as Minerva and Amelia are finished reading the Potter's will we will explain" replied Remus.
"I'M GOING TO STRANGLE THE OLD BASTARD WITH HIS BEARD!"
Sirius chuckled since it was the only thing to do and said, "It sounds like they just finished"
"Before we get to that issue Amelia and Minerva. We have some urgent business to attend to" said Remus trying to get everyone back on to the task at hand. "We found out earlier today that Emma Granger was possible alive. We had the goblins begin an investigation. We did not tell Hermione or Harry about any of it. Just as we were getting ready to leave, a guard burst into the office and announced that Emma Granger was not only alive, but was kidnapped by Lucius Malfoy and is being held captive there. That is when Hermione fainted, and that is why Harry will not let anyone near her."
"Amelia, what can we legally do about this?" asked Sirius.
"Unless we have physical proof, my hands are tied. Before anyone tries to argue with me on this, we all know that the Minister is in Lucius' pocket. If we storm in there, all the charges would be thrown out before you could sneeze." Everyone was trying to figure out the best way to get Emma back when a house elf popped in. "Master Black, Dobby has a letter" said the house elf as he handed it over to Sirius. "Master Harry Potter sir. Dobby is sorry for what has happened to Ms. Grangy's mother."
"Thank you Dobby. It is good to see you again" replied Harry with none of his usual happiness.
"Sirius, who is the letter from and what does it say" asked Minerva. Sirius took a minute longer to make sure he read the letter right. "It's from Narcissa. She is telling us that Lucius kidnapped Emma Granger in order to make Harry and Hermione suffer. She is begging us to rescue Emma, herself, and Draco. She also said that she would do everything she could to keep her alive." Sirius quickly penned a note back to Narcissa. "Dobby was it? Here is a letter for Narcissa." Sirius handed the letter to the elf who bowed and popped away.
As all this was going on Hermione started to stir. "Mmmm."
"Shhh. Its ok Maya, I'm here" said Harry in a warm and comforting tone.
All the adults looked over when they heard Hermione starting to come back to them. "Harry, what happened? The last thing I remember was that we were getting ready to leave and then a guard came running in and said my mother was alive and was being held captive at Malfoy Manor." Hermione was still a little out of it, but it didn't take long for her to process what she said. She tried to jump up only to have Harry hold her back. "Harry, she's alive! We have to rescue her! We have to help her!"
"I know love. Sirius and Remus are working on the plan right now with Madame Bones" replied Harry in a soothing tone while rocking Maya back and forth.
Minerva came over to the two of them and bent down, "Hermione, we will do everything we can to make sure your mother comes back to you. I need you to trust me. I have never lied to you and have never led you down the wrong path my cub."
"Thank you professor, from both of us" replied a shattered Hermione who was desperately trying to keep it together. Seeing this broke Minerva's heart. Here were her two favorite students, and she was helpless. Minerva stood up and turned to face everyone. The stern professor was back and was taking charge. "Now then, Madame Bones, is that letter enough to get a search warrant for Malfoy manor?" No one tried to argue with her. They all knew better than to even try.
~SMALL TIME SKIP~
Tonks residence-
To say that Andromeda was surprised to receive a letter from her sister for the first time in about 20 years would be an understatement. Now, add in the fact that her sister wanted to help a muggle was almost unbelievable. Others may think that Narcissa was the ice queen, but Andy knew differently. The Ice Queen was a mask Narcissa put on in order to protect herself. Andromeda's sister had one of the biggest hearts in the wizarding world. Lucius was the only reason she was frigid. Andromeda was running around getting everything ready. She didn't know what to expect. Knowing what Lucius could do, she was ready for the worst. For that reason alone, Andy made sure her husband and daughter were here. This way she could make sure every protocol is followed so that the Granger's could nail that psychopath. Now, all she had to do was wait.
POP! "Dobby is bring Lady Mafoy and others in 20 seconds." POP.
