His Legacy and protecting Draco
The Summer before her sixth year flew in far too quickly for Hermione's liking. She had spent the majority of her time with her mates and her family. They had spent a week in France with Fleurs family before they all travelled to Italy and then New York for a further week each before travelling back home to Britain. Once they had arrived back home they had begun training again with the Blackbird Royal Court. Cedric wasn't joining them again after the summer but they still knew it was beneficial for him to train alongside them. They had a feeling that the next year would be a difficult on for them.
Andromeda had insisted on working with the Trinity on their ability to fight both separately and together without being distracted by one another. After the incident at the ministry where a slight distraction had almost cost them their leading lady's life Andromeda was not willing to take any chances that it would happen again. As such the training had been intense often resulting in the trinity having to duel against the rest of blackbird, Andromeda, Teddy and Minerva at the same time to see how they would fare.
By the week before term started the trinity could quite comfortably face the group in a duel and methodically take them all out together. They were more focused and their reflexes and thought process was almost 100% faster than they had been at the battle for the Ministry. They had also safely experimented with their magical limits and found to everyones surprise and delight that when the trio were working together the trinity could stand their ground for five hours in a constant battle situation without tiring, after the five hour mark their strength began to wane but they could continue for another two hours before their energy and magical stores became low enough that they would be forced to stop or do serious damage. In Hermione's case though no one was surprised that she could continue on for a further hour before she reached her limits.
The power and skill the trinity wielded together was unparalleled and despite extensive research Andromeda and Minerva could not find anything like it in the history of the wizarding world. This knowledge and their increased skill level gave Blackbird and its members a measure of comfort that they had not had before.
It reassured them that in whatever was coming their way as long as they had each other they would all be okay.
------
Three days before they were due to return to Hogwarts found Hermione, Neville, Harry, Ginny and Luna all trekking around Diagon Alley to collect their school supplies for the coming year.
It was late afternoon and the sun had just begun to dip in the sky, signalling to the group that it may be time for them to start considering heading back to their respective homes. Ginny and Harry to the Burrow, Hermione to the Tonks residence, Neville to his Grandmothers and Luna to her Fathers, when they spotted Draco Malfoy, Narcissa and Lucius Malfoy and an unknown woman slink of suspiciously down Nocturn Alley. When Hermione caught sight of Draco's face she instantly knew that something was wrong. Very wrong.
He looked unnaturally pale amd clamy. His hands were clenched and his jaw set as he nervously shifted his eyes in every firethorn as if afraid someone would see him.
When he caught sight of Hermione watching him he let their gazes lock, hoping to convey just how desperately he needed her help in his eyes alone. She saw the relief wash through his features when she gave him a discreet nod, letting her eyes convey her understanding and reassurance that she would help him. She had to stifle a growl when she saw Lucius grab his son roughly by the arm and drag him further down the alley.
Just as she began to turn away to alert her friends Narcissa made a point of catching her gaze and mouthed the words "book shop in twenty minutes" Hermione nodded and turned herself away.
"Guys" she said, the urgency in her tone stopping them all dead in their tracks. "Something is going on with Draco, he caught my eye deliberately and he looked terrified, his father just dragged him, his mother and a strange woman into the alley. Narcissa asked me quickly if I could meet her in the book shop in twenty minutes" she explained quickly as she glanced over her shoulder to make sure no one was listening in on them.
"Whats the plan then Mione?" Harry asked straight away. Knowing that they needed to help Malfoy out because despite their past differences he was one of them and had been dragged into the wrong side of the war against his will by his git of a father.
"Neville, Luna go to the bookshop. Set yourselves up near the front of the shop. Harry, Ginny follow me, we need to see if we can spot what shop he's dragged them into. Then we will meet you both back here" she whispered quickly. Her friends nodded their agreement and the group of five sprinted of in the correct direction.
Hermione quickly located a roof top that overlooked the shops in Nocturn Alley and ushered Harry and Ginny to the top. Peering over they could clearly see the Malfoys and the strange woman talking to the owner of Borgin and Burkes, the owner of the dark artifacts shop. This wasn't a good sign.
"That woman is wearing a glamour" she whispered to them. Before drawing her wand and casting a silent disillusionment charm on the area surrounding the shop akd themselves to ensure no one passing by would notice them on the roof or the group in the shop before casting a silent 'revelio' on the unknown woman from across the street.
The trio gasped as they watched none other than Bellatrix Black appear as her glamour fell off.
"It's alright, my mum won't let harm come to Draco or Narcissa" Hermione whispered reassuringly, glad when she saw her friends nod in response. Focusing her magic she opened up the mind link between her and her mother.
'Put your glamour back on quickly mama' she told her and stifled her giggle when she saw her mother jump slightly before turning to face the window to see if she could spot her daughter. As she did this Bellatrix silently cast the glamour back around herself concealing her identity once more.
