Mother of Mine, Sweet Child of Thee

As the summer came to an end Blackbird were now shaping up to be quite the bunch of fighters. They had trained hard together at any opportunity and could now hold their own quite effectively against the adults. They couldn't beat them by all means but they still were able to defend and attack effectively for quite some time when the adults dueled them.

They had even been trained on the unforgivable curses and by the end of the summer every single one of them could cast a near perfect unforgivable. They did not want to use them but knew that at something in the future it may be their only option and felt better knowing that when and if that time came they would know what to do.

The group had also discussed at length and brought Cedric Diggory in on the truth of what was happening. He happily took the unbreakable vow and like the rest of the group offered his loyalty and support to Hermione once he had heard the story. He only had a year left at Hogwarts but had already decided that he too would join the aurors programme as soon as he graduated so that he too could keep close to the Trinity.

The only three wothin the group that could best the adults were the Trinity. Hermione, Fleur and Nymphadora, were a very impressive trio when they fought together. They had even managed to disarm Minerva, Andromeda, Apoline and Amelia when the four Adults took on the trio together.

The Trinity's magic was so insink with each other that they often performed the same moves and spells at the same time without communicating together. Hermione was by far the strongest of the three but Nymphadora and Fleur were not all that behind her power wise. The three of them were incredibly strong and every member of Blackbird watched in awe whenever the trio trained together.

Andromeda swore there was something so beautiful and pure about the three of them when they used magic together. She along with the other adults were extremely proud of the members of Blackbird and had decided that their last meeting before most of them went back to school would be spent having fun rather than training.

The adults wanted the youngsters to hold on to as much of their innocence as long as possible.

They were introduced to the order of the Pheonix that summer and spent some time in Grimmauld place where they were soon told Sirius Black had been holding out. Harry was ecstatic to see his godfather but the group of youngsters knew that Albus Dumbledore and the other members of the order (Remus Lupin, Fred and George Weasley, Moody, Snape, McGonagall, both the Tonks', Sirius and Mr and Mrs Weasley were among the older members of the group) were keeping information from them. However what Albus did not know is that McGonagall and the Tonks' were reporting back to Hermione and her friends honestly after every meeting. They would not keep them in the dark because they wanted the group to be as prepared as possible.

Hermione had also managed to charm notebooks so that they could wrote messages to everyone and continue to communicate when they were apart. She had charmed everyone's notebook to only open when each individual dropped a spot of their own blood on the lock. She had used a rather advanced blood ward to achieve it and the members of Blackbird were grateful that they no longer had to rely on owls.

They had agreed that Hermione would check in with Fleur and Nymphadora every night while the younger members of the group were back at Hogwarts and that the others would add to it if required. That way they kept down excessive amounts of messages to read through and ensured that the entire group was receiving the most important information.

----

When they met two days before the return to Hogwarts it was to attend the Quidditch World Cup.

Hermione, Fleur and Harry had recieved a stack of free tickets to sit in the top box for their roles in the Tri-wizard tournament. Harry and Fleur as Victor's and Hermione for saving the lives of multiple students consistently throughout the tournament, all three deciding to bring along the rest of their group so they too could enjoy the tournament.

They all met outside the Hogshead at 12pm ready to teleport to the arena where the world cup was being held. Ginny had warned Hermione that the rest of her family would be in attendance, knowing full well that her mother had the tendency of smothering Hermione, much to the brunettes bemusement. Andromeda had also warned Hermione that she or Minerva would likely have to wrap her magic again if they spotted Narcissa. They had managed to avoid her this far into the summer but were not sure they could avoid her at this event all together.

When they landed in Dartmoor, they weren't surprised to see that the arena was packed full of people and decided to find their seats quickly so as to avoid all the crowds. As they made their way towards the Top Box Hermione spotted Narcissa very quickly. She, Draco and Lucious were ascending the steps to the top box.

"Aunt Meda, wrap me quickly" the brunette whispered in her aunts ear and sighed with relief as she felt Andromeda's magic rush around and over her.

"Where" Andromeda asked her.

"Top Box also" she replied promptly as they started making their way up the steps.

"No way have you got seats for the Top Box Potter are you sire you're able to read those grubby tickets correctly" Draco Malfoy sneered loudly as he spotted them.

"Hush Draco" Hermione intercepted Hermione before he could snide back at the blonde. As much as she disliked her cousin she would not let him embarrass himself.

