Hermione Lucretia Carrow
BBHG.BBHG.BBHG.BBHG.BBHG.BBHG.BBHG
Hermione walked beside Narcissa into Gringotts with her head held high, keeping close to the older Omega woman but refusing to cower in response to the various displeased scents around her.
She had woke this morning back in her own room, not remembering how she had got there. Her mate was curled into her back. Already awake, drawing lazy circles on Hermione's hip. It had made her smile as she turned and snuggled into the dark witch, her smile growing wider when a gentle kiss was pressed to the top of her head. It had been the perfect way to wake up after such an emotional night. Bellatrix had informed her that she had fell asleep in Andromeda's arms outside, and the older woman had carried her back up to her room. Sitting with her as she slept until Bellatrix had arrived.
It made her feel warm to know that even asleep her Alpha's family had cared for her in such a tender way. Never before had she dared fall asleep in such a vulnerable position. She knew if she had been at Hogwarts or at her muggle fathers then her falling asleep outside would have ended horribly for her.
After a lazy hour enjoying the older witches warmth and tenderness as they lay together, discussing everything and nothing they had joined the Malfoy family minus Draco, the Dark Lord and her mamma for breakfast. Andromeda having already left to meet with Tonks for breakfast.
She had then dressed and after a hug and kiss on the cheek goodbye where Bellatrix had threatened to skin Narcissa alive if any harm came to either of them, Narcissa had guided her into the floo.
They had stopped at a few of the shops on the way to the bank, Narcissa needing to pick up potions supplies and treating Hermione to a few new books as well as an entire new selection of robes for both everyday and formal wear. It made her a little uncomfortable because Narcissa refused to allow Hermione to pay for even the cheapest items she had purchased.
"You're a member of our family now little witch and as the oldest whom is not technically a prison escape or disowned then it falls to me as acting head of the family to ensure you are provided for. At least while you are still technically a student. Plus you are for all intense and purpose my baby sister, it is my job to make sure you look your best always, it wouldn't do for you to be walking around looking like a common muggle when you are to be seen beside the wizarding worlds ice queen you know" Narcissa had whispered reassuringly but teasingly seemingly sensing her upset at the situation. Effectively making Hermione giggle at the blondes flippant mocking of the title bestowed upon her by those who deemed Narcissa to be cold and unfeeling simply because she was well trained in navigating the social ladder. Stoic and emotionless in front of the masses but she was warm and loving when it came to her family. Such was the life of being a pure-blooded aristocrat.
Hermione was a little glad she had met this witch as family and not as an enemy. She had seen the woman in public before but had never interacted with her until she woke up in Malfoy Manor. Getting to know her meant that all she felt now in the face of Narcissa's Ice cold public image was respect. She hoped she was emanating even half the indifference as the older Omega was. Cissy seemed so unbothered and unaffected by the harsh glares and disapproval that surrounded her. Her head was high, her stride confident and commanding and she held an aura of power around her that left Hermione in awe.
Narcissa Malfoy neé Black was a woman to be admired and not one to be trifled with and Hermione loved that this woman was now her family.
"Stop staring at me so intently Hermione or I'll begin to think you're rather attracted to more than just one of the Black sisters" the blonde teased, startling her out of her observation of the woman. Causing her stride to falter slightly and if it weren't for Narcissa's arm in her own she may have fallen completely.
"What we're you really staring for?" Narcissa enquired when she had managed to get a hold of her amusement at Hermione's reaction.
"Tell you later?" Hermione replied shaking her head softly when the blonde raised a curious eyebrow in response. She wasn't really all that willing to get into her thoughts in such a public place. Regardless of the fact she knew they were speaking quietly enough as they walked that no one would overhear.
With a much gentler smile of understanding Narcissa finally brought them to a halt in front of a large oak desk, Hermione had to crane her neck back to peer over the top. Finding a rather grumpy looking Goblin she vaguely recognised from her previous trips to the bank.
She had learned quite quickly from observing others around her that the Goblins were all rather dour faced but responded well when treated with respect. Which in Hermione's eyes wasn't too much to ask if anyone really. She didn't understand how anyone could look at another being and willingly treat them cruelly. Though she knew first hand just how cruel people were. She still didn't like knowing others experienced the same harsh treatments.
She smiled up at the Goblin, bowing her head in respect as she spoke politely. "Good Afternoon Rannus Sir"
"Miss Granger" The Goblin greeted just as politely offering her a small bow of the head in response. " Lady Malfoy, What may I help you both with today?"
