Chapter Twenty-Eight: Hermione Granger-Malfoy

(i) The characters and world of Harry Potter are the property of the remarkably talented J.K. Rowling. I make no money from this.

(ii) Thank you to all the readers who have stayed with me through the writing of this tale. Your kind reviews have been enormously helpful. Please do continue to review and tell me what you think of the story. You have no idea how wonderful it is to hear from you.

(iii) And finally, much gratitude to my brilliant beta, Queen_of_Stars. You have been the most gracious of friends through these long months. I am so thankful that you agreed to help me work on, polish and present this story. All errors that ultimately remain are my own.

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After paying close attention to the castle, Hermione was once again determined to break through Severus' defences. For the last few weeks, she had almost given up. She hadn't until that moment really realised how much of a part pride and fear played in her behaviour.

She had rationalised her not doing anything further with thoughts that ran along lines that questioned how long she was expected to keep trying to get through Severus' walls when it was more than clear that the hard-headed bastard wanted nothing to do with her. But learning from the castle itself motivated her to keep trying. She realised that he was just that much better than she had previously assumed at hiding and possibly even rejecting his emotions.

This should not have surprised Hermione. If she had been thinking logically, she would have known that as the strongest practitioner of Occlumency in the British Isles, if not the western world, Severus was more than expert at totally clamping down on all of his emotions. It was only because the castle was so closely connected to him that she had been able to learn of his hidden grief. But her own darkness, which she had as yet faced full-on, was coming to bare upon her thinking.

But after her conversation with the castle the Gryffindor Princess began once more to plot. For one really important thing had happened, over the course of the weeks since her birthday, she had come to accept that she was now a part of the Malfoy family. She had been inundated with almost daily letters from Cissy, Lucius and Draco, and she had been made to realise how much they wanted her to be comfortable in their family. Furthermore, she had been told that there was no shame in enjoying the Slytherin aspects of her personality, for now, as a Malfoy, she could finally give full range to her non-Gryffindor traits. This advise, of course, had followed her disclosure via Floo-call to Cissy about what had happened with Ginny once the Prophet had broken the news of her adoption.

Now that she was a Malfoy, she had been sent one of a pair of ornate, magical mirrors. Like the two-way mirror that had been gifted to Harry by Sirius, this one allowed Hermione to speak with Cissy whenever she desired. It had become a marvellous way for the two women to communicate, and they seemed to have established a little ritual, not unlike the one Cissy had had with Draco when he was at Hogwarts, of having a cosy chat before bed. It was safer and more private than Flooing and allowed the two women to see each other face to face. On some nights, Lucius and Draco joined Cissy as she chatted to Hermione. Never before had Hermione felt so loved, so wanted. She realised that the Malfoys, despite all their manipulation and manoeuvring for social and political standing, did in actual fact intend to be more than figure-head parents. They wanted and were planning on being real parents to her.

Hermione, who had never been the beneficiary of such utter doting and adoration by her own parents, was overwhelmed and pleased. She had never been able to speak to her own mother with the same level of honesty. Firstly, because her mother could not understand or comprehend what was going on in the magical world. Secondly, Hermione now realised, because her mother had not really wanted to be a mother and therefore had very little maternal love to give. She had been willing to provide moral guidance and advice, but not motherly support and love. The difference, in comparison to Cissy's maternal adoration, was startling. Narcissa was born to be a mother, and with Hermione, finally, after the end of the fear of Voldemort, the proud Slytherin could give in to all of her tender sensibilities.

After having spoken to Headmaster Black to confirm that he would speak to some of his other colleagues in the Headmaster's Office to garner their support, Hermione decided to approach Professor McGonagall. Her Head of House had asked Hermione at the start of term to please come see her if she needed anything. Now, Hermione realised that she needed support if she was to somehow get through to Severus. She knew he was shunning all contact with the outside world. The only way that Hermione could get him to listen was through Lucius and Narcissa. If they cornered him in public, he could not easily get away. Needing to arrange a way for the Malfoys to be invited to Hogwarts in a public setting, Hermione decided that a Hogwarts' Feast would be the perfect excuse.

