Black, White, and Grey

Christmas Holidays

~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~

Of course, I doubt anyone was able to see I wasn't a child until after Elizabeth was born. If my parents ever did stop seeing their baby girl when they looked at me, though they did well hiding it. I wish they were still here, that they were still alive, as futile as that is.

We had to change hiding places last night, with the Ministry getting suspicious of the last people who hid us. We would leave the country if Tom was up to crossing the Channel, or we could get a flight out. We can't use magical means, not with the Ministry watching all the time, so our options are rather limited.

At least this place is drier, even though it is more cramped than the last place, smaller, and with one more person to add to our company, for now. We're safe for another week, at least, and in two, Remus will have to leave. It will be the full moon, and there is no way to get him the wolfsbane potion he needs. More is the pity; I wish he could stay longer.

He did bring us news. Fate, disguised as the Ministry, caught up with Meri and Ri, just as it did Dumbledore shortly before Draco and I had to hide. Min is still crying, and Tom is doing worse, with that stress added on top of hiding, and the illness. I still remember the last time we were all in one place - well, except Ginny and Elizabeth - at the same time. It was the oddest Christmas holiday I'd ever had, and certainly didn't turn out quite the way any of us expected.

~~~ ~~~

I collapsed gratefully onto my bed, happy to be home, instead of being bribed or coerced into going to Malfoy Manor for the holiday. Though Mrs. Malfoy was not pleased I declined her invitation, I was sure.

"Hermione! There's someone here to see you!" I groaned as mum's voice floated up the stairs, and dragged myself out of bed. A quick check to make sure my hair wasn't a complete wreck, and I went downstairs, expecting Amanda or Jennifer, two of my friends from before Hogwarts that still came around.

Mum was waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs, a knowing smirk on her face. "He's quite the handsome boy, your friend."

He?

"Mum, did he give you his name?" I was hoping it was Harry or Ron. It had to be. They were the only two boys at school who knew where I lived. Well, it could be one of the other Weasleys, but I doubted it.

"No. Go on, he's in the parlor. And do invite him for dinner."

I nodded, a smile on my face as I went to greet whichever one had shown up. It would be so good to get back on speaking terms with one of them, at least... The smile faded when I saw who was waiting in the parlor, looking around at everything with a definite air of superiority about him.

"Malfoy." My voice was flat, and unamused. "What are you doing here?"

He turned to face me, a tragic expression of hurt on his face, though it was ruined a moment later when he opened his mouth. "You are being remarkably obtuse, Granger. I decided to come visit, and hardly require any other reason to do anything." He kept his voice pitched too low to carry far. Pity. I'd have loved for mum and dad to hear him being such a prat when he was supposed to be a friend. Speaking of that...

"How did you convince mum you were a friend of mine? She's certainly heard enough to know who you are."

He now looked highly insulted. Hmph. He could have made a fortune as an actor. "I can be polite when it is necessary to get my way. Even to Muggles such as your parents." He invested the word 'Muggle' with volumes of scorn without much modulating his tone, the bastard! I wish I knew how he did that - it would have come in handy to know.

"You had best be, Malfoy," I growled, my own voice kept low. There was merit in not having my parents hear this conversation. "Mum has invited you to dinner, and if you make one nasty comment about them or Muggle or Muggle-borns, I will use your innards to hang you."

He smirked as he inclined his head slightly. "I will keep my commentary to myself unless asked, if need be."

I glared, but mum stuck her head in before I could reply, to announce that dinner was ready.

Malfoy managed a gracious nod, and a smile, while I kept from gaping out of sheer will. He was not behaving normally. I wanted to know who was drugging him, with what, and where they were getting it. If he could be kept in this state, he might actually be tolerable. Or he'd drive everyone insane, one or the other.

"I've met some of Hermione's friends from school, but I don't believe I've met you. What did you say your name was again?"

"I didn't. Draco Malfoy, at your service, madame." Really, he didn't have to butter her up so much. "I do thank you for the offer of dinner, but I am afraid I must decline. Mother will be expecting me shortly, and I really cannot upset her."

"That is a pity. I was looking forward to talking to one of Hermione's friends. Though I don't recall her mentioning very many positive occurrences associated with you."

Draco smiled in reply, spreading his hands in an eloquent gesture of surrender. "I am afraid all are likely true. I unfortunately do not have the time to speak to the accusations, merely to remind the brave Hermione that my mother expects to see her for the Christmas party on the twenty-fourth, and insists she stay the rest of the holiday at the Manor."

Mum's eyes widened, and she smiled at him. At Malfoy! "Hermione didn't tell us about the invitation. This is wonderful! You are going, of course, aren't you, Hermione dear?"

I could kill Malfoy later, but there was no way I could turn down the invite, not in front of mum, not with her oh-so-hopeful expression. "I was going to tell you this evening, ask you before I sent her my acceptance..."

"Then it is settled. Mother will be quite pleased to hear it." Malfoy smirked at me, where mum couldn't see him, before nodding to her and me. "I bid you both a good evening." At least with him leaving, I didn't have to put up with him being a prat over dinner. Not that night.

