Chapter 2
Walking into the great hall, they notice that the rubble has been cleared away and the house tables have been put back in their rightful places. Taking a look around, Hermione spots the Weasleys sitting at the Gryffindor table with Kinsley, Andromeda, and most of the remaining DA. Gently nudging Harry in their direction they move to join them for breakfast. After breakfast, Andromeda motions for Hermione to join her outside of the great hall. On their way out, they surprisingly pass the Malfoys sitting at the end of the Ravenclaw table. She makes eye contact with lady Malfoy who nods her head in acknowledgement as they passed by. Once they reach the entrance hall, Andromeda starts to speak while directing Hermione towards the black lake.
“I'm not sure if you know this, but Remus and Tonks never got a chance to name a godmother for Teddy before the battle. They had known as soon as they found out they were pregnant that they would name Harry the godfather, but who they wished to name the godmother required more deliberation. Ultimately they decided that they wanted to ask you.” Hermione gaped at the witch in amazement. Andromeda continued. “Remus knew that if anything were to happen to him that you would guide Teddy as he got older and be able to pass on the love of learning that you both shared. Dora knew that you would teach him loyalty, bravery, and the value of hard work. Dora also knew that you would protect him as they both wished they could.” Hermione felt the tears build as Andromeda talked about two of Hermione’s favorite people besides Harry and Ginny, and the little boy that they left behind. Hermione started to reinforce her occlumency Shields to be able to get through this conversation. Once she was sure that she wasn't going to break down, she answered Andromeda.
“I would be honored to swear the oaths to be Teddy's godmother, he deserves all the love in the world. Remus and Tonks should have been here for this, but I will do everything in my power to make sure that he is never wanting. I do have to disclose something to you before the oaths are completed. I am sorry but before this conversation can continue, I need you to vow that you will not share or talk about what I am about to show you to anyone without my permission.” Andromeda looks at her searchingly for a few minutes before she must have found what she was looking for because she nodded and took out her wand. “I, Andromeda Tonks swear on my magic that anything you show me will not be shared or talked about to anyone without your express permission. So mote it be.”
The power of the vow washed over her as she took Andromeda by the hands and closed her eyes. For the second time that day she let her shields drop to reveal her eyes before opening them and making eye contact with the witch across from her. Hermione Knew that because of Andromeda's upbringing she would understand what the gold eyes looking at her would mean. Andromeda gasped and covered her mouth with her hands. Hermione raised her Shields again and took a deep breath." Edward Remus Lupin is henceforth under the protection of the ancient house of Bellarosa, With the guidance and resources to guarantee that he is cared for and loved. So mote it be." Andromeda closed her eyes and embraced the young witch across from her while trying to hold back her sobs. This young witch that is so much more than she is already revered for. As she pulls back from Hermione, she puts herself together to finish their conversation. “If Remus and Dora we're here, what you just showed me Would reassure them That they made the right choice. We can swear the oath privately to protect your identity, and I am assuming that you would like to invoke these oaths within your family stones?" Hermione nodded.
" I want Teddy to have everything he could ever need. Harry is aware of my identity and can join the ceremony for balance." Andromeda shook her head. " If you don't mind me asking what is your true name? It feels wrong to continue to refer to you as Hermione even if I only refer to your true given name in my head." Hermione laughed “My true name is Aurora Hermione Bellarosa. It is a pleasure to formally make your Acquaintance Mrs.Tonks”. Andromeda smiled joyously "it is an honor to make your acquaintance, Lady Bellarosa. I would appreciate it if you would call me Andromeda or Meda. "Hermione looked at her and replied of course. Andromeda nodded and asked Hermione when she was planning on returning to Italy and when she would like Teddy to join her." I am planning on returning after the funerals, and maybe a couple of trials depending on what happens. I would be honored if you would join me on my journey home. You can stay as long as you like.it might be nice to get away from England for a while”.