'You cheeky witch' her mother retorted back as she looked unseeingly around the outside of the shop.
'You've cast a dissilutionment charm on the entire alley including your hiding spot haven't you little one?' Her mother questioned and she could hear the pride in her mothers tone.
'Indeed' Hermione retorted back playfully.
'Merlin you sound like McGonagall baby' Bella sent back playfully as her lips pulled back in a smile before schooling back to her usual scowl.
'Auntie Meda said the same thing, she's still trying to tickle it out of me' the brunette replied with a mental eye roll.
'Mama, Draco and Aunt Cissy are still in the dark but I couldnt stand bybamd watch Lucius destroy them. I've taken steps to protect them' she sent back sounding insecure, knowing that her mother might not be happy that she had done this.
'It's alright sweetheart, I know and I'm proud of you for taking such good care of our family. I promise you it won't always be like this Mia' Bella said sincerely as she allowed her daughter to feel the love she felt for her through their link.
'I know mama and I know you can't tell me what grease pot over their has gotten my auntie and baby cousin dragged into this time but I promise I'm going to protect them from the right side.'
'I know you will baby. Draco cannot tell you as he is bound by an oath but Narcissa is not, she was not present when Draco was forced to take the oath. If you want to know where to start, start with your aunt.' Bella told her daughter honestly and smiled when she heard her little girls reply.
'Already taken care of mama, now I need to go but remember I love you and we will get through this together. Tell papa that I miss you both so much it hurts my heart but I am so proud to be the child of Bellatrix and Rudulphus Lestrange. Ill do you both proud mama' Hermione sent to her mother as she struggled to hide her tears.
'Please don't cry baby, it'll be alright I promise. Last thing before you go, please look into horcruxs I cant tell you why but it is important and remember the magical rules around numbers. I love you baby' Her mother replied before Hermione pulled the connection and refocused on her friends. Both of whom were looking at her with tender, concern filled eyes.
"She told me that her and Draco are bound by an oath so cannot tell me what is going on but Narcissa is not, it is likely why she needs to meet with me. There is more to what she said but id rather wait and discuss it with everyone when we get to school" Hermione explained as she cancelled her dissilusionment charm on the alley, glancing once more at her mother, who was watching them now she could see clearly with a longing gaze before she wiped her tears and led her friends from the roof and towards the book shop hoping she could get answers out of Narcissa and protect her family.
------
When Hermione got to the book store she was relieved to find Luna and Neville already in position as they both pretended to discuss a herbology book. Which Hermione supposed was rather appropriate as everyone that knew Neville knew of his love for the subject. She silently directed Harry and Ginny to the opposite side of the front of the shop, asking all four of her friends to distract anyone that isn't Narcissa Malfoy from reaching Hermione.
She made her way up the back of the shop quietly, deciding to browse the dark Arts section to see if she could find any material she hadn't read yet while she waited for her estranged aunt.
It took less then five minutes for Narcissa and the rest of the Malfoy family, Bella in tow to reach the book store and the blonde woman waisted no time in moving off on her own to look for Hermione, knowing that the brunette had probably deliberately left her friends to distract Narcissa's family and giving them time to talk. She wasn't surprised to find the little witch browsing the dark arts section. Knowimg fine well that the girl took every opportunity to gain more knowledge thanks to Draco's incessant complaining about the intelligent young witch infront of her.
"Ms Granger" Narcissa murmured as she moved to the girls side, she was silently relieved when the girl didn't reacted in any way that would draw attention to them.
"Lady Malfoy" the brunette replied respectfully, not pausing in her search of the books infront of her.
"I wish to discuss"
"I know there is an oath on Draco, we do not have much time, give me the truth bluntly and I will see what I can do" Hermione interrupted and smiled shyly as Narcissa startled at the abruptness of the girl.
"I am sorry for being so blunt Lady Malfoy but my friends will only be able to hold the attention of your husband and sister for so long so we must be quick" Hermione explained, glancing at the blonde witch beside her pointedly.
Narcissa took a chance to glance back at her family and sure enough she saw both Bella and Lucius beginning to move in her direction as four of Hermione's friends tried to hold their attention.
"Your headmaster is the target, Draco has been ordered for the hit. He is to sneak the death eaters into the castle near the end of the year. He will be using the room of requirement to do this. I cannot tell you more without being caught and putting my son at risk" Narcissa whispered.
"Noted, thank you. Please stay safe Lady Malfoy, next time Mr Malfoy trys his usual vulgar behaviour please remember that first and foremost you are a black, don't fear fighting back, you will be protected, I will take his title from him if I have to Lady Malfoy, believe me, he has no right to lay a finger on you or Draco" Hermione said respectfully as she turned to leave, her voice was a mere whisper at the end but Narcissa had heard her loud and clear.