"I would like to do a heritage test if its possible Rannus, I've recently come into the knowledge that I was adopted and Lady Malfoy offered to accompany me because I hadn't a clue where to start" she lied smoothly, using the cover she had discussed with Bellatrix and her Mother. She knew Albus Dumbledore thought her likely dead and despite going missing from school grounds no one had reported her missing. Still, it was best to be armed with a story. One that wouldn't be questioned too closely and this one seemed most passable.
The Goblin nodded easily. Not questioning the more than believable lie and gestured for them to follow him behind the counter. He led them to a private room, just off of the main reception. Hermione could feel the wards around her as they entered.
The wards felt heavy as they passed through and Hermione knew that no one would be able to eavesdrop on the on goings of this room. Something she was grateful for. She did not want to risk anyone gaining the information that was revealed. Especially not Harry or anyone under Dumbledore’s command.
"If you would like to take a seat in front of me we shall begin" Rannus gestured to the vacant seats in front of the desk he had moved to sit behind. A small wave of his hand and a softly spoken word in a language Hermione didn't recognise had a small ceremonial dagger, a clear piece of parchment and a quill appear before them instantly.
The Goblins display of magic was illuminating and Hermione didn't understand why anyone in the right mind thought to disrespect a creature that held so much power. She had read about the Goblin wars. Knew that all Goblins had been banned from owning or using a wand to ensure that there wasn't an uprising and she knew that the relationship between the Goblin Nation and Wizarding kind was frial at best, tense at worst. If the wizarding world continued to show the Goblins such disregard there would probably come a time where they made that uprising happen without the wands. That was something she could possibly use to Tom's advantage. She would have to bring it up at their next lesson as something to discuss in depth.
"Using the dagger allow three drops of your blood to fall onto the parchment below, and then use the quill to sign your name if you will" Rannus instructed, moving the parchment and dagger closer to her.
Hermione didn't hesitate in doing as asked. Keen to give the Goblins the proof they needed that would then grant her access to her parents vaults. She was desperately hoping for any sort of clue as to how she ended up with the Granger's. She needed answers for her mothers sake too. Her mother had suffered at his hands for close to a year as a prisoner of war only to have her baby and her brother taken from her within such a short period of time. It had devastated Alecto and Hermione knew that getting answers as to what happened that night she was ripped away from the older Omega, would be a sense of closure for both of them.
She prayed to Merlin and Morgana both that Gideon Prewett's vault contained those answers.
She used the point of the dagger to prick her index finger quickly, squeezing the flesh around the small wound together to get the blood flow going. After three drops had fallen on the parchment Hermione wandlessly and wordlessly healed herself. Healing the small wound being of little challenge to her now that she had been training with the Dark Lord. She suppressed a smirk at the Goblins wide eyed stare as he witnessed her casual use of her magic.
For one as young as she was she knew it was a rarity to see, even among the eldest living witches and wizards, wandless magic was a feat, wandless and wordless even more so. She had not thought much of healing herself that way though and now realised it was probably the best thing she could do to ensure that if Tom did decide to invite the Goblins into his side of things then they would at the very least be interested in talking. The Goblins like creature, human and not, were just as attracted to power as any other would be.
Picking up the quill next she took a subtle deep breath before writing her adoptive name down on paper. Aware that she couldn't write her real name as she wasn't supposed to know it yet. Hissing a little at the sting she felt on her hand as she wrote. She cursed herself quietly, feeling a little foolish that she hadn't realised just by looking at it that the quill was a blood quill. It looked very similar to the ones she had been forced to use on numerous occasions by Albus when he felt she was stepping out of line.
She shook the memory off and watched fascinated as the blood from the quill and the blood from her finger congregated together in the centre of the page. Bleeding out and swirling all at once as it broke apart and began to move across the parchment.
Words forming in an elegant script similar to her own.
Name - Hermione Jean Granger/Hermione Lucretia Prewett
Born - 19th September 1979
Dynamic - Omega
Blood status - Pureblood
Heir to house Prewett, Heir to House Carrow, Heir of Ravenclaw, Heir of Merlin
Wand - 10 3/4 Walnut, Dragon heartstring
Patronus - Black Panther
Mother - Alecto Carrow
Father - Gideon Prewett (deceased)
Other relations: Maternal Uncle - Amycus Carrow (deceased)
Fraternal Uncle - Fabian Prewett (deceased)
Fraternal Aunt - Molly Weasley neé Prewett
Fraternal Cousins - Ginevra Weasley, Ronald Weasley, Frederick Weasley, George Weasley, Percival Weasley, Charles Weasley, William Weasley
They were no shock to her, she had seen it all before after all. But she had a part to play so she gasped audibly. Looking up in fake shock, feigning disbelief. The Goblin took the parchment his eyes widening too and Hermione could only guess it was because he more than likely believed the Prewett line had died with her father and his twin brother.