“We would be honored to join you on your journey home". Andromeda links her arm through Hermione's as they made their way back into the great hall, completely oblivious to the longing looks coming from Andromeda sister across the great hall. Once they were seated again Harry shot her a questioning look what she responded to with a smile. The general mood in the great hall was generally subdued through the rest of the afternoon. A few hours later, Kingsley stood to address the survivors in the great hall. "Hello everyone, after the events of yesterday there are a few announcements to be made. First of all, there are a few death eaters that escaped before they were apprehended after the fall of Voldemort. We are doing our best to apprehend them, but we are spread very thin, therefore we are recruiting witches and wizards who fought in the battle that are of age to join the Auror corps to help reduce the burden. Next order of business, we are working our way through the ministry employees to determine who participated in Voldemort’s reign of terror voluntarily and who was coerced or imperiused into complacency. Trials will be scheduled once some stability has been established. Last and most importantly, the funerals will be held over the next couple of weeks. The details for each funeral will be announced in the Daily Prophet along with their degree of openness. All the funerals will be closed to the press out of respect for the families. Thank you”. With that Professor McGonagall and Kingsley made their way over to Hermione to have the conversation that was mentioned the night before.
When they approached her professor McGonagall asked "Miss.Granger if you could come with me, please?" Hermione nodded before she stood and walked with them into what used to be Dumbledore's office. Professor McGonagall conjured an extra chair once they were all in the room and gestured for Hermione and Kingsley to sit down. “Miss.Granger, I believe you are wondering why this discussion involves Mr. Shacklebolt. When Dumbledore realized that he was dying the summer before your sixth year, he made the decision to trust not only myself but Mr. Shacklebolt with your identity. It was Dumbledore's belief that entrusting us both with your family history was more responsible than just myself. Mr. Shacklebolt is projected to be the interim minister of magic until the country is stable enough to hold an election. He has vowed to aid in the resolution for the next part of this discussion. "
In rare form, Professor McGonagall seem to fidget before continuing. "Your cousin raised the alarm over your safety following the battle to the Italian ministry of magic. They are nearly frantic in their search for information on your well being, we are wondering how you would like to proceed. At this juncture, the funerals will take a couple of weeks to arrange. So, there should be adequate time for you to return to Italy to smooth things over before returning for the funerals. They are not prepared to take our word concerning your safety”. Hermione took a few moments to think about what was just shared with her. She understood why Blaise had reported her participation in the battle to the ministry, even if it made present circumstances more difficult. Ultimately her mind thought about the Weasleys and how she was going to have to tell them the truth since she had to leave instead of supporting them through their grief. She needed to start preparing for her departure but before she does, she needed one more question answered. "I will start preparing to head home, but I need to explain to the Weasleys why I need to leave, And I do have one last question before we finish our conversation. "
At Kingsley's nod she asked a question that had been bugging her since she woke up this morning. "What will be happening to the Malfoys? Will they face a trial?” Professor McGonagall and Kingsley shared a nervous glance before Kingsley started to reply." Hermione, I understand that you have a tumultuous history with the Malfoys, especially with Draco but they will not face a public trial or be held in Azkaban. Lord Malfoy has taken vows to aid the Aurors in rounding up the escaped death eaters while in Azkaban in exchange for his family's freedom. We have already spoken to them, and they will be residing in a black property until their hearings. Lady Malfoy was never branded, and her only crime is supporting her husband which was required of her through the archaic wedding vows of the Malfoy family. She also made it possible for the war to end the way it did. As for Draco, although he committed crimes for Voldemort's cause, he did so under threat to his and his family's lives. Now while they are allowed to return to one of their family properties, their magic will be under supervision until the time of their hearing. " Kingsley was looking at her fairly intensely by the time he was finished speaking.
"I believe there's been a misunderstanding as to my motivations for asking about their trials. Harry and I discussed that certain events from the last year have led us to want to testify in defense of Draco and Narcissa Malfoy should their situations result in a hearing or a trial. The magic in Britain has been splintered and locking up another family unnecessarily will not help magic heal." As Hermione finished speaking she noticed their surprised and relieved expression at her words and lack of animosity towards two thirds of the Malfoy family. "Because the Malfoys are considered a low threat level, their hearings will be held after the funerals. I am sure they will be apprehensive about your involvement in their hearings due to your shared history. Therefore, we will not inform them until closer to their hearing if necessary." Hermione nodded in response before standing to return to the great hall.