Hermione made her way towards the front of the shop half paying attention to what was happening infront of her unfortunately this caused her to walk straight into Lucius Malfoys line of sight. Who was approaching with Draco and Bellatrix in tow.
"Oh look it's Harry's little friend again" he said haughtily as he turned his nose up in disgust.
"Harry's little mudblood Lucius we've been over this or did you forget when you forgot your pride and shower this morning?" Hermione retorted playfully. Rolling her eyes at him. As she felt more than heard Narcissa Malfoy arrive behind her. She cast a silent baracade between her and Narcissa to prevent the blonde from interfering.
"How dare you insult me you filthy little mudblood" he spat as he made to draw his wand. However as he pulled it he suddenly found himself disarmed, Hermione catching his wand midair with little effort.
"You're slowing in your old age Lucius, I'd be careful, you wouldn't want to set something in motion you would surely lose" Hermione said calmly.
"You've done nothing but insult me since my first year at Hogwarts, I may be a what was it you said 'a filthy little mudblood know it all' but a perk of being a know it all is I know your laws apparently better than you do. Challange, insult or threaten me again Lord Malfoy and I will challange you to a duel to defend my own honour and I will take everything from you. Now I'll give your wand to your wife, she seems much better mannered than you and ill be off, things to know and all that" the brunette witch said cheerfully as she held Lucius' wand out to his wife, smiling cheekily at Narcissa when the blonde gave her a bewildered look. When the blonde made no move to take it Hermione lent forward and tucked the wand in Narcissa's robe pocket before turning to stride away. "Oh and Lucius do remember what I've said, I'd hate for you to embarrass your family any more than you already have" she called seriously over her shoulder as she turned. Winking playfully at her disguised mother and smiling at Draco as she strode away from the furious and slightly shaken wizard.
Narcissa looked to her sister for guidance and relaxed when she saw Bella laughing merrily at her brother in laws fall from grace.
"A mudblood just handed you your ass" Bellatrix laughed as she slung her arm over Narcissa's shoulder fondly.
"You see that little Dragon" Bella said, speaking to her nephew. "Thats the type of man your father wants you to become, I strongly advise you avoid achieving that because he just got humiliated by a sixteen year old orphan girl who is a mudblood to top it all off" Bella laughed, her eyes twinkling merrily as she thought of how easily her baby girl had just completely taken Lucius Malfoy down a few pegs.
"Hold on to his wand Cissy he clearly does not deserve it at this moment in time" the dark witch said playfully as she guided her still slightly bewildered sister towards the front of the shop.
----
As they made it out of the shop Bella couldnt help but look around for her daughter. Smiling internally when she saw her girl laughing merrily with her friends as they walked out of Honeydukes.
"Did you see his face mione? That greasy git got it handed to him" Harry Potter laughed as he patted her daughter on the back in congratulations.
Bella watched as her daughter bowed deeply "thank you, thank you I'd like to take a moment to thank my first grade history teacher and my current schools groundskeeper Filtch for cleaning the spaces I use to grow so marvelously brilliant, I couldn't have done it without them" she laughed playfully as she bowed again and Bella vowed to commit the moment to memory so she could replay it again and again. Her daughters laugh sounded like magic, her smile, enough to stop Bellatrix's heart and her humour reminding Bella so much of the playful banter she used to experience with her sisters when they were younger. The preciousness of the moment filling Bella witch such warmth she surely thought she was about to start glowing.
She watched them discreetly until they were no longer in view before she tuned back in to the conversation around her.
----
When Hermione got back to her aunts that afternoon she was quick to round up her family, anxious to tell them what she had found out. She hadn't even shared what Narcissa had told her with her friends yet, needing to get guidance from her family first before she attempted to come up with any sort of plan.
"What is it Mia, you seem anxious" Andromeda asked as she kissed Hermione's forehead when she passed her and sat down on the sofa beside her wife.
"So you know the younger members of Blackbird were school shoppimg today" she started, continuing when her family nodded gently in encouragement.
"I caught sight of the Malfoy family, Lucius, Draco amd Narcissa. Draco caught my eye and he looked at me so intently. All I could see in his eyes was a desperate sense of panic and fear, I nodded at him to let him know I had noticed and he looked suspiciously relieved before his father grabbed him rather roughly and dragged him and Narcissa down nocturn Alley. Before Narcissa disappeared she caught my eye and asked me to meet her in the book shop in twenty minutes. I nodded but then got Ginny and Harry to go with me while I followed them to see what was going on" she explained as she began to pace back and forth infront of her family.
