Mother of Mine, Sweet Child of Thee

It took less than 24 hours for Minerva McGonagall to receive Hermione's guardianship papers from the ministry. Something which she would forever be grateful for. The quick processing of the legal documents meant that no matter what Hermione's care would be left to her meaning she could keep the girl close and therefore safe.

Hermione for her part didn't know what to feel. The mix of emotions swirling through her head was dizzying and she truly did not know what to do with the information.

She was currently pacing back and forth in front of the fire in her Grandmothers study as she thought.

"Alright little one slow it down" Minerva chuckled stepping infront of the young gryffindor and pulling her into her arms.

"You're going to ware a hole in my floor with all this pacing. Take a breath and tell me whats got you in such a tizzy dear girl"

"Its just far too much to process Grandmama, far too much. I mean my parents are not my parents but my actual parents are in prison and are entirely innocent and not at all who they're supposed to be and then there's he who shall not he named and Harry and Ron and then there's Fleur and I need to contact my long lost aunt but can't contact my other long lost aunt and I am related to Draco Malfoy of all people and..." Hermione ranted before she suddenly found her mouth covered by her grandmothers hand as she was pulled back against Minerva's front gently (she didnt even realise she had left her grandmothers embrace to pace again).

"Hold up and take a breath again little one, its alright" Minerva whispered softly as she wrapped an arm around the younger girls waist and began to comb through her hair with the other hand comforting her.

"Let's tackle this one thing at a time shall we? Your parents being who they are doesn't chance who you are and we cannot attempt to pass judgement until we know the full story so we can table that discussion for today. Andromeda, we can write too and arrange a meeting so you don't need to stress over that for now. Your adoptive family and the trial we can worry about in the coming weeks. So tell me about Fleur, why has she got you all flustered?" Minerva asked, guiding her young charge to the sofa and sitting beside her.

Hermione blushed and looked away shyly. Trying to work out exactly what she should tell her bond-grandmother. She didn't want to lie but she did not want to earn her soulmate the third degree from her overprotective guardian so soon into the relationship either.

Minerva chuckled lightly reaching up to turn Hermione's face back towards her. "Is this a little crush or immortal love hmmm?" She quipped smirking slightly. Hermione buried her head in her hands.

"Read the letter you saved from my friends yesterday" she mumbled in response.

Without further comment Minerva stood and made her way to her desk, pulling the letter out of her top drawer before opening it and reading quietly.

"Oh well I can see how that may have you in a tizzy, how do you feel about all this?" She quiried when she was done, making her way back towards the young witch.

"I'm not sure, I'm elated, I'm nervous, I'm excited yet absolutely terrified and I have absolutely no clue how to move things forward, I mean we cannot spend our entire relationship exchanging letters as a way to communicate" Hermione sighed, meeting her Grandmothers eyes willingly for the first time that evening.

"I don't suppose you can Hermione, it would be entirely to impractical i would imagine" Minerva laughed lightly, her eyes twinkling in fondness. It was really great to see her grandchild stressing over normal teenage feelings for a change and not classes or evil dictators and awful parents.

"What do I do Grandmama, I like her so much but I cannot function around her. I never know what to say!!" Hermione cried out running her hands through her wild curls.

"Why don't you try mind link to start with little one? It'll work with her as it does with me. See if you can hold a conversation in the great hall across from each other without being in each others proximity. But be gentle about it the first time you use it, you might need to explain to her how mindlink works so she doesn't fear her own sanity when she hears a voice in her head hmm?" McGonagall asks raising an eyebrow at her grandchild.

"Oh why didn't I think of that. Merlin its so obvious. That way there is no letters for pesky friends to steal and we can start to get to know one another without any sort of pressure" Hermione exclaimed excitedly.

"Indeed, now is there anything you would like to discuss dear child?" Minerva chuckled sitting herself back comfortably on the sofa.