~~~ ~~~

The next day, mum and dad dropped me off at Diagon Alley, where the Malfoys, well, Draco and his mother, at least, said they would pick me up. In the interests of having me on time to the party, which would begin shortly after breakfast - so they said in the owl earlier that morning. People were milling about the alley, doing Christmas shopping, as I stepped through the barrier, looking for the two. If I didn't see them, maybe I...

"There you are, my dear!" Meri emerged from the crowd, Ri behind her. "Cissa sends her regrets, but she had to make sure Lucius, the precocious boy, doesn't make a scene about you going to Malfoy Manor for the holidays." She had a broad smile on her face as she took both of my hands in hers, and kissed both my cheeks.

Precocious boy? Lucius Malfoy? I was beginning to wonder about her. She was a sweet woman, but not all there upstairs.

"Oh, come on, come on. We have a car waiting, my dear nephew - Cynthia's sweet little boy - is being so kind to us, driving the pesky vehicle." She hustled me along the street, and down another road that opened off it just beyond Gringotts. That one said 'Dragon Row' on the street sign, and was lined with expensive houses walled and gated, and a few houses down, a huge Rolls Royce sat, Remus leaning against the driver's door.

"Remus, dear boy, here is that delightful girl Cissa has invited for Christmas. Oh, I'm sure you've met before, she goes to Hogwarts, young Hermione Granger. She is quite a doll, she is, such a delight to have for company."

Remus looked up, a startled expression on his face. "I've met Miss Granger before, on several occasions, Aunt Meri." He paused, looking puzzled. "You said Narcissa Malfoy invited her for Christmas?"

Meriu reached out to slap his knuckles with her wand, a frown of annoyance flitting across her face. "Remus Joseph Lupin, you behave yourself! Cissa is a dear girl, and I won't tolerate any maligning of her character. After all," she sniffed as I rolled my eyes. "it isn't her fault Lucius is so obnoxious about Muggle-borns."

"Yes, Aunt Meri." Remus looked as if this was a long-standing contention between them, and I shrugged, getting into the car as Ri sharply reminded us we would be late if we continued to dawdle. I saw Remus climb into the driver's seat before Meri closed the door, leaving me to the chatter of the two older women in the back of the modified car.

I heard more about the politics of the wizarding world in those two hours out to Ri's home than I had heard in my entire life prior. That was a huge old manor house, with a broad, long drive, and massive gardens surrounding it. We pulled up in front of the steps, and two young men in livery leaped to open the door.

"You don't have house-elves?" I was surprised, I admit, by the human servants, but my thoughts of Ri being someone who was kind to non-humans was quickly sent flying.

"Oh, dear child, of course I have house-elves. This just isn't one of their jobs." Ri waved a dismissive hand as she let the footmen assist her out of the car. "No, house-elves have their place, and that is out of my sight. They may keep the house clean, but I won't have them disturbing me or my guests. Nor will I have them cooking my meals - God forbid!"