"I'm almost certain you were raised with better manners than that" she said glancing at Lucius as she said almost. Before she turned her back on the blonde and guided her group to the seats furthest away from the Malfoy family.

She didnt fail to see the look of chastisement that flashed over Draco's face, the look of genuine surprise amd curiosity on Narcissa's face or the look of indignation and hate that crossed Lucius' face.

"Perfectly handled little one" Andromeda praised as she sat beside her niece.

"Indeed" agreed Minerva smiling at her granddaughter.

The group greeted Cedric and his father warmly as they took a seat beside them. Mr Diggory completely ignoring Lucius Malfoys attempt at getting his attention.

Throughout the game Hermione and her Family because that is what every member of Blackbird was to her relaxed and enjoyed the game as best they could with mr Malfoy glaring at their backs all through the game. No one failed to hear the muttered "mudblood, Bloodtraitor and filthy half bloods" that came from the male patriarc throughout.

Once the game was over they stood and slowly made their way towards the exit startling as suddenly four figures dressed entirely in black with silver masks and hoods appeared in the middle of the field levitating the two muggle grounds keepers behind them.

"Death eaters!!" Screamed various voices in the crowd. Reacting quickly as they had trained to do the group quickly took up a defensive stance casting shields as far and wide as they could as the death eaters cast random spells and hexs as they made their way throughout the grounds. Before one cried out a loud "Mosmorde" a dark skull appearing in the sky above the arena before all four dark figures disaperated the way they had arrived. The muggles falling to the ground with a loud thump.

Hermione and Andromeda rushed to their sides and were relieved to find that they were simply unconscious and not harmed in any other way.

They each cast a silent "Rennervate" on the unconscious pair before calling for someone to bring them water and chocolate.

"Whats going on, what happened" asked the female Hermione was tending.

"You passed out, must have been dehydration it looks like" the young brunette explained gently before handing the female a glass of water and a chicane bar.

"Here take these, they should help you get some energy back" she said as she stood up and left the muggles side. Andromeda doing the same.

"Let's get out of here" Andromeda said quietly as she placed a guiding hand on Hermione's lower back.

----

Once they had all arrived at the Hogshead they parted ways to spend some time with their respective families before the start of school.

Fleur and Nymphadora had arranged to take Hermione out for the night. Their first official date so that they could spend some time with their young soulmate before she went off to Hogwarts. The trio were going to muggle London so that they could freely be together without worrying about being seen.

Dora had picked out a small Italian restraunt that had a real cosy feel to it. Sitting in a quiet corner so they had as much privacy as possible the trio got comfortable and placed their order. Fleur went for macaroni cheese with a side salad. Nymphadora ordered the spaghetti bolgnese and Hermione ordered a cheese and pepperoni pizza. Much to her amusement Fleur admitted she had never had pizza.

"I really am not looking forward to you going off to Hogwarts little witch" Nymphadora said tenderly as she held Hermione's hand over the table.

"I know. I don't really like the idea of being away from you both" Hernione replied "if Grandmama and Aunt Meda hadn't demanded that I needed to complete my schooling I wouldn't be going. I could pass my N.E.W.T.S in my sleep even now" she complained.

"It iz important zat you do complete your schooling though 'ermione. You need to take advantage of being young" Fleur chimed in winking at the brunette playfully.

"Just remember that you belong to us though little witch so no sneaking off with other witches for a quick jaunt in a closet yeah?" Nymphadora added in a mix between playful teasing and seriousness. She was a Black at the end of the day and they were well known for their possessive nature.

"You don't have to worry about that" Hermione smiled "it would definitely not be in a closet" she deadpanned, ducking quickly put the way of Nymphadora's napkin as the purple haired witch aimed it at her head.

"Don't test me Mia, you forget just how long I've waited for you" Dora replied with a hint of danger in her voice. She smirked when Hermione gulped audibly.

"Don't be scaring 'er Dora" Fleur chided lovingly. "You vill 'ave 'er running before ze bonding".

Hermione and Fleur laughed as Dora made a show of zipping up her mouth playfully. Befire they could tease any more their meal arrived and they switched to much more random topics. Hermione complaining at how much Minerva had been hovering lately being one of them. The other two had laughed and told her to get used to it, she had to survive a full year at hogwarts alone with her after all.