Walking into the great hall she noticed that the Weasleys were still where they had been when she left. Clearing her throat, she addressed the entire Weasley family cautiously. "Why don't we head back to the burrow? There are some things that I need to discuss with you all”. The Weasleys all remained quiet as they nodded, and Harry shot her a confused face. After what they talked about that morning, she could understand why Harry was so confused that she needed to speak to all of them. They walked as a group out of the castle and prepared to disapparate since the anti-apparition wards were still down.
They all appeared around the burrow within quick succession, and all maintained their silence until they crowded into the sitting room. Hermione thought about how she was going to tell the Weasleys the truth. They were pureblood, even if they didn't maintain most of the traditions and would therefore understand what having gold eyes would mean. Maybe she could show her eyes and let the questions save her from having to repeat her entire story. But before she revealed anything she would have to ask for a vow to protect herself from the temper of certain family members. She took a cleansing breath.
"Before I tell you what I wanted to tell you, I need to ask you to vow that you will not reveal anything that is about to be shared with you. I love you all, but the information is sensitive, and I would only ask this of you if it were completely necessary”. Mrs. Wesley and Ron almost instantaneously started looking mutinous. Mr.Weasley, Bill, Charlie and Percy Looked slightly apprehensive. Ginny And George looked accepting, which bolstered her resolve to not bend to the iron will of the Weasley matriarch. Hermione considered how to put the situation into perspective for the family to avoid a blowout.
"I trust you all, but this situation requires a vow to reinforce that trust. I am not going to disclose anything that would jeopardize the integrity of the members of this family but will offer everyone in this room protection from any third party." At these words the air seemed to deflate from Ron and Mrs. Weasley and reassured the rest of the family. After walking through the vows with the Weasleys, Hermione dropped her occlumency Shields and started to make eye contact with each person in the room. They were all frozen until Ginny slowly broke the silence by breathing out "Merlin, Hermione ''. All at once each member of the Weasley family started asking questions. The volume was so high that Hermione couldn't understand the questions enough to be able to answer. "Quiet, quiet! She can only answer questions if she can understand them. Now ask her questions one at a time". Harry thankfully intervened to settle everyone. They all looked around and seemed to come to a silent agreement that Mrs. Weasley would start by asking the first question. "I thought the last of the Bellarosa family were killed by death eaters right before the Potter's, how is this possible?".
"When my father felt the property wards being breached, he left me under the protection of my nanny elf. When my parents died, Amica took me back to our family manor to keep me safe. Bellarosa traditions dictate that the birth of the next heir is not announced until they start expressing their magic. And in this instance, it saved my life. My aunt made the decision not to announce my existence at all except to a few trusted members of government that were close to my parents."
Mrs. Weasley nodded before looking to her husband to ask the next question. "If you're not muggleborn, why did you tell everyone that you were, and how were you so familiar with the muggle world?" Hermione had anticipated this question would come from The Weasleys. "My Aunt Eloise was too busy to look after another child considering she neglected her own every time she remarried. She kept on a married couple that had been hired by my parents to look after me and act as my stand in parents. They were squibs so we frequented muggle towns nearby to be able to do activities together. The governess that had taught my father as a boy was hired permanently to provide my magical education, at least until Dumbledore showed up just before the start of our first year. He is the reason I went to Hogwarts and placed me under vows that I couldn't reveal my identity until the time was right. He insisted that acting as a muggleborn was easier than being half blood. What he failed to mention was how differently muggleborns are treated in Britain than in Italy”.
Arthur huffed a laugh and muttered what sounded like unkind words about Dumbledore under his breath. George was tilting his head back-and-forth as if he were debating the appropriateness of his question. "Well! What I'm wondering is how you change your voice and hide the color of your eyes?! You need to teach me!” Hermione laughed and shook her head. Had Fred been here she could only imagine how they would Have bounced questions off each other. "I use a modified volubilis potion for my voice. The modification that I took lasts 10 months so my voice should be changing back soon. As for my eyes, I was taught to occlude a certain way that directs my family magic away from my eyes making them Brown”.
Ron was still red in the face before he burst out the question that she knew would be coming. “Is this why you don't want a relationship with me?! Because I'm not good enough for your kind of family??" Ronald was standing and huffing while pointing in accusatory finger in Hermione's direction. She slammed down on her occlumency to avoid screaming back in his face. The rest of the family watched as her eyes turned to Brown once more and prepared themselves to intervene if necessary.