"Of course," I murmured. I should have expected she had house-elves, as she is an aristocrat and a pure-blood, after all.

She led the way, Meri beside her, Remus falling in beside me, her expression troubled as we approached the house. "When did you meet Aunt Meri?"

I looked over at him, startled by the low question. "Why do you ask?"

"She has some very questionable friends from her past that wouldn't be too keen on you remaining alive." He was watching the subject of his comment as she chattered at Ri, his eyes dark with concern. "Morigyn Black being one of them, though she might have mellowed. And why would Narcissa Malfoy, of all people, invite you for Christmas?"

That was not good, of course. How could I tell him I'd met Voldemort and the Inner Circle, much less that they'd accepted me - as far as I could tell - into their company? As frightening as that was to me.

"Um... It's rather difficult to explain." I looked down at my feet as we climbed the stairs up to the huge double doors of the main entrance. "Promise me anything I tell you will go no further." I looked up at his frowning face, worried about what he'd say. He had been one of my favorite professors, and I didn't want to completely alienate him.

"What happened, Hermione?" He had a concerned expression on his face, as if he expected something terrible. Perhaps it would be, to some people, but blast it, I was perfectly able to take care of myself!

"Wizard's Oath, or I don't tell you!" I glared at him, pausing at the door.

He held up his hands in surrender, startled, drawing his wand a moment later. "Wizard's Oath, then." A brief touch, and the oath was sealed. "What is so odd about how you met Aunt Meri to require that?"

I turned, going inside before I replied. "I met her in November, the weekend after Halloween." I paused, watching his reaction as I continued. "She met me at the door of the Riddle Mansion at three am, because I was expected for breakfast the next day."

Remus was staring at me, his expression one of shock. I did suppose having someone tell you they'd had breakfast with the man who killed your best friends would be a shock.

He grabbed my arm, pulling me into an alcove just off the main entrance, his voice a low growl. "You were where?"

"Riddle Mansion, on a Saturday morning, having breakfast with Voldemort and his Inner Circle." It was amazing how calm I sounded. "And no, I was not, and am not, under the Imperious Curse."

"Merlin's sake, Hermione!" He was staring at me still, mingled shock, horror, and awe in his expression. "How did you come back alive? And why, for God's sake, did you go?"

I sighed, rubbing my temples. "It is a long story, and I need food and a strong drink before I can tell it."

"Tell what, dear?" Meri peered into the alcove, a smile on her face. "Whatever are you talking about that has my nephew looking like a stranded fish? Oh, and don't deny it, Remus dear," she admonished as he opened his mouth to protest, "you do. Well?"

"Just wondering when and where I met you, Meri." I slipped past them out of the alcove, hoping to escape awkward questions. Of course, my luck wasn't that good.

"The breakfast at Tom's? Oh dear." Meri's smile faded. "You should sit down to tell that one. It is a little much for him to take." She paused, wrapping one arm about my shoulders in a comforting gesture. "Why don't we go sit in the drawing room while Ri goes to drag her nephew out of wherever he's hidden himself now."

I frowned as she herded us into another room, seating us near a cheery fire. "Her nephew?" I vaguely remembered she'd mentioned Ri had a nephew, but I'd not heard a name mentioned. Though she was Morigyn Black, I didn't think it was...

"Oh, Sirius, of course. He had quite a run in with death, the poor boy. I do declare it's driven him quite out of his mind."

I wish I could remember to expect the unexpected from Meri and Ri. Though this was a good way to steer conversation away from that Saturday in November. "Sirius? We thought he died when he fell through that arch?"

Meri shook her head. "Oh, he did. But Ri is a very determined person, and very talented at necromancy. She heard what happened the next day, and she used some piece of blood magic, I expect, to bring him back. He is her only heir, and likewise with Theodore, her brother. They would rather not see the family name die out, and since Regulus is dead, and Theodore has no sons - Katherine won't have anymore children after those girls - he was the last, and still is."