Hermione convinced Fleur to try a slice of her pizza and then had to fend the blonde off when she liked it and tried to steal more. Dora for her part just sat watching in amusement as her two soulmates fought playfully over Hermione's pizza. It made a change for her starting the play fighting she thought to herself. Her mother would be proud to know that this one wasn't on her.

After their meals the trio paid for their food and made their way to the park across from the restraints they had been in, walking hand in hand as they enjoyed the autumn evening.

"Once the war is over, what will we do?" Hermione questioned gently as they strolled.

"I suppose we start the rest of our lives" Nymphadora replied.

"Oui we vill need to work out how to run our houses though. You vill be 'ead of ze Black's and ze Lestrange's, Dora iz ze heir to ze Tonks' and I am ze heir to ze Delacours. But we can vork it all out after we vin ze war" Fleur added smiling softly at her two soulmates.

"We will make it work. We can do and be anything we want to be especially as you're our Leading Lady Hermione. We are destined to lead and with you it's so easy" Dora said quietly as the trio stopped in the middle of a small bridge that hung over a shallow river. The water gleaming prettily in the moonlight.

Dora drew Hermione into her arms gently, Fleur pressing into her back to keep her still. "Close your eyes" Dora whispered as she lent into the young brunette. She cupped Hermione's jaw with her left hand as she brought their lips together for the first time. Both witches felt the jolt of excitement in their magic as their lips touched. She held still until she felt Hermione relax in her arms. She began kissing her gently. Keeping the kiss slow amd tender as Hermione began responding. Their lips slid over each others softly and Nymphadora could have swore it was the most loving yet tender kiss she had ever had. She smiled brightly as she pulled back, seeing the rosy hue that had developed on Hermione's cheek bones.

"Iz it my turn, it iz entirely 'ard to restrain myself while I 'ave to watch you two" Fleur pouted. Dora raised an eyebrow at Hermione as if to say "your move princess".

Hermione, not one to back down from a challenge and being entirely willing to kiss her other soulmate after Nymphadora's kiss turned in the two older witches arms to face the Veela. She mirrored what Tonks had done and cupped Fleurs jaw as she brought their lips together slowly. As it had happened with Nymphadora Hermione felt her magic jump inside her again when her lips met Fleurs. She smiled into the kiss as Fleur grasped the back of her neck with one hand and deepened the kiss, her tongue seeking entrance to Hermione's mouth. Readily the young brunette opened up for the blonde and moaned softly as their tongues tangled. "I like that noise coming from your mouth" Dora whispered in the brunettes ear as Fleur continued to kiss her, the blonde determined to explore ever inch of the younger witches mouth with her tongue.

Dora brought her lips to Hermione's neck and kissed her pulse point softly, mouthing at the skin on the younger witches neck. She drew her soulmates in tighter. Pressing their bodies together so Hermione could feel every inch of their skin pressed against hers.

The purple haired witch knew Hermione had no experience with sexual intimacy and was determined to get her little witch as comfortable as possible with being more intimate without actually completing the bond before Christmas. The last thing she wanted was Hermione feeling uncomfortable their first time.

She slowly rotated the witch as Fleur detached herself from the brunettes lips and trailed open mouth kisses down the little witches jaw. Dora claimed Hermione's lips again, this time letting her tongue seek entrance to Hermione's mouth and like Fleur had done before her she explored the little witches mouth thoroughly before pulling back and smiling at the flushed witch tenderly.

"Come on you two we better be getting home before my mum freaks" she said before apparating them back to Andromeda's.

------

At the welcome back feast Blackbird minus Fleir and Nymphadora sat at the gryffindor table quietly as they listened to their headmaster talk about Tom Riddle (voldemort) as a student warning them that there would cone a time in the near future when they would need to pick a side and they should choose wisely.

'Very subtle' thought to her grandmother and smiled when she saw Minerva fight to keep in a laugh.

'Indeed' Minerva thought back, her thoughts laced with humour.

"Is it just me or does this sound like Order of the Pheonix propeganda" Neville asked quietly.

"That's exactly what it is" Hermione agreed in a whisper.

Once Dumbledore's impromptu speech about the light and dark was brought to an end he introduced (quite hesitantly it seems) Madame Umbrige a vomit inducing pink clad woman from the ministry, who was to be there new defence against the dark arts professor.