"I already gave you my reasons for not pursuing a relationship and you gave yours as well Ronald. Do not turn this around because of my family. There are traditions and restrictions that I am bound to that would prevent a significant relationship from developing with you, but they are not the reasons that contributed to the decision I made." Ron still looked ready to argue until Harry intervened by directing him back towards his seat with an iron grip on his shoulder.
Finally, Ginny indicated she was ready to ask her question. " Why are you telling us this now? Knowing you, you would have wanted to wait until things would come down before telling us this information”. Of course, Ginny knew her well enough to understand that there was more to the story. "You're right Ginny, it seems that there is some unrest back home regarding my involvement in the battle. They cannot trust the word of Professor McGonagall and Kingsley regarding my safety as there are certain traditions that must be followed, and I need to be present for them. I was hoping to stay in England until after the funerals were finished but it seems that I am needed home as soon as possible. I have a portkey that will be activating in an hour. I want you all to know that I will be here as soon as I can if you need me, just send me a Patronus but I do need to visit Andromeda before my portkey activates”. At that everyone stood to embrace Hermione before she floo’d to the Tonks residence.
She stepped out of the hearth and called out for Andromeda and Teddy. She knew that they were planning to return home around the same time that she had left Hogwarts with the Weasley’s. Hermione heard a door open before she saw Andromeda descending the stairs with a four-month-old Teddy in her arms. "Hermione! We weren't expecting to see you so soon! Has something happened?" Hermione smiled at the witch reassuringly before responding. " There seems to be a few fires that need to be dealt with back home. I didn't want to leave without informing you. I also wanted to ask if you and Teddy would like to join me once everything has calmed down? I understand if you want to wait until after the funerals, but I also know that a baby takes a lot of work. If you want to stay, I can call my nanny elf to give you an extra hand”. Andromeda reached out to embrace the young witch with Teddy in between them. "I believe that my place is here for the moment. I need to prepare for Dora and Remus to be laid to rest. I would appreciate the aid of your nanny to help care for Teddy. Normally I would have declined but it would help alleviate some stress in the days to come”. Hermione nodded before calling out for Amica.
With a quiet pop a house elf with bright pink eyes and cute ears appeared in the living room. "Mistress Aurora is OK! Amica is very happy to see you! Very happy”! Hermione smiled lovingly at Amica. “I am very happy to see you Amica, I have missed you more than I could ever put into words. I called to ask if you would mind helping Andromeda with baby Teddy? He is to be my Godson and Andromeda needs some help during this difficult time”. Amica Is looks between Hermione, Andromeda, and Teddy before starting to bounce on the tips of her feet. "Amica be honored to help Mrs. Tonks care for the godson of Mistress Aurora. And it's been so long since Amica could take care of a baby”. Hermione smiled before leaning down to give Amica hug and whispered " Thank you, take care of them both. Andromeda too. Let me know if they need anything." Amica nodded as Hermione stood backup. “I need to go take my portkey, I will see you both soon”. As she started walking towards the floo, Andromeda told her that she is more than welcome to take her portkey from the backyard. Standing in the backyard Hermione pulls a broken Hogwarts goblet out of her beaded bag and waited for it to turn blue. About 30 seconds later the portkey activated and pulled Hermione back to Italy with a hook behind her navel.
Next thing Hermione knows, she is standing in the entrance hall of her family's ancestral home. The cream marble floor led up to two beautiful, sculpted staircases facing the main doors of the house that stand twelve feet high and are carved from mahogany. The staircases round towards a walkway on the 2nd floor. The light blue walls are trimmed with gold filigree like a frame around the painting of Trivia the first of the Bellarosa line on the ceiling. Underneath staircases is a hallway to the rest of the main floor. The walls on either side of Hermione feature intricate fireplaces that at one time would have been connected to the floo network but have been disconnected since the beginning of the first war. Knowing that her caregivers would both be in the study in their wing of the house, she starts to make her way up the right staircase keeping to the right wing of the second floor. she takes a left to enter the hallway of the private section of the house. She continues to walk until she reaches the 4th door on the right and holds her breath as she knocks on the door.