"Yes, Meri dear. And generally we don't speak of my particular field of interest, if you recall." Ri was in the doorway, a mild expression on her face. I later learned that was her at her most dangerous. "Sirius will be down after he has taken a bath and cleaned up," she continued as she came in, taking the empty place next to Meri. "I found him outside, digging up mother's gardens. Again."

Meri shook her head. "He can be so difficult sometimes. But he is a sweet boy, nevertheless. Oh, Remus, be a dear, and have the maid bring some of Mary's mulled cider up. So much better than tea on a cold day, it is." She smiled at me as Remus sighed, rolling his eyes as he went to do as his Aunt asked. "Now, Hermione dear, you can tell us all about what has been happening since November, with you and young Draco."

I stifled a groan, wondering what deity I had pissed off recently to deserve this. I had wanted to steer conversation away from the November day, but Draco Malfoy was not a topic I wanted to discuss, either. "Nothing much. I try to avoid him, mostly."

"Oh, something must have happened! You can't have avoided him completely, he's too sweet a boy to do that."

"I... did have detention with him, a week or so after the meeting. He... made a bet with me. Ron and Harry heard, and now they won't talk to me."

"A bet? About what?" Trust her to latch onto the one thing I didn't want to discuss. She had an uncanny ability in that department.

""We were talking, and he said everyone had their price, and bet he could find mine." I grimaced. "I agreed to the bet..."

"What were the stakes?" Ri had a sharp expression on her face. I could very easily hate her for that question.

"If he wins, all my free time next year belongs to him. If he loses, he leaves me alone next year."

"Time frame?" Ri was nosier than Meri when she decided she was interested in something.

"He has till June." I noticed Remus return out of the corner of my eye, a damp-haired Sirius following. Harry's godfather looked like he had been to hell and back. Or in Azkaban again.

Ri looked towards the door, and rose, going over to Sirius. "That's better, Sirius. Now, come sit and talk with the rest of us until dinner."

He didn't really look up until he'd sprawled in the chair next to me. The startled expression on his face made Meri smile indulgently, and Remus shake his head as he reclaimed his vacant seat.

"Hermione? What are you doing here?" He had a confused expression on his face. "Where are Harry and Ron?"

"They're probably at the Burrow, still determined not to speak to me. I suspect they are rather miffed I accepted Mrs. Malfoy's invitation to visit over the holidays." No need to tell him about the bet, the fight, or the fact I'd accepted the invitation under duress. The reaction was sure to be spectacular enough as it was.

He blinked a moment before he said anything. And the reaction was as impressive as I'd expected. "YOU'RE VISITING WHO FOR THE HOLIDAYS?" His roar made me wince, and Ri grabbed for her wand. "No wonder they're upset! How could..." He was cut off by a silencing spell from Ri, which earned her a black glare before he stood to leave.

"Where do you think you are going, Sirius Theodore Black?" Ri's voice was cold, her eyes narrowed in anger. "You are going to remain here until Narcissa, Lucius, and Draco arrive, and you will behave yourself through dinner."

His response was to head for the door, and Ri stood, her low voice cutting through the tension-filled room like a knife.

"Do I need to remind you what I can do, nephew of mine?"

I watched in horrified fascination as Sirius stiffened, and whirled to glare at his aunt. Remus had sat up, his expression wary as he watched his friend, and Meri looked frightened. It was several minutes before anyone moved, and Sirius returned to his seat, a scowl on his face.

Ri sat down, removing the silencing spell from him. Still, no one spoke until there was a knock on the doorframe.

"Ma'am, the Malfoys have arrived to see you." The butler had a dignified expression on his face, though I was sure he had heard the commotion a few minutes before.

"Good. Show them in here, Paul, then check on Mary and make sure dinner will be ready on time." Ri smiled slightly, no warmth in it, rising to stand near Sirius, one firm hand on his shoulder.

A few minutes later, Mrs. Malfoy came gliding in, and the smile returned to Meri's face as she rose to greet her. "Cissa, dear, it is such a delight to see you. Ri and I are so glad you make it for dinner."