"We hid on the roof, giving us a perfect view of the shop they had gone into, Borgin and Burkes. We saw that there was an unknown woman with them so I cast a dissilusionment charm on the entire Alley and us to stop passers by seeing into the shop or seeing us. I then removed the glamour from the unknown witch and it turned out to be my mum. I used mindlink to talk to her. She warned me that her and Draco are under oath so she couldnt tell me what I needed to know. But advised I corner Narcissa so I guessed that's why Narcissa wanted to talk to me. Right before I cut the link with my mama she told me I needed to look into horcruxs because it was important and I was to remember the magical laws of numbers which was strange. But then I went to the book shop. We planted Ginny, Harry, Luna and Neville either side of the front of the shop to distract Lucius mainly but keep the malfoy family except Narcissa away from me so we could talk. She came up and told me that Lucius and the Dark Lord has arranged for Draco to find a way of getting death eaters into hogwarts" she continued, her heart pounding as her head spun with all the revelations of the day.
"Baby come over here and sit with Fleur and I before you wreck my mums carpet" Dora chided playfully as she reached out for her young soulmate who was clearly more than a little stressed.
"Fine" Hermione sighed as she sunk onto Fleurs lap and pulled Dora infront of her so she was sandwiched between them.
"Zat wasn't vat Dora meant little witch but I suppose it vill do hmm?" Fleur said, joining in on Dora's teasing.
"Haha" Hermione pouted, burying her head in Dora's neck as she willed herself to relax.
"Continue when you are ready little witch" her aunt Teddy said softly as she smiled at the soulmates. Amused by their ability to calm and comfort one another so quickly all while teasing each other.
"Right..he's to use the room of requirement to get the death eaters into hogwarts, I think however he's going to do it, it involves borgin and Burkes. He has been tasked and this is the part I'm most concerned with, he has been tasked with the murder or Albus Dumbledore. Grandmama moldyshorts wants him dead because he's the only wizard that sorry excuse for a man has ever feared and now I dont know how to protect Draco and make sure he fails. He's terrified. Aunt Cissy and Draco are being forced by Lucius bloody Malfoy into this war and they are powerless to do anything about it." Hermione finished a tear falling down her cheek as she tried to figure out what to do.
"That is a lot there Mia, are you sure Draco isn't willing" Minerva asked gently, struggling herself to process the information Hermione had just recounted to them.
"Yes I'm positive, grandmama if you had seen his face you'd not doubt it either. He looked so terrified it broke my heart and I ended up having to disarm Lucius after he tried to attack me right there in the middle of the bloody bookshop. He was acting like a prat so I corrected him and he went to attack me. So I disarmed him and gave his wand to aunt Cissy. She looked so bewildered it was quite comical really. Mum just watched the whole thing and burst out laughing when I walked away. I had to warn Lucius that if he attacked, insulted or provoked me again I'd challenge him to a duel for my honour, that bloody man infuriates me" Hermione replied as she lent back into Fleur, bringing Dora with her. She sighed tiredly as she waited for some sort of reaction from her family.
"Well it sounds like you dealt with him quite well Mia, im proud of you" Minerva replied.
"But I think it's time we brought Albus into this as he is now directly under threat?" She questioned her grandchild and her soulmates.
"Oi I zink grandmaman iz right Mia, Dumbledore needs to know now." Fleur agreed as she kissed Hermione's cheek.
"I know but how do we explain all this in a way that doesn't give him enough information to try and control us because as much as he means well and merlin knows we all love him for it he will try to play the hero" Hermione asked in exasperation.
"We ask him to take the unbreakable vow, same as everyone else. He can't tell anyone which leaves him little control over the situation. We word it in a way that ensures he cannot interfere in our lives" Dora suggested helpfully and smiled when everyone nodded their agreement.
"Okay that settles it. Mia I can arrange for us to meet with him first day back after the feast, that way you have time to fill in Blackbird and they can come with us to offer support." Minerva said as she offered her grandchild a reassuring smile.
"Okay grandmama that sounds like a plan" Hermione agreed, smiling back at her grandmother. Merlin she loved her family, they always seemed to know exactly what to do.
-----
The morning Hermione was to leave for her sixth year found her curled up in bed with her mates, all three of them trying to soak in as much of each others love as possible knowing that the time between now and Christmas when they would be able to spend any amount if time together would be torture for them all. They only felt whole when the three of them were together and having Hermione so far away for so long never failed to make their hearts ache painfully.
"Eet vill be alright baby" Fleur whispered as she nuzzled into Hermione, trying to reassure her little witch as best she could.
"She's right baby, it'll be alright, ot won't be this hard forever" Dora agreed, laying gentle kisses on the brunettes shoulder as she held her from behind. Fleur straddling both their thighs as she sat on Hermione's lap facing them. Cacooning their little witch in-between them.
"Hmm I'll try remember that" Hermione replied with a content sigh as her mates lay gentle kisses and caresses on her neck, face and arms. It was times like this that she enjoyed the most with her mates. Not that she didnt enjoy spending any time with them, she loved every second she spent in their presence from the date nights, the sex, the cuddles, the quiet conversations, laughing and playing around, trips out and much more but her absolute favourite thing was when they just simply were together, no distractions, no demands just gentle expressions of their love for one another as they took comfort in being each others everything.