Thus, on the Thursday before Halloween, Hermione popped into her Head of House's office. She knew very few students actually visited their professors during their office hours. It was only closer to the time of final exams that their professors were inundated with students becoming more and more desperate.

Minerva, of course, was delighted to see Hermione. "I'm so glad you dropped by, lass. It's been ages since we've had a good chat. How are you?"

Hermione smiled at the warm welcome and happily sat herself down on the tartan covered armchair reserved for the more favoured visitors. "I'm doing fine, Professor. I'm sorry that I didn't take you up on your offer for tea and a chat before, but things have been so rushed lately. I needed to settle in with the workload, and then, the adoption made coming to see you more difficult."

Hermione boldly mentioned the pink elephant in the room. She knew the staff and student body were dying to know some of the details about the adoption, and she knew that Professor McGonagall did not know how to approach the issue. It was, after all, a personal matter and of no direct bearing on the school since it did not in any way affect her scholastic performance. Other than for the confrontation with Ginny in the common-room, which had become public knowledge by the time Hermione had made her way down for lunch, nothing had been said about her change of status. Hermione had waited for questions to be put to her, but surprisingly, no one dared question a Malfoy. Now, she could understand more fully the deference and position that had been granted Draco. No wonder he had been such a snotty nosed brat for so long.

Minerva's eyes widened noticeably at Hermione's bringing up the topic that was foremost on everyone's minds. There had been much speculation as to why the adoption had taken place and what it meant for the Gryffindor's future place in society. Minerva, despite knowing nothing of the circumstances of the adoption, had defended Hermione by saying that the Malfoys were to be commended for doing their best to fill in the gap caused by the loss of Hermione's own parents.

None of the staff had been able to miss the closeness that had sprung up over the summer between Hermione, Luna and Astoria or the fact that Hermione seemed to have few friends within Gryffindor Tower. But the Malfoy adoption had stunned everyone. Hermione's friendship with the well-heeled Slytherins had in itself been a surprise, but the adoption had taken everyone completely out of the blue.

Hermione noted Professor McGonagall's surprise at her bringing up the adoption and couldn't resist a grin. Wanting to explain the adoption in terms that would make the most sense to her Head of House, she said, "I know my adoption must have been a surprise. It was a surprise for me as well when Lucius and Narcissa said they wanted me to be a part of their family. But I think they wanted to do what they could to compensate for the loss of my own parents. I think it's their way of making restitution for their years as Death Eaters. Nothing shows their commitment more to moving beyond pureblood rhetoric than to take a Muggle-born into their home and into their family."

Minerva nodded her head slowly. She had, of course, assumed that this was much the case, but hearing Hermione put her thoughts into words allowed the older witch to ease her concern. "As long as you are happy, lass, with the way things are going forward, I have no issue with your new family."

Hermione smiled. "Of all the things that have happened since the end of the war, this is one of the nicest. Lucius, Cissy and Draco are being wonderful. I know you don't know them, and they do come across as cold, arrogant people to those who don't know them well, but to me, now that I've gone beyond the tough, icy Slytherin exterior, they are everything that I could have ever wanted in a family. Draco has changed so much since the war, I can't believe sometimes that he is the same person who made my life such a trial while we were both at Hogwarts. And Lucius and Cissy, they are so warm, so caring. They'll always be Slytherins, but they mean well. They want the best for me. I may not always agree to the way they get things done, but underneath their conniving, opportunistic, manoeuvring behaviour are hearts of pure gold."

Minerva laughed. She had worried that Hermione had not known what she was getting into. But hearing her young cub articulate the Malfoy traits while speaking of their more hidden qualities did much to appease her sense of concern. "Then I am pleased," said the Transfiguration professor simply. "But if you ever need anything, lass, don't hesitate to ask."

Hermione's eyes misted in gratitude. "Thank you, Professor," she said softly. "I won't forget."

Minerva too felt moisture begin to gather in her eyes. Blinking rapidly to prevent them spilling over, for she did not want their tea to turn into a crying session, she changed the topic briskly. "Well, lass, I think I've been Professor McGonagall for long enough. When we are not in class, you may call me Minerva. We've been through enough to dispense with the formalities."