"Well..." Hermione began uncertainly before visibly stealing herself and fixing her grandmother with what could only be described as a decidedly determined yet curious look. "Can you tell me what my mother was like? You taught her, you share a maternal bond with her, I cant help but be curious about who she is" Hermione asked quietly and Minerva's soul hurt a little at the clear longing in Hermione's eyes and voice. A longing for the mother she never knew yet the mother that had given up everything out of love for the child that now sat here missing a woman she did not yet know.

"She was an incredible girl. I love her dearly, just as I love you Hermione. She was very bright, the brightest of her age believe it or not. You both have that in common and I'm kicking myself slightly that I did not put two and two together. I should have known from the beginning that you were hers, even if the bond we share didnt give it away, your mannerisms, your power, your intelligence all scream Bellatrix to me now that I know the truth. Morganna only knows how no one else has figured it out" Minerva began, opening her arms to her grandchild in invitation.

Hermione moved into the embrace without hesitation, settling her upper body against her grandmothers front and laying her head on Minerva's shoulder. Allowing the older witch to hold her close as she spoke.

"She was a whirlwind though, you could never get her to stay in one place for very long but she loved her sisters so very fiercely. Your aunts meant everything to your mother and they were extremely close. All three Black sisters were often found curled up together in one corner or another around the castle. She was most at peace in their presence. It doesn't surprise me that she gave her freedom to protect them and you. She would be extremely proud of the young woman you are becoming" Minerva continued as she ran her figures through riotous curls and held her grand baby tightly. This is how they sat for the remainder of the evening. Hermione listening to her grandmother tell stories of her mothers many adventures as she asked questions about the woman she already loved so much even if she had only known of her existence for a day and as she fell asleep surrounded by the scent of old parchment and mint tea and the warmth of her Grandmothers love Hermione made herself a promise.

That no matter what she would find a way to win the upcoming war, save her family and unite them for the sake of her mother. For as long as she lived Hermione Black-Lestrange would do everything in her power to ensure that her mother got the happiness she deserved.

-----

The next morning Hermione woke up in her Grandmothers guest room feeling more optimistic than she had in months. She was more than grateful to have Minerva McGonagall in her life. The woman was a godsend and made Hermione feel more loved and protected than she thought possible. She calmed Hermione's racing mind and helped her focus on what was important and for that she was thankful.

Sitting in the great hall for breakfast Hermione took a moment to brace herself, scanning the Ravenclaw table to catch sight of her soulmate. When she spotted her she noticed that Fleur was already looking at her. Her baby blue eyes glinting with joy as their gazes locked.

'Hello' Hermione thought focusing on the connection she shared with Fleur. She smiled and had to hide a giggle behind her hand as Fleur visibly jumped and looked around warily. Clearly searching for the invisible source of the voice. When her eyes landed back on Hermione she narrowed her eyes at the brunette, raising an eyebrow in question. Hermione smiled innocently at her before refocusing on their connection.

'Its called mindlink Miss Delacour, it's like telepathy but for those that share a bond. Try focusing on our connection and simply think what you want to say to me" Hermione thought as she raised her eyebrow back at the blonde in challenge as she tried to contain the urge to giggle, lest she attract the attention of her fellow gryffindors.

"Merlin i thought I was quite possibly going mad, how much more appealing it is to know that its infact you Miss Granger' Fleur replied cheekily as she smiled in victory at working out how to use the mindlink.

'I'm glad I don't disappoint, I assume you received my letter?' Hermione asked still not removing her eyes from the pretty blonde across the hall.

'I did and I must admit I am rather curious. Your response has left me extremely determined to learn all I can about you mon cour'

'That sounds like you have yourself a predicament, how do you suppose you will find out the answers that you seek' Hermione replied flirtatiously, cocking her head to the side and smiling cheekily.

'Hmm intelligent and a flirt how will I ever cope' was Fleurs response as she smiled at Hermione. 'I suppose if you decide to except the bond between us a shall simply have to take you out and woo the information I seek out of you little witch. You may be the brightest but can your intelligence stand up to experience?'

Hermione couldn't help it, she let lose a hearty laugh, startling her table. She laughed harder when she saw the same occurring over at the Ravenclaw table with Fleur and her friends.

