Return to Hogwarts
~ May 1st 1998 ~
"Its there Harry!" Hermione shouted as she pointed at Helga Hufflepuffs cup which sat glinting menacingly in the candle light of the vault.
Without thinking Harry went to move forwards, screaming in pain as his ankle brushing a piece of gold that was lying on the floor.
"Watch it, nobody move please" Hermione said in exasperation. She had warned them countless times that her mother would have put many protections in place to stop those without authorisation touching anything.
"Whats wrong?" Cedric asked as he remained by the door, acting as watch dog for any sign of trouble.
"Griphook how do I get past the anti theft jinx, I cant remove it but there has to be a way around it." Hermione asked the goblin not bothering to fill Cedric in, knowing it was more important for hither to get out of her mothers vault and Gringotts as quickly as possible.
"Aint no way around it. Only people that can touch is of Black or Lestrange blood. Anyone else gets burned including us Goblins" Griphook grumbled disdainfully.
"Mia what do we do?" Harry asked now realising just what was going on.
"If someone were to use the old ways to declare their name how long do they have before the records update?" Hermione continued addressing the goblin. Ignoring Harry for now.
"Depends. Down here you would have about a week before all the documents updated and the world knew. Why?" He asked, his tone betraying his curiosity despite his bored facade.
Ignoring any other questions Hermione drew in a breath, straightening her spine.
"I Hermione Andromeda Narcissa Black Lestrange formerly known as Hermione Jean Granger claim my name and my title from this moment forward. I claim my right as heir to the house of black and the house of Lestrange so I say so mote it be" she declared loudly, pulling a small knife from her pocket and drawing it across her palm, letting the blood pool as she spoke before dripping it onto the floor of her mothers vault.
She ignored the shocked look that crossed the goblins face along with the twin Cheshire grins of her best friends as she felt the magic surrounding her reach out to her and caress her own as if her mother were truly in the room welcoming her home. As the magic settled Hermione reached out cautiously to touch a stack of gold to her left and sighed in relief when nothing happened. She wasn't burned or cursed or thrown back but instead only felt the cold seep from the gold through her skin.
"Okay then" she stated matter of factly before pacing up to the back wall where the cup was sitting in amongst a stack of jewellery and galleons. Picking the cup up she inspected it closely before stuffing it into her extendable bag and turning to rejoin the others.
As she moved forward Harry began moving towards Cedric and Griphook also accidentally brushing up against a pile of galleons as he went. Hermione could only watch on in dismay as the galleons began glowing and replicating at an alarming rate sending Harry flying into more stacks of gold. Her best friend hissed in pain as the objects burned his skin where he touched them.
"Harry stay still" the brunette scolded as she cast 'wingardium leviosa' at her green eyed best friend, lifting him up and levitating him towards the exit. Griphook, seeing the trios current distraction took the opportunity to grab the sword of Gryffindor before making a beeline for the exit. Screaming "thieves, thieves" as he ran, attracting the attention of every goblin and guard within the vicinity.
"Shit, Mia we gotta go" Cedric shouted as he began to cast knockback jinxes as fast as he could at the approaching goblins and wizards.
Placing Harry down on the ground gently the brunette helped him regain his balance. "We don't have time to heal you, can you fight?" She asked him hurriedly, not bothering to hide her concern as her best friend nodded and brandished his wand.
"This way" Hermione shouted as she took off out of the vault in the direction Griphook had led them down to get to her mothers vault. An escape plan already forming in her head.
"What do we do Mia?" Questioned Cedric as he caught up with her, throwing a protego up over his friends back as an unknown man cast a well aimed 'incarcerous' at her, knocking the spell away from her as they made it to the atrium that held the chained dragon.
"On its back" she shouted as she made a dive towards the bound dragon, scaling its wings quickly and hauling herself up onto its back, straddling herself over the dragons spine between spikes.
Cedric and Harry cast a weary glance at one another before following wordlessly. They trusted Hermione implicitly and would follow her direction any day.
"Reducto" she shouted aiming her spell towards the chains holding the dragon, Cedric and Harry following suit as they caught on to her escape plan.