Draco was watching me as his mother exchanged greetings with Meri and Ri, and behind him, Mr. Malfoy didn't bother to hide a sneer. I knew he disliked me, and the feeling was quite mutual. Arrogant bastard. I wished they hadn't let him out of Azkaban, but politics didn't swing in my favor.

"And Hermione, I'm delighted you accepted my invitation for the holiday." Mrs. Malfoy turned to me, a warm smile on her face. "Sephone is looking forward to seeing you again, and Lisette will be very glad to meet you. She's been so isolated, what with Bella and Rudy taking care of her and Tomas again."

I managed a smile in return, a feeling of sick dread in the pit of my stomach. Bella and Rudy had to be the Lestranges, as I remembered Mrs. Malfoy saying Lisette was her niece, and she wasn't Tonks's sister. And Draco complained about his cousins when he could get me to listen to him.

"Are you feeling well, Hermione? You've gone quite pale." Meri was watching me with concern, as were Mrs. Malfoy and Ri.

"I'm... just a little light-headed, that's all. I haven't really eaten since breakfast." I tried to keep the smile pasted on my face, but it refused to stay. I must have looked miserable, because the concerned expression on the three women didn't go away.

"You boys go on out. Find something to entertain yourselves with, that doesn't involve destroying my house, or killing each other." Ri imperiously waved the entire male contingent of the dinner party out the door, closing it behind them. "Now, you are going to tell us what is wrong."

Faced with those three woman, I wondered if anyone ever stood a chance of hiding anything. I was sure they could teach Aurors tricks about interrogating people. They got everything that happened in the last month and a half out of me, despite my attempts not to tell, and trust me, I did try. There's only so long one can hold out against a sympathetic ear, a mother in full mothering mode, and a force of nature.

Mrs. Malfoy started for the door with a thin-lipped smile that boded ill for Draco. She'd been appalled when she heard about the bet, and I suspected she was going to chew Draco up one side and down the other about it.

"Mrs. Malfoy... Narcissa, please." I paused as she turned, raising an eyebrow in question. "Don't ruin the holiday mood more than the men probably already have on their own." I still wasn't used to speaking civilly with her... she hadn't been particularly nice in the past. "Besides, he's unlikely to win the wager."

She smiled sadly at me, shaking her head. "Draco can be very perceptive when he tries, and very determined to achieve his ends. Whatever it takes. I should know, he's my son in so many ways." She didn't leave, though, standing at the door a moment, until Meri broke the silence with a rustle of cloth as she stood.

"Well, we can't leave those boys alone too long. I'm sure they're all itching to pull wands on each other already, and Mary will have dinner ready soon."