Within a few seconds the door is thrown open and there are two pairs of arms wrapped around her. She feels the sobs of relief from Leda, and the Calm reassurance of Telmo. After a few moments she begins to understand what Leda is saying through her sobs.
“Mio preziosa regazza. Non posso credere che tu sia a casa al sicuro.
(My precious girl, I cannot believe that you are home safe).
Abbiamo potuto sentire il giurmento della linea quando è stato altivato.
(We could feel the oath of the line when it was activated).
Parleremopiù tardi dell alterazine dei nostril recordi.
(We will be discussing the alteration of our memories later).
Hermione finally let the tears she had been holding back start to fall. When they finally broke away from their hug, their breathing was ragged from crying. Leda puts her hands on either side of Hermione's face. “What have you been through my precious Aurora? Why did you invoke the oath?” She takes a deep breath as she realizes that she is going to have to explain everything that happened over the last year. She motions for them to sit down before she starts to tell them about Dumbledore's death, Harry’s training, the death eaters being let into Hogwarts, the disaster of the Weasley wedding, hunting horcruxes, breaking the taboo and ending up at Malfoy manor, her torture under the wand and cursed blade of Bellatrix, breaking in and out of Gringotts, riding a dragon, and finally the battle of Hogwarts. When she finished she was staring at the ground trying to hide the more traumatic events of the last year behind the walls in her mind. Leda and Telmo must have noticed the reappearance of her shields due to the dulling of her eyes and decided not to push her any further for the time being.
“Do you need to rest? We can finish our discussion at a later date”. Hermione smiled at Leda gratefully and nodded her agreement. After the day that she had, she decided that she needed to see Blaise. She calls her head elf Duffy and asks him to fetch Blaise from his family home. With a crack and a shouted Hey! Duffy reappeared with Blaise at his side. Duffy bowed before returning to whatever task that Hermione had interrupted. Blaise finally made eye contact with his cousin who was standing sheepishly off to the side. In three quick strides he had Hermione in his arms and was spinning her around in circles. “Mia Ari! I am so happy that you're home safe. I cannot believe that you forced me out of Hogwarts like a first year!” Hermione sighed as she heard his last words. “I'm sorry but I needed to stay with Harry and I knew that if I did not invoke the oath then you would have! I needed you to be safe. I am exhausted but after a year in a tent with two boys, I cant sleep alone and I missed you cousin”. Blaise looked at her with understanding and nodded before they left Leda and Telmo in the study.
When they arrived in Hermione's suite, she looked around her room that a year ago she hadn't been sure she would ever step foot into again. Her sitting room had floor to ceiling bookshelves that were packed full of her personal collection. Double doors led to her bedroom, ensuite, and closets. She walks through the doors and makes her way to her ensuite that was behind the door furthest from the sitting room. “I'm going to have a shower, could you call Holly for a calming draught? I might need it later”. Blaise nodded and left her alone in her bedroom while he went to his bedroom that was down the hall. Hermione went through her routine that she could only use at home like a zombie, too tired to think of anything else. Once her hair potions were gently worked through her curls, she exited the bathroom to see if Blaise would braid her hair like he used to. Sure enough Blaise was sitting on the edge of her bed. With one look at her hair he nodded and motioned her over and started to braid her hair. When he finished, he gave her a hug before he started to tuck her into bed.
Flashes started to appear under her eyelids. Bellatrix, the sword, screaming, pain, the knife, the screaming getting louder, being shaken, MUD-. Hermione woke up with a start, her arm feeling as if it were on fire and her breathing ragged. She hadn't even realized that Blaise had his arms wrapped around her and was trying to give her the calming draught. She hastily grabbed the potion bottle and drank it as quickly as possible. Within a few moments her breathing started to normalize, her shaking had stopped, and she could no longer feel the pain of the letters carved into her arm.
“Aurora, you need to take a dose of dreamless sleep. We have a lot to do tomorrow. I understand why you don't want to take it, cousin but you need to take it right now.” Hermione nodded, trying not to think about the dangers of becoming addicted to this particular potion. Blaise called out for Holly who only took a moment to get a dose of dreamless sleep for her mistress. Hermione uncorked the bottle and swallowed it before falling into the most peaceful sleep she has had since Dumbledore's death.