It was time. "Ted! Nymphadora! Get down here, they are on their way!" screamed Andy. Good to his word, 20 seconds later, POP. Standing in front of her was her nephew, sister, and Emma Granger. Andy moved to take Emma, but Narcissa turned her body to protect her. Realizing that her sister wasn't going to let go her she said, "Cissy, put her over here" pointing to the bed in the center of the room. "Cissy, what happened? You need to put her down so that I can examine her." Cissy place her gently on the bed and took up her hand, not willing to leave her side. Andy saw all of this, she usually saw everything, but didn't say a word.
"Perhaps I should explain Aunt Andromeda" said Draco as he stepped forward. "Father wanted to make Potter and Granger suffer so he kidnapped Mrs. Granger from the muggle hospital. He beat her when she first arrived to the manor. He had me go a research curses to use on her for practice. He said it would help put a backbone in me and help build character. When I failed, he got angry. He placed her under the Cruciatus Curse multiply times. I don't know how she is still sane. He asked her if she had enough and she spit in his face. He wanted to teach her a lesson. He tried to break her by raping her."
"Were you standing there the whole time Draco?" asked Andy. She saw that he was bloody and bruised. "Yes Aunt."
"Dora, did you get all of that?" Andy asked as she looked over to where her daughter was sitting.
"Yes mum, I have the dicta quill set up. It is one I got from the Auror department" said the witch with black hair and purple streaks in it.
"Good. Ted, are you recording as well?" Andy asked.
"Yes love. I am all set to go."
Andy tilted her head slightly to offer her thanks as she turned back to the women in need. "Cissy, I need to examine her. Is there anything else I need to know?"
"Emma's pregnant. She said she found out before Lucius kidnapped her. When she told me, I cast a protective charm around the baby. I knew Lucius was planning something" replied Cissy in an almost detached tone. Andy was going to have to question her later, something was going on between the two, and she would get to the bottom of it one way or another.
"Thank you for telling me. I need someone to get word to Sirius. Can you do that for me?" asked Andy in a soothing voice. She already knew the answer before she asked it. There was no way her sister was going anywhere. Andy watched her sister closely and saw a small shimmer on her face. Andy's face instantly hardened. "Cissy, what happened to your face?" She didn't answer. "I'm going to remove the glamor you applied." Cissy still didn't move. She just stood there holding Emma's hand and looked down at her broken body. Andy canceled the charm and saw the large cut and bruise on her sister's face. She looked over to her daughter and husband to make sure that the knew to record the marks.
"I will contact Lord Black Aunt" said Draco. This was too much for him to take in. He kept reminding himself that he had to stay strong, at least for his mother's sake.
Andy started her exam. Thankfully she was a trained healer. As she worked she said, "Multiple broken bones. More specifically her cheek bones, nose, and right tibia. Bruising around her throat, as if someone tried to choke her. Temporary nerve damage due Curciatus Curse. Vaginal tearing due to rape." The list kept going. Thankfully the child had been unharmed. Just as Andy was finishing she heard the floo in the other room come to life. A few seconds later her cousin came walking in. "Andy, how is she?"
"There is a lot of damage Sirius. To be honest, I may need some help. Perhaps we should also have Madame Bones here as well" replied Andy.
"Already taken care of" replied a female voice coming for the floo. Next to enter the room was Madame Pomfrey, followed by Madame Bones and Professor McGonagall.
"What have your found so far Andromeda?" asked Poppy as she pulled her to the side for a little discussion to see what was the next best course of action.
Madame Bones walked over to Auror Tonks and said, "Have you been recording everything Auror?"
"Yes ma'am. I am even using a dicta quill from the office. I don't want anyone to say that the information has been tampered with" replied Tonks.
"Excellent. What do you have so far?" Both Amelia and Dora were in their own conference.
Everyone was so absorbed with what they had to do, no one realized that the next person to step out of the foo was Hermione, followed closely by Harry. "Mama?" Hermione quietly said as she stood in the door way. Everyone stopped what they were doing. "MAMA!" screamed Hermione. She tried to run to her but was quickly grabbed from behind. "Let me go Harry! I have to get to her!"
"No Hermione, we need to let the healers do their work" replied Harry as he was trying to bring her out of the room. "Sirius, I could use a hand here!" Before Sirius even took a step, Hermione collapsed to the floor while holding on to Harry for dear life.