"Seriously Hermione, only you would find a way to rescue a dragon while under attack and fleeing for our own lives" Cedric chuckled as the dragon began shooting flames towards the oncoming guards. Harry laughing along with him as he concentrated on shielding them from any stray spells.
"Bombarda" the brunette whispered as she aimed her wand at the glass formed roof high above them. Knowing that the Dragon would make a break for the sky when she spotted it.
"Hold on tight" she chuckled as she cast a silent shield around the dragon as the dragon began climbing. Eager to protect the dragon as it led them to safety.
-----
Soaring over London, finally away from the disaster left behind at the bank the trio took a second to collectively breath a sigh of relief.
"Well then, that was interesting" Cedric quipped good naturedly.
"Potter watch will have a field day with this" Harry laughed as he thought of the Weasley twins learning off their latest adventure.
"Indeed" Hermione smiled as she looked between her friends.
"Thats us successfully got all but two Hurcruxes and we can only destroy this one if we get back to Hogwarts. We need a Basilisk fang as that cowardly Goblin ran off with the sword" she pouted playfully as they soared higher into the clouds. The Dragon chirping playfully along with the trios easy banter.
Looking down Hermione spotted a lake below them, gazing at it thoughtfully before looking up at her friends, a cheeky spark glinting in her eyes.
"We need to jump" she said seriously, still failing to hide her amusement.
"When?" Asked Harry wearily as he studied the lake below them.
"NOW!" she shouted as she launched herself off the dragon with a laugh.
"Merlin she's bloody mental" Harry sighed as he and Cedric launched themselves after her.
-----
Crawling up the sand Bank, clothing logged with water Harry hissed and clutched his head.
"He knows Hermione, he knows what we've been doing and he's so mad" he whispered still clutching his head as his two bestfriends surrounded him.
"Its alright. We knew it had to come to a head eventually. Now we have the last missing horcrux we return to the castle, we get our forces coordinated and we fight. It'll be alright" Hermione whispered as she pulled Harry into her arms.
-----
All....
The time to stand is now.
All willing to fight make your way as quickly as possible to Aberforths he will ensure your safety into the castle. Wait in the room you arrive. We will meet you there.
Blackbird it is time. Alert the Order.
Beware Hogsmead is filled with alarm systems. Try to minimalise your presence else death eaters will be upon you before you can arrive. Bring us Draco Malfoy quietly. He is needed.
Hermione, Cedric & Harry.
~~~
Teddy gulped in anticipation as she read the note aloud to the gathered muggle-born witches and wizards all who had spent the past several months training for this very moment.
"My little niece has finally done it. We take a stand tonight ladies and gents" the muggle-born witch said cheerfully, smiling as everyone let out cheers of their own.
-----
"Mum, mum!?" Came the loud voice of Nymphadora through Shell Cottage where Andromeda had spent the past months hiding from Death eaters. She had more than enough of them hounding her about Teddy so she had left so that theybcouldnt find her.
"What is it Dora?" Andromeda asked, poking her head around the door of her study, eyeing her daughter and her daughters soulmate critically, examine them for any signs of harm.
"Its time" Dora responded with a worried smile.
"'Ermione left a note. Ve are needed in 'ogwarts ve stand tonight." Fleur explained when they were met by a bewildered expression and a raised eyebrow from Andromeda. Moving forward she handed the journal to her eldest mates mother to allow her to read.
"Merlin, its time then" Andromeda whispered as she felt a coil of anticipation wind tight in her stomach. She could not wait for this all to be over. Needed it to be so as she desperately wanted her family reunited and safe.
"We must go then, come on" the older witch said, coming to herself and snapping into action as she raced upstairs to change and get ready for the battle to come.
-----
Hermione, Harry and Cedric made it into the room of requirement relatively quickly much to their delight.
Upon arrival they were greeted by the smiling faces of Blackbirds Army and to Hermione's delight a relieved looking Minerva McGonagall with an apprehensive looking Draco stood by her side.