Hermione smiled. Trying out her professor's name, she said, "Thank you, Minerva." Then, Hermione giggled. It had taken her ages to get used to calling Severus by his first name too. "It might take me a while, Minerva," said Hermione still smiling.

The older witch smiled too. It did her heart glad to see Hermione acting like a teenager for once in her presence. Minerva had long observed the serious manner in which Hermione approached life. She had always been an adult, even from her very first days in Hogwarts.

After finishing their tea, the two women relaxed into cosy comfort. Into the restful silence, Hermione finally brought up the topic that had led her to her Head of House's office.

"Minerva," she said cautiously, "I've been thinking. Are we doing anything special to celebrate Halloween this weekend? I know we always have a feast each year for the students and the faculty, but don't you think it would be good if we also invited some of our alumni this time around? It would be a simple and effective way to show the world how Hogwarts has united and maybe also demonstrate the fact that the castle's been completely rebuilt."

Minerva's eyes widened thoughtfully at Hermione's suggestion. She had been exposed to Dumbledore's manipulations for long enough to realise that the proposition for a Halloween Feast had more, unvoiced reasons too. Pouring Hermione another cup of tea and pushing a plate of shortbread towards her favourite student, Minerva nodded. "Well, yes, I must agree. We, I mean the staff, did think we should do something special to celebrate the opening of the school, but we had thought to wait until Yule, and have a ball like the one we held during the Triwizard Tournament. But a Halloween Feast, that sounds like a good idea too. And it would not, of course, interfere with the plans already being made for a possible Yule Ball."

Hermione smiled and tried to appear interested at the prospect of a Yule Ball. "That sounds nice," she said at last.

"What made you think of a Halloween Feast?" probed Minerva curiously.

"Well," said Hermione hesitantly, wondering how much to actually tell her Head of House, "you know that I've been investigating the enchantments of the castle for my final year project with Professor Flitwick?"

"Yes," said Minerva, her mouth pursed in disapproval. "I had always thought you would attempt Animagus Transfiguration as your final year project, myself."

Hermione realised that her chosen topic had displeased her mentor. She had not given it that much thought. Moving quickly to placate her teacher, she said, "I do want to learn to become an Animagus, but, well, I thought it could be more of a private project. This, well, this I can only learn while I'm at Hogwarts. Animagus training can be done over the summer once I finish my NEWTs or something."

"Hmm...," said Minerva. She did not seem satisfied.

Hermione laughed in an attempt to lighten the mood. "I could always take on another project, Professor. You know me and my love for extra projects. If you have time, that is?"

Minerva seemed to be suitably mollified. "Well, if you really want to, I could give you a reading list, and we could arrange to meet once a week every Thursday afternoon. You know I have no teaching on Thursdays."

"Brilliant," said Hermione with a genuine grin. She couldn't wait to get started.

Hermione's clear enthusiasm finally melted all reservations from Minerva's mind. "So a feast, hmm... It does sound like a good idea. Now tell me why you thought of it, and please, Hermione, the truth. I may not be Dumbledore, but I've spent enough time with the wily old fox to know when there's more to something than meets the eye."

Hermione blushed. She had thought of withholding information, but she realised that if she was seriously going to take on Severus that she would need allies. "Well," said Hermione cautiously, "I've been learning how to listen to the castle. You know it's sentient, right?"

At Minerva's raised eyebrows, Hermione pushed onwards. "Well, one of the things I've heard by listening to the castle is the state of Headmaster Snape's heart. You know we had grown close over the summer. We were on the verge of becoming a proper couple when I decided to return to complete my final year instead of sitting for my NEWTs with Draco. Since I've returned, he's insisted that we remain only friends. He doesn't want my being with him to distract me from my scholastic achievements. I disagreed, and we fought over it on my birthday. He's not spoken to me since."

Minerva had involuntarily leaned forward as Hermione had begun to speak of Severus' heart and their tentative steps towards a relationship. When Hermione came to a stop, the older witch raised her wand and stoked the fire. She was deep in thought. Finally, with a sigh, she said, "Hermione, lass, I may be old, but I haven't forgotten the first flush of love and passion. If Severus is doing his best to halt the progression of your relationship, it must mean that it has already gone too far in his mind. He is the Headmaster of Hogwarts, and despite the clearing of his name, there is still, and will always be, a dark cloud of suspicion hanging over him. There was plenty of talk in the media about the two of you after the Order of Merlin Award Ceremony. If he is now being careful, he has good reason to be. It is not just your reputation or his that is at stake, but also that of Hogwarts."