In between the sobbing Hermione asked, "Is she alive?"
This brought Cissy back from where ever she was. "Hermione, she is alive. We were able to get her out of there. I'm sorry I could stop it."
Hermione couldn't believe that Narcissa Malfoy helped save her mother. "Thank you" replied Hermione as she hugged Narcissa.
"Now, why don't we go into the other room and let them work on your mother." Narcissa said while she and Harry helped Hermione up. "Draco is in the other room. I believe he has some tea ready for you."
They all went to leave, when Hermione turned to Narcissa and said, "Mrs. Malfoy, can you stay with her? I saw you holding her hand when we got here. Since I can't be with her right now, I was hoping you could."
"Of course. But I must insist that you both call me Narcissa. Now, go to the next room and try to relax. This is going to take some time. I will make sure someone comes in to keep you updated."
"Thank you Narcissa." Harry put his arm around Hermione's shoulder and helped guide her to the other room. Narcissa went back to Emma's side.
"Cissy, why don't you go into the other room and try to rest for a little bit?" asked Sirius.
Narcissa shook her head and said, "No. I told Hermione I would stay with Emma. I have to be here. I can't explain it Sirius, but I have this feeling that this is where I am supposed to be."
"I can see that Cissy. I want you to know that I have a team of Goblins going over your marriage contract as we speak. Until I find a way to legally dissolve the contract, I promise to keep you and Draco safe. Before you even try to say that neither of you deserve it, that is a lie. I know the real you Cissy. Everything you have done has been to survive. I know that Lucius made you turn into ice. You need to know that you and Draco are safe now and under the protection of House Black."
Cissy had a tear running down her face. She could not believe what she was hearing. The one thing she always wanted to hear was that she and son were safe. "Thank you Sirius." Cissy turned back to Emma and picked up her hand. "Andy, what needs to be done?" asked Narcissa.
Both Andy and Poppy came walking over. "Cissy, are you sure you want to stay? This isn't going to be pretty" asked Andy.
"I'm staying."
The Study-
Hermione felt numb. Her mother was here, bloody and broken. She wondered, should she hope? Hope that her mother will live? It nearly killed her when she thought both of her parents were dead. She just sat there and looked off into space. What was there to speak about? The instinct to protect herself was too great and she started to withdraw into herself. Not even Harry would be able to bring her out of it if he waited too long.
Harry could sense the turmoil Hermione was in. "Maya, do you want a cup of tea?" She didn't respond. Harry looked up to Draco to see him shrug his shoulders, saying I don't know what to do. "Maya love, do you want a cup of tea?" Nothing. Harry was starting to get worried. Not only was she not responding, he could feel their bond becoming fuzzy. He knew exactly what she was doing. 'Maya, don't shut me out my love.' That seemed to have a little affect. 'Maya, you don't have to say anything out loud, but I need you to know that I am here for you. I am not going anywhere. Please, don't shut me out' It may have worked a little, but it wasn't enough. Harry took her face and tilted it while in his hands. He looked into her eyes and saw nothing. He bent down and gently kissed her. She still didn't move. He held the kiss, adding more and more pressure. Finally, she started to push back.
She finally started to come back to him. She pulled away to look into Harry's eyes and said, 'Harry?'
'There you are sweetheart. I was afraid I was going to lose you.'
'You almost did.'
'I know, I could feel it. I just want you to remember that no matter what happens, you will never be alone. Now, you do not have to say anything, but it rude for us to continue this conversation like this with Draco in the room. I'm going to get you a nice cup of tea. If you want to add anything to the conversation, just let me know'
'Thank you my love.'
Harry kissed her forehead and went over to the desk. "Draco, this may sound a little odd, but thank you."
Draco blinked for a second then responded, "Potter, when did I become Draco to you?"
"The moment you helped save my wife's mother." Replied Harry as he was trying to extricated himself from Hermione's arms.
Draco was stuck for a moment before he asked, "Wife? You mean you two are married?"
Harry chuckled at this. "Yes, it happened just a few days go. Soul Bond."