'I suppose we will see, won't we? Meet me tonight at eight on the seventh floor' Hermione finally replied. Smiling brightly at her witch from across the hall before turning herself to face the curious gazes of her friends.

"Mione, do you mind filling us in on the punch line because I have to say we are entirely lost here" Harry enquired and Hermione couldn't help but blush amd smile shyly at her friends. All of which were looking at her in curiosity.

"Well I suppose I can tell you all now but not here. Accompany me to the black lake?" She asked them. Smiling when they all simply nodded and stood.

----

The morning was a pleasant one and the sun shone brightly as Hermione, Harry, Ron, Ginny, Neville and Luna made their way towards the lake. Hermione loved the autumn and winter months at Hogwarts. She felt as if the castle and its grounds were at its most beautiful from September to December. Currently the leaves on the trees around the lake were various shades of yellow and orange and the waters of Black Lake shone beautifully in the early morning sun. To put it simply the image created was breathtaking.

She sat herself against the trunk of a tree and waited for her friends to sit around her.

"I feel as if we are about to learn something spectacular" Ginny quipped lightheartedly as she raised an eyebrow at her friend. Hermione smiled at her and held her hand up to indicate she would like her friend to wait a moment as she pulled her wand and cast a silencing spell around the group of teens.

"What is it Hermione?" Harry asked curiously.

"Before I go into detail what do you all know of wizarding bonds?" Hermione asked them, unsure of how much information she would need to explain to her friends.

"Just what you have told us about familial bonds Mione when you told us about McGonagall being your wizarding grandmother." Neville said softly, beaming at his friend.

"You mentioned about that brain speak too, how you and McGonagall can communicate telepathically" Ron added brazenly.

"Mindtalk Ronald not brain talk but yes that's right, any witch or wizard can communicate telepathically with those they share a bind with" Hermione corrected before continuing.

"The familial bond isn't the only type of wizarding bond. There is one other that is as equally rare and considered just as sacred as the familial bond. A soulmate bond" she explained, glancing at each of her friends in turn. Noting with some curiosity the slight scowl that had appeared on Rons face.

"Soulmate bonds are as I said uncommon but not unheard of. They can consist of more than two people but most commonly only exist between two witches or wizards and it turns out that Fleur Delacour and I share a soulmate bond, we were talking through mindlink this morning and she made me laugh." She informed them, blushing again as she smiled happily.

"Wow Mione, thats great" Harry exclaimed.

"Go mione!!" Ginny smiled.

"The cupids look flattering around you Hermione" Luna added as Neville moved forward to embrace Hermione.

"Congrats mione you deserve to be loved and happy" he whispered in her ear sweetly before he released her. Hermione turned to the only friend who hadn't said a word since she had told them.

Ron sat with a fierce scowl on his bright red face. His fists were clenched and he sat rigidly.

"Ron, what's wrong?" Hermione asked in concern.

"Whats wrong? WHATS WRONG!!!? EVERYTHING" Ron spat. "You're meant to be mine Hermione. We are meant to grow up together. You aren't supposed to be in love with someone else. You're MINE!!" He screamed standing up to tower over the young brunette. In their shock none of the youngsters noticed Neville taking off towards the Castle, with Luna in tow.

"Ron back off you have no right" Ginny warned standing up also and shovong herself to stand between Hermione and Ron.

Hermione for her part was shocked. She never considered this as a possible reaction from one of her first friends here.

"I have every right Ginny. She's mine, I had her first. I forbid it Hermione. You will NOT see that French slut!!" Ron exclaimed, trying to push past his youngest sister to get to Hermione.

"Ronald, I'm warning you just this once, shut the feck up and stop acting like a possessive douchebag or I will gladly put you in your place" Hermione hissed, getting to her feet and drawing her wand. She didn't like the idea of having to hex someone she considered a friend but Ron's behaviour had her feeling a little to trapped and vulnerable for her liking and she was entirely worried that he may harm one of her other friends in his anger.

"You are no one to tell me my place. You're a girl. You should know when to hold your tongue and respect your betters Hermione. I've tolerated your lip this long do not think to take liberties with me" he retorted icily, glaring at Hermione.