"Harry, Mione, Cedric" Ginny exclaimed as she rushed towards them with Neville and Luna in tow. The golden trio hugged their friends tightly, having missed them tremendously over the past nine months.
"Snape and the Carrows have control of the castle. He is calling an assembly. Somehow he got word that Harry was on his way back here" Neville said, worry clear in his tone.
Looking at her friends closely she could see that they were all looking a little worse for wear. They had signs of abuse littering their faces and their appearance was grubber than they had ever been.
"Well let's take back our castle then shall we?" Cedric stated as he smiled encouragingly at everyone. Taking on his role of big brother and morale raiser.
"Indeed" Hermione quipped smiling cheekily at everyone as she caught on to what Cedric was trying to do before she turned to address everyone.
"We believe that he who shall not be named and his armies are on their way here. Tonight we must take a stand. Now I dont want you all panicking. We have plenty backup on their way. But first we must secure our castle" she declared confidently, taking Harry and Cedrics hands and squeezing them tightly as the whole room cheered loudly.
As everyone began catching up with Harry and Cedric, who were filling the members of Blackbirds Army in on what they had done Hermione took the moment to slip off to the side and approach her grandmother and cousin.
"Grandmama" Hermione breathed. Holding her grandmother for the first time in nine months. "Mia, Merlin I've missed you girl" Minerva replied holding her grandchild tightly. Hermione smiled effectionately at her before leaning up to peck her cheek.
"We don't have much time Grandmama. We need to get to the hall." Hermione whispered before pulling away and turning to face Draco.
"Do you remember what I asked of you and your mother?" She asked him.
"Of course Granger. You call we come" he sighed out, fiegning arrogance but Hermione could see the fear he was trying to hide.
"Good now put this around your neck, if at any point I tell you to go, you grasp the necklace and your mothers arm and think the words 'Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité' without hesitation okay? It will transport you both to a safe location where you will be housed until I can come for you both safely. Promise me Draco, you'll do it without question if I ask?" The brunette instructed, grabbing her cousins arm to ensure he knew just how important this is.
"I give you my word, but why are our lives so important to you?" He questioned, grateful but curious.
"I cant explain everything but my name Draco isn't Hermione Granger. It is Hermione Andromeda Narcissa Black Lestrange. It is all I have time to tell you and you cannot say anything to anyone yet. I will tell you and your mother everything when this is over" Hermione explained in a rush. Knowing she would have to give her cousin something for him to let this go.
"Wait what?... How?..." he exclaimed looking at her in bewilderment.
"I don't have time to explain Draco please just trust me and ill explain when it is safe to do so" Hermione replied hurriedly as she spotted everyone begin to make their way to the hall.
Seeing the absolute worry on the brunettes face Draco reluctantly agreed to drop it, nodding his head.
"Okay now until its time pretend we haven't had this discussion and join your housemates in the hall" Hermione whispered pulling him in to a quick hug before releasing him and pushing him towards the exit.
"Grandmama please go with the students, Harry might need you" Hermione said as she hugged her grandmother once more.
"Of course little witch. Stay safe and remember I love you" Minerva whispered as she kissed her grandchild head tenderly.
"You stay safe too Grandmama I love you" Hermione replied as her grandmother began to follow the students out of the room.
"We just have to wait for back up now Mia" Cedric said quietly as he moved to Hermione's side once the room was empty. Leaving Hermione and Cedric alone.
"I know. I just hope Harry doesn't panic before we get there" Hermione replied as she began to pace back and forth.
The pair lapsed into a comfortable silence as they waited, content to enjoy the moment before they knew all hell would break lose.
----
An over excited shout of "Mia!!!" Had the brunette turning in the direction of the portrait entrance quickly only to pause open mouthed at the sight of her mates standing in the entrance. Both spouting massive grins and wearing outfits that clung to their bodies tightly. Made up of black dress trousers and white blouses that showed of her mates assets appealingly.
"You're here" She whispered as her mates dashed forward, scooping her up in their arms as they lay kisses across her face tenderly.
"Oui ve are 'ere Mia" Fleur spoke finally as she pulled back to smile at the little brunette.