"You'll be home before you know it Mia, Christmas isn't far away" Dora said optimistically.
"This years important for you, eets your N.E.W.T year." Fleur reminded her.
"Is everything packed?" Dora asked and rolled her eyes when Hermione looked at her pointedly but nodded anyway.
"Of course eet iz, zis iz 'ermione ve are talking about. Ze day she iz not organised iz ze day pigs vill surely fly" Fleur teased lightly before pausing. "Oh 'ermione did i just get zat muggle expression right finally?" She asked hopefully and grinned triumphantly when Hermione giggled softly and nodded her head before kissing Fleur tenderly in response.
Dora and Hermione had taken great pleasure in the past year teasing Fleur with obscure muggle expressions, laughing as the blonde veela tried desperately to work them out, often having to ask Dora's parents or Hermione's grandmother what they meant because her soulmates were laughing to hard to explain. It had been a great annoyance to the blonde until she had made a point of learning them and repeating them whenever she could.
"I'm so proud" Dora teased playfully as she too leaned forward to kiss their blonde.
-----
That evening Hermione and the remaining members of Blackbirds Royal Court sat with Minerva McGonagall in front of their headmaster. Having already explained everything from the beginning, including the assassination plot on the headmasters life they sat silently, allowing the older wizard time to process their words and form some type of response.
The minutes ticked by relentlessly, each second growing more and lore tense until Hermione found herself holding her breath and biting her cheek to stop herself from getting up to pace, it was such a bad habit that she had seemingly inherited from her aunt Meda who was well known for the trait.
Finally after a full five minutes of utter silence Dumbledore looked up amd for the first time since she had met the man Hermione saw hesitance in his eyes.
"Professor, please don't think me rude but after everything I have just told you, you need to be honest. I can see the hesitance in your eyes and it can't do. We need the truth not half truths or pretty white lies. We are teens yes but we aren't incompetent. We are among the smartest, strongest and most powerful witches and wizards alive and can handle whatever you have to say so please out with it" Hermione said confidently. Deliberately stopping the man before he had a chance to lie.
"Jeez Min how did I not see it before, she's Bellatrix's double in mannerisms and Andromeda's double in looks." Albus breathed finally as he blinked owlishly at the young brunette who had just so successfully read him as if he were a book.
"I was kicking myself too Al, really I share a wizarding bond with Hermione and her mother it should have been the logical conclusion" Minerva replied wryly as she smiled fondly at her granddaughter.
"Logical yes but when has logic ever been thr logical choice when we involve those we love" Hermione quipped lightheartedly taking comfort in the brief moment of reprieve.
"Hermione you sound like Luna" Ginny said with a grin. Hermione caught Luna's eyes and nodded her head subtly, prompting Luna to turn around and deadpan "Indeed" at her red headed friend.
"Merlin please stop, you're confusing my brain, go back to sounding like yourselves please" Harry laughed as he looked slightly pleadingly at Hermione, Luna and Minerva.
Albus laughed heartily at the group infront of him. He had known they had grown close over the years but did not know for sure why until now. He couldn't help but feel relieved that this was the group that would take over for him when he was gone.
"Bringing you all back to the present I first must apologise to you Hermione, I had no idea Bellatrix was pregnant. Nor that you were her child. If I did I would have sought you out when you arrived within the walls and explained the situation to you. You should never have had to endure what you did to find out the truth about your life." Dumbledore said somberly feeling rather guilty that he was half the reason this bright, kindhearted young witch had grown up without her family.
"It's alright Professor. You have no need to apologise. I am extremely proud of my parents. They've sacrificed their lives to protect people, I can only hope to be half the witch they are. I am grateful to you for giving my mum a better choice than the one her parents were forcing her in to." Hermione replied kindly as she smiled at her headmaster.
"You are as always ever so gracious. I thank you for your words. Second of all I must confess a few things of my own" he said gently as he glanced at all the students around him.
"I am aware that Voldemort made horcruxs i have been hunting for them. So far I have only come across two of them. The first was the diary that you destroyed Harry in your second year. The second one was this ring" he said pulling it out of his pocket. "I have managed to destroy it however in doing so the ring cursed me" he pulled his sleave back displaying the greying skin on his hand and arm.
"Unfortunately there is no cure and the curse will only spread, slowly killing me bit by bit. There is a potion that Severus has been making me that is slowing the rate of distruction down somewhat but I have less than a year to live" he paused here as everyone gasped quietly, every young witch and wizards eyes filling with tears as they registered the reality of their headmasters words.