Hermione thought she looked more like a toad than anything. The woman interrupted Dumbledore and gave a spiel that no one listened too. One thing was for sure, Hermione knew she was going to be an issue.

"In other words the ministry are interfering at Hogwarts" Hermione whispered.

That night after the feast Hermione went up to her grandmothers chambers to write to her soulmates. Smiling at the two notes of well wishes in the notebook she picked up her quill and wrote all that had transpired.

It was Nymphadora who replied, Hermione could tell by the writing. Dora had explained that Umbrige was well known for her dislike of muggles and muggle-born students alike and warned Hermione to keep Blackbird far away from her.

Within days it was made clear to Hermione that Nymphadora had been right. Umbrige began singling Hermione out in Defence against the dark arts hoping to get the young witch on something she did not know, when Hermione answered every question she asked correctly for the second day running she was given detention for being a swat. Hermione and her friends were livid. Especially when that evening Hermione was forced to write 400 lines of 'I must not be such a swat' using a blood quill. The quill was a torture instrument and as Hermione wrote the quill cut into her hand. She was bloody and sore by the time she had finished.

Umbrige also stopped them from using magic in her class claiming that learning from the text books were enough, when Harry challenged this thinking stating they needed to know how to defend themselves Umbrige gave him detention with Hermione.

Within a few weeks Umbrige had started writing educational decrees banning different clubs, magics and activities. She was slowly but surely sucking all the fun and life out of Hogwarts and there wasn't a thing Dumbledore could do as he had been informed by the ministry if he did not come with Umbrige he would lose his job.

------

Things went from bad to scary one morning 5 weeks into the school year. That morning Hermione received the first word she had in months of her mother when the daily prophet landed on the table in front of her.

Mass Azkaban Break Out believed to be the work of fugitive Sirius Black

Was the days headline. The article detailed her mothers escape along side 11 others of the most feared members of the dark lords inner circle. Hermione was not entirely surprised to read the subheading directly under the article about the Azkaban escapees. She had a feeling her mother wouldn't react to well if she ever found out about the Grangers, something told her she had.

Three Muggles, found dead in their cell, evidence of extreme torture on victims bodies.

The Grangers, convicted last year for the abuse and neglect of then 15 year old Hermione Granger were found dead in their cells early this morning just as the escaped prisoners were noticed.

It is believed to be the work of none other than Bellatrix Black-Lestrange. Our informant said "I would recognise her handy work anywhere. There is evidence of prolonged use of the cruciatus curse as well as curses such as Diffindo and Sectumsempra. All three victims died from bloodloss as a result if the many open wounds littering their bodies."

It us suspected that Lestramge caught wind that the muggles were in the prison and decided to pay them a visit before escaping the prison.

---

Handing the article to Harry, Hermione made eyecontact with her grandmother.

'What is it love' Minerva asked her through mindlink.

'Mass breakout at Azkaban, my mum was one of the escapees. The Grangers were found dead in their cell' she informed her 'I'm not sure how to deal with this'.

'Go to my chambers, I wi dismiss you from the days classes' her Grandmotger told her in concern, watching from the professors table as Hermione nodded subtley.

"I'm going to Grandmama's I'm not dealing with this very well" she told Harry quietly.

"Its alright mione ill let the others know and we will come check in later" he said tenderly, pulling his friend into a hug before she stood and rushed out the hall.

----

"I need my classes covered today Albus" Minerva leaned over and said quietly.

"Of course Minnie but may I enquire as to why?" He said curiously.

"Miss Granger has just recieved word that her parents and Grandmother were murdered in their cells at Azkaban, she needs me today and as her guardian it is my duty to care for her" Minerva said seriously.

"Consider it done" Dumbledore replied squeezing his friends arm gently.

"I still expect Granger in classes today Minerva, and there is no reason you need to be missing your classes either" sneered Umbrige.

"Miss Granger is dismissed from classes today Delores and I have my classes covered" Minerva spat at the pink toad if a woman.

"Under who's authority do you have the right to undermine me" Umbridge said haughtily.

"Under my own. When it comes to the welfare of my own bond- granddaughter who i have all legal rights over it is I that makes the decisions whether you like it or not now if you'll excuse me, I have a really vulnerable young lady who has just learned of the deaths of her parents waiting on me. Good day" professor McGonagall all but hissed at Delores before storming out of the hall.