"God's I've missed you both so much" Hermione whispered as she pulled them both into a bruising kiss. All three sighed in content as they felt their magics reconnect and swirl together happily.
"You look like you've just fought your way out of a high security building little witch" came an amused voice from behind her mates. Hermione looked over Dora's shoulder and grinned cheekily when she spotted both her aunts standing in the room with them. A mass of other witches and wizards including the order standing behind them.
"Aunt Meda, Aunt Teddy" Hermione smiled as she broke away from her mates to launch herself at her aunts.
"It is so good to see you little witch" murmured Teddy into her hair as they clung to their niece.
"I know. But we don't have much time, I need the order to come with me, we are about to kick the death eaters out of our castle" Hermione grinned as she kissed both her aunts cheeks.
"The rest of you will stay with me. We believe Riddle will attack the castle tonight. So we are the reserves, we don't reveal our presence until nearer the end" Cedric pipped up as he addressed the room.
"So it ends tonight then?" Shakelbolt asked as he stepped forward.
"Yes" Hermione replied. "It ends tonight"
----
Hermione flanked by her mates, her aunts and the remaining members of the Order of the Pheonix stood in a triangular formation infront of the giant double doors outside of the great hall. She had filled them all in quickly as she led them through the castle.
"It seems professor that you still have a bit of a security problem...." came Harry's voice from the other side of the door.
"Thats our cue" Hermione grinned as she flicked her hand and the doors sprung open without a word. They moved together as if they had trained for this moment all their lives. Stepping into the hall with purposeful steps.
"And it seems rather extensive" Harry finished, smirking at professor Snape, who stood on the raised dias at the front of the greathall flanked by the Carrow Twins. All three death eaters faces showing their shock and apprehension as Hermione brought her group to a halt.
The group consisting of Hermione, Nymphadora, Fleur, Andromeda, Teddy, Shaklebolt, Moody, The Weasley family, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and various others made for an impressive picture as they all stood, scowling at the death eaters with their wands clasped firmly in their hands.
"How dare you stand where he stood. Tell them all how it really happened, tell them how you looked him in the eye and killed him. Tell them the truth!" Harry continued as Snape grew to look more and more uncomfortable. The students becoming more angry as they learnt of who truly killed their headmaster.
Hermione watched in slight horror as without warning Snape drew his wand on Harry but before he could cast a single spell Minerva jumped in between them. Pushing Harry back towards Hermione and aiming her own wand at Snape.
'Careful grandmama' Hermione sent to Minerva, concern lacing her tone.
'It's alright nighean milis I will be alright, I'm stronger than he' Minerva sent back as she began unleashing spells at Snape, forcing him to shield himself and step backwards.
A stray spell bounced off his shield and flew towards the Carrow twins, knocking them out instantly as Snape launched himself towards the window to escape, disappearing in a cloud of black smoke.
Before anyone could react to Snakes departure a glowing orb appeared in the middle of the hall and the voice of none other than Voldemort filled the room.
"I know Harry Potter takessss refuge within thesssse wallssss but I am here to offer you all a mercy. Hand Potter over and you ssshall all be ssspared. Refussse and I will sssend my death eatersss in to get him and none sshall be ssshown mercy. You have one hour to decide" his snake like voice hissed menacingly. Hermione shuddered in disgust, despising the very idea if a man so desperate for power he would target teenagers and harm children.
"Grab him them" came the voice of Pansy Parkinson who was standing next to Draco, gesturing wildly in Harry's direction. Without thinking Hermione, Cedric, Fleur, Dora and Ginny all stepped forward surrounding Harry and creating a barrier between him and Pansy.
"The time has come for you all to choose. There are dark forces moving against us and we must stand against them. All prepared to fight are welcome, those that are not prepared to fight we ask that you all leave" Minerva spoke up, sounding every bit the headmistress she was meant to be.
"I stand with Harry" Hermione declared.
"I stand with Harry" Fleur was next.
"I stand with Harry" Dora chimed, the trinity of light stepping forward proudly, their actions prompting a chorus of "I stand with Harry" to ring out across the hall from all students except many from Slytherin.