"Ron stop it right now and calm down or leave us and do not come near us again until you are rational. You have no rights to Hermione, you are no better than the rest of us and need to back down right now" Harry said, jumping in to the defence of his bestfriend. He placed himself beside Ginny, creating a wall between Hermione and Ron just incase the foolish red head tried to harm their friend.

"Stay out of this Harry. She needs to learn. I will not have her sully herself by laying with a whole. She's MINE!!" Ron hissed shoving Harry and Ginny to the side so he could get to Hermione.

The little witch saw this coming though and Hermione silently cast two separate cushioning charms at her two best friends, ensuring that they did not get hurt as they landed on the hard ground. She drew herself up tall and braced herself, ready to react at a moments notice to anything Ron may try, fortunately for her (rather unfortunately for Ron) it was at that moment Minerva McGonagall along with Albus Dumbledore arrived on scene. Neville and Luna following closely behind them.

As Ron went to lunch he suddenly found himself suspended in mid air thanks to Professor Dumbledore's quick levitation spell as he saw the threat to his friends grandchild. He did not think for a second that Hermione needed him to intervene however he was all to aware of what may happen to Ronald should Hermione be harmed in any way in the presence of Minerva. He could feel the rage rolling off his friend in intense suffocating waves. He did not wish for his friend to lose her job because of the actions of one foolish little boy.

"Thats enough Mr Weasely. You will follow me to my office. Miss Granger, Mr Potter, Miss Weasely please follow also. We shall get to the bottom of this amd deal with it appropriately" Albus commanded. Turning his back and casting a spell that would ensure Ron (still stuck in mid air) would levitate behind him.

Minerva waited on Hermione moving to her side before she followed behind the headmaster, ensuring the other youngsters were infront of her. She reached down and silently took Hermione's hand in her own before walking with her in the direction that Albus had walked off in.

'Are you alright dearest?' She thought to Hermione. 'I think so Grandmama, please calm down, I'm safe now' Hermione replied, squeezing the older witches hand reassuringly. Hermione could sense her grandmothers anger and knew that it was important that she reassure herself that Hermione hadn't been harmed.

'Alright, we will discuss this further tonight. You will be staying in my chambers' Minerva replied curtly, struggling to maintain a grip on her emotions. She was furious. How dare this boy even think about harming her grandchild. He had no right and she was battling with knowing as a teacher she could not harm the boy but as a mother, a grandmother all she wanted to do was hex him into oblivion for daring to even consider harming her girl.

As they made it into Albus' office all the students took a seat on the chairs Professor Dumbledore had materialise infront of his desk as he sat down behind it. Minerva dropped Hermione's hand as the girl sat and moved to stand behind her. Placing her hands on her granddaughters shoulders, needing the physical proximity to help ground her and remind herself that Hermione was safe.

"Now Neville, Luna ten points each to your houses for your quick thinking amd acting in the intent of preventing harm from coming to your friends. You should be proud of yourselves" Albus praised, smiling at the two teens who had run to the castle to fetch a professor when they realised Ron was reacting rather aggressively.

"As for Mr Potter and Miss Weasely I also award you both ten points each for your houses. Your bravery in defending your friend from a clear display of aggression, even from another class mate is entirely commendable. Well done. Now Miss Granger would you care to inform us of what all occurred outside please" he asked. Looking at the slightly shaken young witch infront of him.

"I asked my friends to accompany me to the lake so I could tell them that I have discovered that Fleur Felacour and I share a soulmate bond professor. Everyone reacted positively to the news but Ron was rather quiet. When I asked him if he was alright it was like he flipped a switch. One moment he was sitting quietly all be it angrily and the next he was up on his feet threatening to put me in my place, forbidding me to see my soulmate and declaring that I was his and was not allowed to care for anyone else. He was rather aggressive and when Harry and Ginny stood infront of me to stop him getting to me he pushed them rather harshly. I cast a cushioning charm on them both quickly to stop them from getting hurt as they fell. You and Professor McGonagall got there just in time. I am positive he intended to harm me. He had me feeling rather trapped Professor" Hernione informed him rather mater of factly but she could not quite cover up the fear she was attempting to conceal in her voice or the nervous glances she shot towards the red headed boy stewing angrily in his seat.