Ri nodded, and we headed out to retrieve the men before they could do something to damage the house. Or each other.

~~~ ~~~

I'd never sat through a more awkward dinner in my life. Not that the ride back to Malfoy Manor was any better. At least Mrs. Malfoy didn't bring up the wager between Draco and I. The reaction of Mr. Malfoy was not something I wanted to contemplate.

I was given a room decorated in red and gold, and I could see Draco shudder as he showed me where it was. I even suppressed a wince.

"Mother insisted on redecorating it, though I haven't a clue where her usually impeccable fashion sense was at the time." His tone was cutting, and I glared at him. "What, Granger? Don't tell me you think it isn't atrocious."

I couldn't honestly say I thought it looked nice, but I wasn't going to insult Mrs. Malfoy. "It... is a bit... surprising, but it is a nice gesture. I... appreciate... her going through all that trouble for me."

Draco snorted. "Whatever, Granger. Breakfast is at nine, and my cousins arrive at ten. Sephone is already here - she's in the room across the hall if you need anything. Good night." He turned, stalking off, leaving me with a frown on my face. He wasn't acting his usual self.

Shrugging, I closed the door, turning to take a second look at the room. It was rather garish, and none of the furniture matched. Though the bed looked comfortable, and at that point, I couldn't have cared if ti was painted in that hideously bright shade of orange Ron's room at the Burrow was. That thought made my eyes tear up, and I firmly banished the idea of crying. They'd not be losing sleep over this, and neither would I, for pity's sake.

I didn't sleep well that night, startling awake at every unfamiliar noise. I didn't trust Mr. Malfoy, at least, not to try and murder me in my sleep. The result of which, I was very irritable the next morning as I went down the stairs, yawning.

"Good morn..." Mrs. Malfoy's voice trailed off as she turned to see me. "Gracious! Don't you dress before you eat breakfast at home?" She looked appalled to see me with a dressing robe over my pajamas, fluffy slippers poking out from underneath. "Back upstairs with you! Oh, mother would be having hysterics if she were here."

I wanted to growl as she expertly herded me back to my room, where I got no chance to retaliate as she flung open the wardrobe, and inspected the contents before she tossed me a set of robes with a disapproving frown. Flicking the door closed, she looked at me expectantly.

"Well? Don't just stand that, get dressed!" She glared at me, and I wanted nothing more dearly than to scream a few choice insults at her, and go home. Except I'd end up dead. Blasted woman.

She did have the decency to turn away as I reluctantly dressed in the robes I'd been handed - which were, coincidentally, not mine. Afterwards, she gave me a critical once-over before nodding, and seating me in front of the vanity. I'd never seen anyone do so many hair charms in such a short period of time in my life. Hmph. It didn't take a genius to figure out how she dealt with her hair. Lazy woman.

"Much better. Now you're ready for breakfast." She smiled sweetly at me, and I managed to return it - at least, I put something resembling a smile on my face. "Now, come on, Lucius will be down by now, and Draco had best be."

I followed her back down, my temper worse than it had been earlier. That woman did bring out the worst in people. Perhaps that was why Draco was such a prat. Speaking of him, he looked no more pleased to be awake and dressed at that hour of the holiday than I was.

"Good morning, Draco. Good morning, Lucius." Mrs. Malfoy greeted her son and husband with the same chilly nod of the head. I wondered if there was a name and medication for her mental condition. Sweet, kind and motherly on moment, a cold, vicious bitch the next.

"Good morning, Narcissa." Mr. Malfoy was trying to ignore my existence entirely, which suited me just fine. Much better than, say, trying to kill me.

A clattering down the stairs made me turn, in time to avoid being plowed into as Sephone came running into the room. "Sorry I'm late, Aunt Cissa, Uncle Lucius! The house-elves forgot to wake me up."

Well, from the smirk Draco was trying to hide, I didn't think the house-elves forgot to wake her up. "Mm. Considering Draco's habit of causing other people trouble, I suspect they didn't forget at all." It's amazing how quickly a quietly spoken sentence can get everyone's attention.

Mr. Malfoy had a very... interesting expression on his face. I got the impression I was supposed to be scared. "How dare you speak of my son like that, Mudblood!"

"Easily," I muttered as he continued to rant. Azkaban certainly hadn't helped him with anger management. Mrs. Malfoy was looking faintly irritated, and Sephone was glaring at Draco. Lovely start to the morning, all in all.

Breakfast was a silent affair, with Sephone shooting daggers at Draco, Lucius glowering at everyone, and Mrs. Malfoy valiantly trying to ignore the tension in the room. The food was probably excellent, but it still tasted like ash, and sat in my stomach like a lump of lead, especially after the food was cleared away, and we went into another room, this one with a fire on the hearth.

Sephone plopped herself down on the chaise next to me, smiling. "I'm glad you decided to come, Hermione, even though Aunt Cissa is a dragon at times. With Lisette, we'll outnumber the boys this year, and maybe we can avoid their usual antics. Tomas still likes to leave frogs and other slimy things in Lisette's ed, and when he stays here over Christmas holiday, he likes to include me on his pranks."

"Hush, Sephone. You two and Lisette will have plenty of time to talk after she arrives." Mrs. Malfoy shot a sharp glance at us, her eyes practically shooting sparks. A dragon, indeed.

A moment later, the fire flared green, and a black-haired woman with dark blue eyes stepped out, followed by a girl about my age with a very similar appearance. Lisette squealed with delight when she spotted Sephone and me on the chaise, and bounded over, despite her mother's sharp command not to. Mrs. Lestrange was glaring at me, clearly displeased.

She didn't have a chance to voice her disapproval of my existence before her husband and son emerged from the fire. Mr. Lestrange didn't look pleased either, but the boy, Tomas, looked delighted. And not in a pleasant way, either.

"Bella, Rudy, it's so good of you to come." Mrs. Malfoy took charge of the situation, going forward to embrace her sister and brother-in-law. "We have an extra guest over for the holidays. Aunt Meri has been singing her praises, and The Lady is very fond of her." I later discovered that Professor McGonagall was known as 'The Lady' to most Death Eaters, and that pissing her off had been known to get people killed. Convenient, that.

"Ah. I see." Mrs. Lestrange's voice was colder than the day outside. "What did you say her name was?"

"Hermione, come here and meet my sister, Bellatrix, and her husband, Rudolphus." Mrs. Malfoy waved me over, and the two other girls gave me sympathetic looks. I would be glad when that was over, and I could return to Hogwarts.