"I am only sorry that I will not get to see the knew dawn when our Lady if Light claims what is hers. Nor will I get to be here in person as you all graduate from the school that has been ever so lucky to know and teach you all. You are the bravest, most inspiring group of young people I have ever had the pleasure to meet. It is this reason that I go towards my death happily. I trust you all to finish this once and for all, I trust you all to eradicate the dark that is poisoning our world. I know you are more than capable of achieving all that you set out to do. The path will more than likely be harrowing but I believe in each and every one of you" He said, his voice gentle but full of conviction.
"I ask that you only inform the main members of Blackbird, not Blackbirds Army. I also ask that you let Draco know that when the time comes he will not be the one to do it. To ensure his safety in the world after the war I will ask Severus to be there and be the one to cast the killing curse. I cannot allow Tom Riddle to corrupt another soul. Nor do I believe that you will sit idly by and let him turn your cousin into a murderer." Albus said knowledgeably. Sounding every bit of the wise old owl he was seen to be.
"You're right Headmaster and as much as I am not okay with your death at all I will respect your wishes, you deserve to go out the way you wish, we will not deny you that." Hermione replied tearfully but confidently as she leaned into her quietly sniffling grandmother, knowing this was likely harder for her to hear than it was for them. Albus had been her friend since before Minerva had even graduated Hogwarts.
"Thank you all, thank you for caring so much that you have been so proactive in patting a future that we can be proud of. I am proud of you all" Albus replied as he found himself getting tearful. He didn't realise it would be so hard to discuss his death with the students and friend who had made every single struggle he had faced seem worthwhile.
"I will keep trying to locate other Horcruxs' for as long as I am able but after that I am afraid I must pass the baton on to you. You are my legacy and I will always be around, even in death to guide you if you ever need me" He whispered, struggling to maintain his composure.
Within seconds if his words Albus Dumbledore found himself surrounded by the students of Blackbird and Minerva all pulling him into a group hug as they cried with him. Grieving the knowledge that they would lose the man they all looked up to and respected beyond words.
"I promise Professor, we will live up to your legacy" Hermione whispered. "We will do you proud" she finished.
"Together" Luna whispered.
"Always" they replied in unison.
-----
It took several days for Hermione to track down Draco and get him alone. The Malfoy heir looked terrible. It was clear he wasn't sleeping, he wasn't eating and the stress and anxiety seemed to be eating him alive.
Hermione waited patiently as she watched Draco approach the room of requirement. Hiding of to the side under a dissilusionment charm. She waited until the blonde had opened the door after calling forth the correct room before she slipped in after him. She ensured she made it in the room in time before the door disappeared from sight. Wanting to ensure no one else would get in and she could talk to her cousin freely.
She cancelled her concealment spell and stepped out of the arch above the doorway just as the door disappeared behind her.
"Draco" she called softly, casting a wandless and wordless 'expelliamus' when he whipped round wand pointed at her.
"Hermione fuck don't do that to me, I could have seriously hurt you" he exclaimed. His voice raw with emotion.
"I'm sorry, it was the only way to get in here, get you alone and get around your oath." Hermione replied gently as she handed the blonde back his wand.
"It... it.. its alright" he whispered quietly, looking down at his feet hesitantly.
"Look Draco i know that you've been tasked to sneak the death eaters into the castle and I know that when you do you are being tasked with killing Albus Dumbledore" she said matter of factly as she guided her cousin into one of the seats in the room.
"How did you know?" He asked quietly.
"It doesn't matter how I know, only that it does and im here to help. I've already alerted Dumbledore. He knows you don't want to do this, he also knows you have no choice. He asked me to reassure you that when the time comes you will not be the one to kill him. Severus will do it. You see amd mind this goes no further than this room unless its your mother you're telling but Dumbledore is dying. He was cursed with something that isn't curable, he has less than a year left to live and is wanting to die on his own terms. I also promised I would protect you and your mum so this is what is going to happen" she explained, keeping her voice gentle so she could relax her visibly shaken cousin.
"You and I are going to work on that cabinet together, oh Draco don't look at me like that, im the brightest witch of my age i know exactly what that cabinet does when it works and I'm willing to bet its twin is in Borgin and Burkes yes?" Draco nodded, speechless, he couldn't believe how quickly this mudblo... this witch had figured things out.
"So we will fix it together. We will meet twice a week after dinner. You have quiditch practice on a Thursday so we will meet Friday evenings and Sunday evenings. Leaving you plenty of time to study, eat sleep and be a normal teenager. We will fix the cabinet together and when the time comes you will pretend to go along with the plan. You will sneak the death eaters into the castle and up to the astronomy tower, Albus will be there alone. You will disarm Albus, he said it must be you who does so. I agree. It means that you have that fact to prove to Voldemort that you are on his side. It will keep you safe until this is all over. Severus will get there a little after you, just in time to cast the killing curse himself and don't worry there are several witnesses to this conversation, Including Minerva McGonagall, Harry, Neville, Luna and Ginny. You are more than covered." The brunette finished, smiling reassuringly at the blonde boy infront of her.