"You never do anything by half's do you Potter?" Draco relied with a smirk.
Harry saw that this person in front of him was completely different than the person at school. "You have no idea Malfoy." Both could see that this was their chance to actually joke about things and not bring insults into it.
Draco poured three cups a tea and put a couple of biscuits onto the dish. He walked over to Hermione and said as he was handing her the cup, "Granger I… Hell, what do I call you now? It gets too confusing if I call you both Potter"
Harry spoke for Maya, "She said you could try her name."
Draco looked at Harry dumbfounded. "She didn't say anything."
Harry smiled and tapped his temple. "Soul Bond, remember?"
"Shite."
Harry laughed out loud when he heard 'Language'.
Before Draco could ask, Harry said "Hermione tried to yell at you for your language. She doesn't want to speak out loud right now. She lets me know if there is anything she wants to say."
"Right, Hermione, I need you to know that I had nothing to do with this. Mother is the one who managed to get us all out of there. My father made me curse her. When it wasn't to my father's liking he beat me and turned back to your mother" said Draco as he was bent in front of Hermione. "Hermione, I know where you get that Gryffindor courage from, your mother." Harry looked close at Draco's face. He saw he cuts, bruises, and the black eye. They all slipped into a comfortable silence after that. The only thing left to do was wait.
~TIME SKIP~
Tonks Study-
Hermione still hasn't spoken to anyone but Harry. Draco was sitting in chair by the fire nodding off as sleep was trying to call to him. Harry was holding Hermione close and had her head resting on his chest. He was starting to get worried. It has been a few hours since anyone came in to tell them what was happening. He heard footsteps coming down the hall. He knew Hermione heard them as well. When he looked up he saw Remus and Sirius standing in the door way.
Hermione wanted to jump up and run to her mother, but she was simply too exhausted. The past few days have been hell for her. She looked up and said with tears in her eyes, "Is she ok? Please tell me she is alive."
"She is alive Hermione. Andy and Poppy have done everything they could for her and managed to heal her for the most part. She is resting for right now" said Sirius as he took her hands in his. Hermione took a deep breath. A great weight has been lifted off her shoulders.
She closed her eyes as the tears fell from her eyes. She heard Harry ask, "What aren't you telling us Sirius?" Harry has gotten very good at hearing what wasn't being said. Remus and Sirius both looked at each other. They didn't know if they should tell them what they found out. "If you know something else, I demand you tell us. I already told everyone that I am done being kept in the dark" said Harry in a quiet voice, indicating just how angry he was.
Remus was the one to speak up first. "You both need to understand, that this isn't for us to tell. You are right, there is something else you both don't know."
"Remus Lupin, if you know something else about my only other living relative you better share it with me. Otherwise you may not live to see the next full moon" said Hermione.
Remus gulped. He knew Hermione was as good as her word. Hermione was not a witch to cross, she was very like Lily. "Fine, but understand this, I will tell you under protest. As we said, this wasn't our tale to tell. It is your mother's. The only problem with that is we do not know when she will wake up." Remus looked over and saw Sirius shrug, basically saying, you're on your own Moony. "Your mother is pregnant. You're going to be a big sister."
"Is this true Sirius?" asked Hermione. She could not believe what she was hearing. "It's true Mione. Thankfully, the baby wasn't harmed during everything. When Narcissa found out, she cast a protective charm around him. She is the reason the baby is well."
"Can I see her now?" Hermione asked in almost a child like voice.
"Of course. Narcissa, Andy, and Madame Pomfrey are waiting for you" replied Sirius. "Draco, I would like a word with you in private."
Remus said, "I'll come with you two. Harry, if you wouldn't mind speaking with Madame Bones while you are in there."
"Of course Remus, I'll do whatever needs to be done." Harry knew that this conversation was about pressing charges.