"I am glad Miss Granger that you thought to protect your friends as they fell. They could have been seriously injured otherwise. Ten points for your house for your quick reflexes. I can assure you, you will never again be put in danger from mr weasely in this school." He replied softly, trying to reassure the young witch that she was safe. She had been through entirely too much as it was already this year.

"As for you Mr Weasely. Your actions were completely intolerable. We do not tolerate aggressive behaviour not do we tolerate violence as such I must inform you, you are to be expelled from Hogwarts, effective immediately. Your parents will be contacted and will be here for you shortly. You can remain sitting here with me until the time for your departure. I will have a house elf collect your things from your dorm. I wi not tolerate your presence in this school again. Have I made myself clear?" He said, his voice polite but firm and you would have to be an idiot to miss the barely concealed anger in his voice.

"The rest of you may go and enjoy your day. It is Saturday after all. Do what you need to and make sure you are prompt for this evenings feast. The competitors will be announced tonight" he said as he dismissed the group of teens. Minerva following them out of his office.

"If you teens have nothing better to do today I would be entirely aopreciative of your company in my chambers. Call it a family binding day if you will" she said hopefully as she faced her grandchild and her young friends.

"We would love to Professor" Harry exclaimed excitedly. He was keen to get to know his best friends grandmother as someone other than just his Professor because he knew she meant the world to Hermione.

"Let us get a few things from our dorms Professor and then we will be right with you" Ginny said politely.

"Very well. The password is dear heart, just come up when you arrive" Minerva told them as she took Hermione's hand again. Hermione blushed at the teasing looks on her friends faces but admittedly did not mind much that Minerva was being so clingy with her. If she was being honest she needed the physical proximity to her grandmother just as much as her grandmother seemed too.

Once they had split ways and Minerva and Hermione were in Minerva's chamber, the older witch wasted no time I pulling Hermione down onto her lap as she sat at her desk. Wrapping her arms around her granddaughter tightly.

"Thank Merlin you are alright dearheart" she whispered.

"I am thank you" Hermione whispered back, clinging onto the older witch just as tightly. There genuinely was not a place she would rather be right now. Her grandmother was her safety.

"Would you like to write the letter to Andromeda just now while we await your friends?" Minerva questioned. Pulling a clean piece of parchment, her green ink and her quill towards them when Hermione nodded.

"Okay here you go. I'll let you write it sweetheart. If you need a hand I am right here" she said softly, squeezing Hermikne tightly before allowing the brunette to turn round on her lap to face the desk.

-----
The rest of the day passed quickly once Hermione's friends appeared at Minerva's chambers. Hermione finished writing the letter to her aunt and they then proceeded to spend the day playing board games and talking together. The young witch couldn't help the smile she wore constantly throughout as she watched her friends and grandmother together.these were her people and they loved her just as much as she loved them.

Dinner was a rather quiet affair. The friends found it a little strange to be eating without Ron but every single one of them was glad he was not there. Especially when the competitors for the Tri-wizard tournament were announced.

Drumstrang had Victor Krum as their champion.

Baubaxton had Fleur as their Champion.

And oddly Hogwarts had Cedric Diggory and Harry as their champion. Never before had the goblet selected more than one champion from each school and there was a mixed reaction throughout the great hall. Some said Harry had tampered with the goblet while the majority swore he wouldn't do such a thing and someone must have set him up. Hermione couldn't help but agree with those voices. She knew Harry and he hated doing anything to draw attention to himself and she knew beyond doubt that Harry would never have entered.

This left Hermione's mind swirling yet again because it could only mean one thing, someone from the dark lords ranks had infiltrated the castle and was trying to set Harry up for death and to make it all worse her soulmste was caught right in the middle of it all.

One thing was certain to Hermione though and that was that she would do everything she could to prepare both her witch and her best friend for what was shaping up to be the most challenging of years in existence.

But she knew, as she gazed around the room that if they all stick together. They would make it through this together.