"Very well, all those deciding to sit this one out may follow filch" Minerva added when the hall settled down.
"Where have a to take them ma'am?" Filch asked.
"Oh I think the dungeons would be appropriate dont you?" Minerva quipped as she dismissed the half of Slytherin that hadn't chimed their support.
"Now all those in Slytherin that have had word about protection within the light see Mrs and Mrs Tonks, they will instruct you on what to do. The rest of you, let's ready our forces" Harry called out as a look of determination settled on everyone's faces.
Tonight was the night they would make their stand and face one of the darkest forces their world had ever seen, but they were determined that no matter what they would stand victorious in the end.
----
"Grandmama, how are the defences looking?" Hermione called out as she rushed towards Minerva.
"They won't hold forever little witch but it will slow them down" Minerva replied quietly.
"Neville has taken a group to bring down the wooden bridge at the Gate House, so none can enter that way and the barrier preventing entrance tit he grounds is up, it will take a while for him and his forces to tare it down but be ready" she continued, hugging Hermione tightly.
"Okay. Now tell me grandmama, how good did it feel to cast the spell to bring our statues to life" Hermione grinned up at her grandmother knowingly.
"She was ecstatic Hermione" Molly Weasley (Ginnys mother) chimed in.
"Molly, you are not meant to give me away like that. She'll think she can do it now" Minerva chided playfully as she smirked at her granddaughter.
"Oh Grandmama, I dont think I can do it, I already know I can, I brought the statues to life in the deeper parts of the castle." Hermione giggled, smirking back at Minerva as she gestured to the stairs behind them.
Turning Minerva and Mollys jaws dropped slightly as they spotted the lines of statues depending the stairs and making their way towards the outside.
"Impressive" murmured Molly.
"Indeed" Minerva replied with an eye roll. It was so like Hermione to be able to pull of stunning feats of magic without issue.
"I need to find Fleur and Dora, we need to be together for this" Hermione whispered to Minerva as she pecked her cheek and took off back towards the great hall to find her mates.
"She seems energetic" Molly stated as they watched Hermione run off.
"She is and always has been. She certainly has kept me on my toes" Minerva mused as she smiled effectionately after the young brunette.
"It doesn't seem possible that she's the same girl I met in her first year. She's so different now" Molly replied with a smile.
"Indeed she is, she had to grow up so fast but has adjusted to her reality quickly and with grace. She's a wonder" Minerva agreed. Grinning at Molly, who smiled in return.
"I wish Ron had enough common sense to have really thought through his actions s towards her, things would have been so much different for him if he had simply allowed himself to be content with her friendship" Molly sighed sadly as she thought of her missing son. The rest of her children were in the castle tonight ready to fight for their lives and freedom while her youngest son sat in a prison cell. She would forever wonder how things went so wrong with him.
"Do not beat yourself up now Molly, Ron is his own person and made his own choices. It is not a reflection on you in the slightest" Minerva said gently, squeezing Mollys arm in comfort.
----
"Girls, how are you feeling?" Andromeda asked as she made her way over to the Trinity of light. Hermione having changed her clothes to match her mates now donned a pair of black dress trousers and a white blouse.
"Nervous Aunt Meda. We are praying this all works" Hermione whispered as she clung to her mates for comfort.
"Eet vill, you 'ave done ze research. 'Arry vill be fine. He knows vat to do" Fleur reassured her as Dora nodded in response.
"Whats this about Harry?" Andromeda asked curiously.
"He's a hurcrux aunt Meda. He has to let himself get hit once by you know who's killing curse to destroy the horcrux within himself. That isn't the hard part. He has to then play dead until the right moment because I need Riddle to pause the fight long enough to get those trapped to safety and pull mama and my father out as well" Hermione explained aplrehensively, her mind whiring through everything that must be done.
Before anyone had a chance to respond they were startled by a blinding white light erupting in the sky above the castle. Recognising the ripples of spell fire Hermione grew tense.
"It's starting" she whispered.