"Merlin Hermione, I cannot thank you enough" Draco cried as he rushed forward and enveloped her in a hug, slumping into her arms as he cried in relief. He knew he could never kill someone, let alone a man he respected so much.
"You do not need to thank me Draco. You may have been raised to believe in superiority by your wretched father but I was raised to believe in equality and as such I will always give equal opportunity to all who seek it" Hermione murmured as she held him close. Comforting the boy who had grown to mean so much to her in such a short time, even when they had a history of four years relentless bullying behind them. He was her baby cousin and she would lay down her life for him and their family.
"Now for today we are going to eat the dinner i have brought us. Then you are going to lie down here and drink this dreamless sleep potion. You will rest while I take a look at the work we need to do to the cabinet. Once you wake you will go back to your dorms and get some studying done. You will not worry nor think about all this until you meet me back here on Friday at 7 do we have an understanding?" She softly commanded, sounding so much like her aunt andromeda she almost scared herself.
"We do mione, thank you" Draco whispered not even noticing as he spoke her nickname instead of her full name as he moved to sit beside her infront of the fire that had suddenly appeared infront of them and began to tuck into the feast this brown haired saviour had brought with her. For the first time in weeks he felt himself relax and enjoy his food, feeling reassured by her presence and the knowledge that he wasn't alone.
-----
It took until early February for Hermione and Draco to complete the work they needed to on the cabinet in order to begin testing it's ability to transfer people between Borgin and Burkes and Hogwarts.
May had arrived before they were confident that no harm would come to any who used them as transportation between the shop and the castle.
Hermione had kept Dumbledore and Blackbird updated on their progress and they had secretly worked out a plan to ensure that as soon as Severus dealt the killing blow, the death eaters would be run out of the castle because as much as they all had agreed to respect Dumbledore's decision to die his own way, they would not let the death eaters over run their school. It had also been arranged for Professor McGonagall to take over as Headmistress upon Albus' death and professor Flitwick to be appointed deputy head master.
Hermione had also managed to keep up with all her studies and was well on her way to achieving her N.E.W.T.S. she had also completed her Appiration test and achieved Animagus status with the support and guidance of her grandmama. Her animagus was described as a beautiful fire Pheonix, a rare magical bird, similar to the pheonix that Dumbledore owned. She was more than proud when she managed her animagus form and registered it with the ministry.
Nymphadora had also achieved animagus status, attending the school twice a week to firstly see Hermione and to recieve guidance from Professor McGonagall. She turned out to be a small otter, which Hermione found to be adorable. Fleur was also coming with Dora to see Hermione twice a week and would often find herself helping some of Hermione's friends with their school work when Hermione was over run.
---
The night of the attack was signalled to Hermione first by Dumbledore who gave her a sympathetic smile and nod before calling for Hermione to accompany him on an errand, next was a warning from Draco who looked at her with eyes filled with anxiety and apprehension when he nodded at her. She nodded back and allowed him to see the sadness he felt reflected back in her eyes. They had grown rather close over the school year and her heart broke to know that her cousin was in such a dangerous position. Luckily he had told Hermione that Bellatrix had been tasked by the Dark Lord to ensure Draco got out of the school safely so she felt reassured in the knowledge that her mother would not let any harm come to her cousin.
Once Draco had gone to fetch the death eaters, Hermione led a small group of aurors, including Fleur, Dora and her aunt Meda along with Blackbirds Royal Court into the stairwell to the astronomy tower and into a small side room casting a dissillusionment charm on the door and casting a repulsion jinx around it to ward off any curious death eaters as they entered the stair well.
The mood was heavy as they all stood, knowing that tonight they would lose a great man. All they could do was hold each other for comfort and wait.. silently.
--
Bellatrix was filled with apprehension as she entered the room of requirement to meet her nephew. She did not feel comfortable with the knowledge that they were about to trap and murder the man who had offered her family a second chance, a better option for living. What made it worse is she was about to do this in her daughter's school, knowing fine well that her daughter would be there. She would also have to be seen to be encouraging her nephew who was the same age as her daughter to kill someone, something she never wanted for any child, let alone a child in her family.
Narcissa strangely did not seem all that anxious about the night however when Bellatrix had left Malfoy Manor. She was oddly calm as if she already knew the outcome of the evening and was okay with it. As did Draco when she finally lay eyes on him.
He looked well rested and confident as he smiled at his aunt and turned to lead them out of the room.
As Bella followed him she felt herself worry. She had a feeling he was only so calm and confident because Hermione had been involved somehow, which worried her because chances were that if Dumbledore did not end the night dead, then Draco and Narcissa would. She felt sick at herself when she realised that this was the one time in her entire life she ever hoped for someone's death who was not the dark Lord.