~~~ ~~~

I was woken up on Christmas Eve by Sephone and Lisette pouncing and dragging me out of bed. They had gleeful expressions on their faces, and I wondered what they were planning.

"Is there a reason I'm being woken up early?" Alright, I was already awake, but still, I'd been enjoying a good book.

"Uncle Tom and Aunt Min are here, and so are Aunt Ri and Aunt Meri. There are some others, but Aunt Cissa told us to get you up, and Draco and Tomas. Come on!"

I went pale, then headed for the wardrobe, pulling out a dark, sapphire blue dress robe mum and dad had bought me for this year. I hoped everyone was being civil downstairs, but was fearing I'd find a mess. I forgot that Meri and Ri has been doing this for years.

"Hermione. How has your stay been?" Professor McGonagall was looking at me with concern. Behind her, Professor Snape and Voldemort were talking, with Mr. Malfoy. Meri was standing with Remus, and an elegant lady I didn't recognize, and he looked tense and wary, for which I couldn't blame him. Ri was sitting near the fireplace with Sirius standing behind her radiating anger and annoyance.

"I've been fine, Professor." I replied calmly as Lisette and Tomas went over to Ri, dragging Draco with them. "Though it is quite an experience." Not one I wanted to repeat anywhere in the near future, though.

Meri turned at that moment, and smiled, waving for me and Sephone to come over. McGonagall waved me along, and Sephone, who'd attached herself to me for the time being, followed.

"Hermione, Sephone, my dear! Sephone, you remember your cousin, Remus?" I blinked at the question as Sephone nodded, her eyes wary. I hadn't know Remus had a cousin. Of course, I never had asked.

"Well, I must introduce you to this adorable young woman he's been courting recently. Alysta, this is my niece Tasia's daughter, Sephone Medeux, and Min's student, Hermione Granger. Sephone, Hermione, this is Alysta Necromancien."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Sephone, Hermione." Alysta had a low alto voice with a slight accent to it. She smiled at us, her hand tucked neatly into Remus's arm. "Remus has spoken of you both, and I have been looking forward to meeting you."

"Thank you." I returned the smile with one of my own, though it was a bit strained. I just wished life would settle into something of a routine again, at least for awhile. Preferably without Draco shadowing my every move.

"You're very kind," was Sephone's reply, and she was now watching Alysta with the same wary concern she'd been watching Remus with a few moments before. "Cousin Remus didn't bite you, did he?" she blurted out, and I nearly groaned as Remus blushed, and Meri looked scandalized.

"Sephone Anas..." She was interrupted by peals of laughter, and an upraised hand by Alysta.

"Oh, do not scold her. It is a valid question." She grinned, merriment in her eyes. "Though I never expected it to be asked of me. Sweet child, I was born a werewolf. It is a long story, and not one to be told before breakfast. Perhaps later, though."