Once everyone left Sirius said, "Let's take a seat by the fire." Sirius made sure they were both comfortable before continuing. "I am having a team of Goblins looking into your parents' marriage contract. I promised your mother that I would make sure that the both of you were safe and would never have to go back to that monster. I have an offer for you. Before you agree, I want you to hear all of it. If all goes according to plan, you will be Draco Black. I had originally designated Harry as my heir. Due to recent circumstances, I believe he has more than enough on his plate at the moment. If I make you my heir, my conditions are that if I have a son born to me, then he will be the next Lord Black, but you will still have the family name. My second condition is that you show the real you. Not this pompous, spoiled little shite that your father wanted to see. You must also be nice to my Godson and his wife."
Draco took a moment to think about the offer. He knew that it was genuine, and that it meant that he would never have to go back to his father. "Lord Black, if your offer means that my mother will be safe, then I agree to your terms."
"For what it's worth Draco, I'm proud of you. Now, let's go check on everyone. Madame Bones wants to have a word with you. I suspect Harry will want to press charges." Both shook hands and went to join the others.
Living room-
Hermione and Harry walked into the living room to find Narcissa sitting in a chair at Emma Granger's side holding her hand. Harry knew that Hermione was going to need a few minutes alone with her mother and walked over to speak with Madame Bones.
"Narcissa?" Hermione said as she put a hand on her shoulder. "Thank you for everything. You save my mother and her child. There is no way I could ever repay you."
Narcissa looked up and said, "There is no need to worry about repaying me. Many people don't know this about me, but I was never the ice queen everyone thought me to be. If it is alright with you, I would like to help your mother recover over the next few months."
"Of course Narcissa. I feel better knowing that while I'm at school that you will be there to help her. Do you mind if I have a moment alone with her?"
Narcissa put her hand on Hermione's and gave it a little squeeze. "Why don't you have a seat. You look like you are going to fall over."
Hermione waited till she was alone with her mother. "Mama, I am so sorry I brought you into this world. This is all my fault. When I thought I lost both you and daddy, I felt like my world was falling apart. If it wasn't for Harry, I would have just faded away. I have so much to tell you. That day we lost daddy, I was sitting in the backyard under the oak tree reading. Remus Lupin saved my life. I thought both of you were in the house. I'm staying with him, Sirius Black, and Harry Potter. I know you remember Harry from my letters. He was my first kiss. It turns out we are married, that we have this soul bond. When you wake up, I will tell you everything. Rest for now mama, it will all be ok."
There was not a dry eye in that room. Harry had been talking to Madame Bones about pressing charges when he suddenly stopped. He looked over to the woman he loves and tried to push love and hope through their bond. "Madame Bones, if you will please excuse me." Harry said as he started to walk towards his wife.
Sirius quickly put a stop to this. "Harry, give her some time alone. She knows you are there for her. Let her have some time with her mother."
Harry looked back over. "Ok Sirius. I'll give her some space. How did your talk with Draco go?"
Sirius sighed, "It went very well. I need you to do me a favor pup. I need you to give Draco a chance. The Malfoy you know at school, is completely different from the real Draco."
Harry could see the truth in that statement. He has already spoken to Draco once. "Ok Sirius, I'll give him a chance. But, if he tries to hurt Maya, all bets are off."
On the other side of the room Andy and Narcissa were talking over a cup of tea. "Andy, I don't know how to thank you for all you have done. I am so sorry that it has taken me so long to reach out to you. I have missed you so."
"Cissy, I'm glad I was able to help. I have missed you too." Andy took a sip of tea in order to gather her thoughts for the next questions. "Do you have feelings for Emma Granger?"
Narcissa choked on her tea. "I… I don't know what you're talking about Andy."
Andy looked slightly amused at this. "Cissy, we both know that is not the answer to that question. I saw you when she first arrived. I also saw how you wouldn't let go of her hand."
Narcissa sighed, "I see nothing has changed with you Andy. You are still as observant as ever. I can't explain it Andy. It is as if my magic is drawn to her, as if my magic recognizes her. I don't know what to do. I haven't had this feeling since that summer in France."
Andy now understood what was happening. She remembered what happened that summer. Then a thought crossed her mind. "Cissy, what was the name of that woman you met all those years ago?"
This was not how Narcissa thought this conversation was going to go. She thought her sister was going to belittle her for her feelings. "I think her name was Emma. Emma Smith."
Edited 7/3/17