---

Bellatrix could feel the electric atmosphere around her before anything happened. She could sense the approaching dark magic and new that this was it. The moment she would be freed only to have to join the death eaters at his side yet again when all she wanted to do was run to her little girl and hold her tightly, never to let her go again.

It was all Bella could think before she felt the whole prison shake from the force of spells that were being thrown at it. It did not take long for the whole West wall to crumble and a group of what she assumed were death eaters rushed into the corridors.

One man, more of a boy really Bellatrix noticed, made a direct beeline for her cell, he blasted the metal bars from the stone and broke the shakes holding and containing Bellatrix's magic before handing her something she had not held almost as long as her child - her wand.

"Our master awaits you, he is most pleased at your loyalty" the man/boy told her proudly before turning and running down the corridor.

Bellatrix cackled. This was it, her freedom. She may not be able to go directly to Hermione's side but she would still be closer to the girl and would be able to watch over her in the months to come but first Bella decided that their were certain individuals within the prison wall that needed to be dealt with.

"Oooh lookie here it's a poor helpless muggle in the big bad magical prison" Bella cackled as she approached Margaret Grangers cell. Opening the cell door and entering the room. She cast a silent mufliato charm to ensure no one heard her.

"Now tell me who is this Hermione and why have you been screaming for her death" she enquired innocently as she pouted at the chained woman sarcastically.

"My adopted grandchild. Little know it all, traitorous, Devils child" Margaret spat as she began to back away from the crazed looking woman.

"Did you know that the little witch was MY little witch, she is MINE, my child" Bellatrix screamed in anger as she cast a silent crucio. This was not something she ever wanted to enjoy doing but as she stood over the convulsing body of the woman who had brought her child so much pain Bellatrix did not feel as if simply using the cruciatus curse was enough.

Releasing the curse she continued. "How. Dare. You. How dare you harm her. She's just a child!!" She cried out casting the cruciatus again. Before casting a silent 'diffindo' and watching in a sick sense of horror and pleasure as multiple gashes appeared on the older womans body. She smiled sickly at the woman as she pleaded with Bellatrix but the dark witch simply shrugged innocently before moving out the cell to repeat the process on Thomas and Jean Granger.

Bellatrix Black-Lestrange smiled as she stood at the edge of the cliffs outside the prison looking out at the waters bellow. She gathered her magic too her before picturing her youngest sisters Manor. Disapperating in a cloud of black smoke.

-----
When Minerva arrived in her chambers she found a sobbing Hermione curled up on her sofa. She made her way over to the little witch and pulled her onto her lap. Wrapping her arms around her tightly. She held Hernione close as she soothed her. Quietly shushing her and reminding her that everything was going to be alright.

Once Hermione had calmed, Minerva silently stood up with her and led her to the floo, pulling the young witch against her as she spoke aloud "Andromeda's". The two witches disappeared in a cloud of green smoke.

When they arrived in Andromeda's front room they were greeted to the sight of Fleur and Nymphadora sitting together fast asleep on the sofa infront of the fire with Andromeda reading the newspaper quietly in the arm chair.

"I assume you saw todays newspaper" andromeda enquired gently as she stood up to great her niece and friend. When she noticed the girls red rimmed eyes she quickly pulled Hermione too her. "Its alright Mia" she whispered.

"Yeah I know" she whispered back. "I'm just so scared for her aunt Meda, i dont like the idea of her being with them" she explained. Some would think her tears were for her dead adoptive family but they weren't. Hermione was terrified for her mothers wellbeing.

"She will be with Narcissa now little love, Cissy will heal her and feed her, she won't let anything happen to her" Andromeda promised.

"Now why don't you go lie with your mates and have a nap my girl, you look drained" Minerva whispered joining the hug so she was pressed against Hermione from behind. She knew right now their little witch needed all the comfort and closeness she could get.

Hermione nodded before moving over to the sofa and lying herself against Nymphadora who was curled up in Fleurs lap. As soon as Hermione lay down Dora seemed to sense her and reached around, she hooked her arm around the young brunettes waist and pulled her around so that she was sandwiched between the two. Sensing the change in position Fleur also adjusted, wrapping herself around the brunette. Holding her close.

In their arms, surrounded by the soft vanilla and honneycomb scent of her soulmates, Hermione felt the worries of the day slowly melting away as her eyes grew heavy and slipped closed.