As they climbed the stairs the dark witch thought she caught movement coming from a dark room at the bottom of the stairs but decided to dismiss it for now. Following and protecting Draco was her priority tonight. She knew her daughter could take care of herself, Draco couldnt.
As they reached the top of the stairs they found Albus Dumbledore standing on the balcony smiling serenely as his eyes twinkled kindly.
Without warning Draci sprang forward. "Expelliamus" he shouted, catching his headmasters wand in his hand.
"Draco, good evening, I'd like to ask you to reconsider" Albus said gently as he smiled at the boy.
"I can't" Draco said, looking at the headmaster in the eye. "I have no choice, he chose me, I have to" Draco said, his voice growing more confident and louder as he continued.
"Very well Draco" Albus said. "Bellatrix Lestrange, now isn't it nice to see your face again" Dumbledore said cheerfully as his eyes locked with hers. She had to swallow the lump of emotion in her throat when she saw the kindness and understanding in his eyes. She kept her gaze on him as she felt him use 'leglimens' to enter her mind.
'It's alright Bellatrix, I know what's happening. Draco's safety has been taken care of by your little witch' Bellatrix's eyes widened. He knew about Hermione?
'Yes I know about her. She's a credit to you Bellatrix. She's taken care of everything. Draco will be safe, I will not be dying a slow death from a cursed horcrux and our school remains safe. You will make it through this. I am so proud of you and Rudulphus. When this is over give your little witch an extra hug from me and tell her I will forever be grateful for her amd everything she has done for us' he said before looking away and breaking the connection.
Well that was reassuring, Bellatrix thought quietly to herself. Dumbledore had come here willingly to die because he was already dying? And because of Hermione, Draco was safe? This must be why Narcissa was so relaxed, she knew. Hermione had ensured that Narcissa was not left worrying about her son, bellatrix thought.
"Agh Severus, there you are, now please would you kindly signal the order akd have them remove the nasty men and women from my school" Albus said cheerfully. Conveying a false tone of hope as his executioner appeared.
"Very well" Snape said emotionless before whipping out his wand.
"AVADA KEDAVRA" he cried suddenly. A green jet shooting from his wand and connecting with Dumbledore's chest. Everyone froze momentarily. Shocked at the dark wizards actions before Bellatrix forced a cackle. Watching as Albus Dumbledore's body fell over the edge of the astronomy tower and disappearing down to the ground bellow.
Severus then pointed his wand upwards 'mosmorde' he shouted, making an image of the Dark Mark appear in the sky above the astronomy tower and Dumbledore's body.
"We must go" Severus said flatly as he turned and stalked back down the stairs.
Bellatrix grabbed Draco "stay close" she hissed in his ear as they followed behind everyone, running down the stairs in a bit of a daze.
As they broke out form the astronomy tower and onto the grounds of the school, Bellatrix heard running from behind her. She turned quickly to assess the risk and saw a team of what looked to be ten armed witches and wizards, five being students she recognised as Hermione and her friends and the other five being the order.
"How on earth did they get here so bloody fast" Bellatrix exclaimed loudly as she ran backwards. Watching them for any signs that they were about to attack.
'That would be me, you almost caught me at the beginning mama but I guess my repulsion jinx worked well enough, you looked right through me then looked away' Hermione's voice echoed gently in her mind. After all this time it felt like a cooling balm that she could bathe in.
'We are only following to ensure the slimeballs leave the premises. It wouldn't do for me to get my hands on Lucius, quick question its seven horcruxs right? We've destroyed two already' Hermione continued.
'Seven is correct. I'm so proud of you Mia' Bellatrix thought as she turned and began running faster.
'As I am you mama' came her daughters voice just as she reached the appiration point just outside the school gates. With a backwards glance, Bella grabbed Draco and apperated away.
-----
As soon as the death eaters disappeared Hermione led everyone back to the astronomy tower quickly. Parting the crowd of students and teachers alike as she hurried to the front with Blackbird right behind her. She dropped to her knees beside her grandmother. Harry, Luna, Ginny and Neville joining them as they formed a circle around their headmaster. The whole courtyard was deathly silent for several moments before Hermione raised her wand pointing it at the sky.
"For Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, He lived the hero of the light, He died our Hero" she called through her tears, shooting a bright white light out of her wand tip.
"For Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, he lived the hero of the light" Minerva, Ginny, Harry, Neville and Luna called as they pointed their wands upwards and followed Hermione in releasing a bright white light from the tips of their wands.
"For Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, He died our hero" the crowd called, all raising there wands and following suit.
In the matter of a minute the sky was filled with light, completely obliterating the dark mark from the sky and replacing it with a pure white glow, fitting for the leader of the light who now lay at rest. His reign, his love, his hopes and aims, his legacy and kindness living on in the form of his students, who all swore in that moment that they would live and die the way Albus Dumbledore had. With joviality, with love, with kindness and most importantly with equality in his heart.