Hermione nodded her head. "I know. At first, it was anger that made me want to pursue a sexual relationship with him because I thought his rejection of me was because he found me lacking. Then, I thought it was because he didn't want to commit to a serious relationship that would be required if we were to continue within the walls of Hogwarts. But I've had enough time to think, and I do realise that Severus and his reasons are never simple. He's thinking of my new family name, of possibly performing High Magic when we come together, of Hogwarts, of our reputations, and of a million other things that I'm sure I've not even thought of yet."

Minerva sighed. "All of that and more, lass. No one but Severus could find so many reasons both right and wrong to reject his emotions. He's been alone for so long. I think a large part of that is because he is very aware that being in a relationship makes not only him, but also his partner vulnerable. Lily's death hurt him. He had never seen up close how vulnerable love made someone. She died for Harry, but so did James, who gladly died for both his wife and child. I think in a deep part of him, it was then that he understood what love meant, and it possibly frightened him. He's never really known love. I've known him my whole life, and much to my shame, I've not been a good friend to him. I did nothing to defend him from the Marauders; I never stood up for him, even when he joined the Order. I could have silenced Alastor and Sirius when they spoke up to always call him the traitor. But I did nothing."

Hermione nodded. "Yes, I understand. I think that's why Severus was so willing to do everything in his power to protect Draco. He finally must have understood what Lily felt when she put her life on the line for Harry."

Minerva sighed. "There's no good that can come of bringing all of this up, lass. What is it that you want to achieve from the Halloween Feast?"

Hermione blushed. The time for lies was truly over. "I want Lucius and Cissy to come for the Feast. I think it will help Severus if he was forced to see them. He's not spoken to them since my birthday, not really. He's avoiding everyone and has buried himself with work. His soul is in agony. The castle is almost as worried as I am. We must do all that we can to reach him. If he can't forgive me for doubting his honour and his word, I can understand that, but I can't bear the thought that Severus, who was finally embracing life after the war, has gone back into his shell. It's not good for him. It's destroying his soul. Someone must reach him, make him see sense. I think the Malfoys might be able to, since they know how I feel already."

Minerva frowned thoughtfully. "We need Slytherin cunning. If I bring up the idea of a feast to Severus, he will disagree immediately. But if I first speak to Pomona and Filius and then put it to Severus, he will find it harder to refuse. I shall do so after dinner tonight. I'll insist that we invite members of the Order and other important members of the wizarding world, including the Malfoys, for the Feast. I'll have Kingsley's secretary send out invitations first thing tomorrow. It is a bit short notice, since Halloween is on Sunday, but I doubt any of the alumni would miss a Hogwarts Feast if they can help it. Do you mind me involving Kingsley? If you are going to pursue Severus, you will need all the help you can get."

Hermione blushed. Kingsley would surely give her one of his all-knowing looks once Minerva told him what was going on. But she realised that they, Minerva and Kingsley, had already supported Severus and herself after Ron's boorish behaviour at the Victory Ball. She knew she could rely on them to help, if not to get her together with Severus, at least to pull him out of the deep hole he had disappeared into. "Thank you, Minerva," she said earnestly. "I think it is better that Kingsley knows. I think some of my need to have Severus acknowledge and, indeed, advance our relationship into the sexual may have been a result of my own maturing, perhaps even darkened magic. The old Hermione would have understood the need for caution and would have tried harder to comprehend Severus' reticence. The present me has not been acting rationally. It took Severus halting all ties between us for me to finally be able to see reason. I hurt him myself with my refusal to understand that he was acting with our best interests at heart. I should have trusted him more. He understands wizarding society better than I do."

Minerva sighed. But she felt for her cub. Had she not been at fault herself for her lack of trust of the dark man? "What's done is done. But it is a step in the right direction that you have come to understand what's going on with your own magic. Knowledge is power, nowhere more so than when faced with the Dark Arts."

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A/N: Love it or hate it, please let me know what you think.