She knew the wizarding world had strict laws when it came to inheritance and as Gideon and Fabian had been the last heirs to House Prewett, Molly Weasley neé Prewett and her brood were set to inherit the money and all assets in a mere few years time. In wizarding law if no direct descendant claimed their right as Heir within 20 years of the last heirs death, the inheritance went to the closest living relatives, regardless of their entitlement to the House.
Merlin knew the Goblin was probably imagining the anger they would face at the hands of Molly Weasley when she was informed she was no longer in line for the inheritance. Everything would go to Hermione. As far as she had heard from Ron the family had been talking about the Prewett inheritance since their deaths, but as the Prewett brothers had never expected to die (arrogance or confidence she didn't know) they hadn't left a Will at the time of their deaths. It had angered Molly Weasley, Bill the Weasley's eldest son had let slip remembering just how infuriated his mother had been all those years ago.
It made her feel a little smug. It was Karma at its finest. Merlin knew the Weasley family had been some of her biggest tormentors. It would be mire than a little just to inherit the wealth they sought right out from under their noses.
Worthless little Omega Mudblood, it was what they had called her, reminded her and tormented her with her whole time at Hogwarts. Now she had her mother, her mate, her mates family and the Dark Lord behind her, backing her, empowering her and to top it all of she was the Heir to not one or two but four powerful houses. She would make them rue the day they ever met her. They would suffer for every insult, every ounce of pain they had caused her and she would revel in it.
She shook herself, a little startled at just how dark her thoughts had gone so quickly. It wouldn't do to let herself get carried away.
"Sit tight for me a moment Miss Prewett, I need to collect your rings and inform Bogrod." Rannus declared, standing quickly and making his way out the warded door. His shock still visible on his face.
Hermione chose to remain quiet, Narcissa simply laying a reassuring hand on her arm in quiet support as they sat. Sensing just how reflective all this was making her.
She had known at the beginning of this that going with Bellatrix would either mean her joining the dark or her death. She was glad it hadn't resulted in her death but she didn't realise it would be so easy to embrace the darkness that surrounded the death eaters.
The Dark Lord was not a good man, she knew that as certainly as she knew she belonged to Bellatrix Black. His death eaters had done some horrendous things and not all of them were even remotely nice people. But the cause? The cause was just, it was about equality as much as it was about power and that was something she could get behind. She had no issues with Tom or his followers less than morale actions, it was a necessity of war. She knew that.
She however, did not think she would see the appeal in the darker aspects of the dark side. Sure dark and malicious looked good on her Alpha, she just never thought she herself would he so willing or eager to join her. She knew she was capable, that she would do what it took to keep her family safe and if it meant being dark and malicious then so be it.
If revenge was part of that, then who was she too punish herself for it? Hadn't she suffered enough at the hands of the world? She couldn't really be blamed for wanting those that had harmed her to suffer for it, could she?
The door opening and Rannus, followed by Bogrod entering brought Hermione out of her own inner musings. She smiled politely at them, still pretending to be rather clueless about what all of it meant.
"Miss Prewett, Rannus and I have reviewed the results, we have a few documents you need to sign and then we can issue you with the keys to your vaults" Bogrod stated as he took the seat Rannus previously sat upon. He slid four separate files over to her, the Prewett one, followed by the Carrow information, then The Raven Claw and lastly the Merlin file.
He instructed her to sign the front page of each which she did without issue, after clearing up first that she wanted to be known as Hermione Lucretia Carrow rather than Prewett. After all her mother was the one she would much rather be linked to than the man that had held her mother prisoner. It wasn't much of an Issue, Bogrod simply waved his hand, conjuring an official name change document which she signed, Narcissa acting as her witness. Meaning she got to sign all four of the House folders with Carrow, something that she knew would please her mother.
The process wasn't all that long and after Bogrod had informed her that the details of her estate and inheritance would be sent to her later in the week, once he had been able to personally count each and every asset she was set to inherit of course. She was handed the keys to all four vaults.
She smiled and politely thanked both Goblins, filing away the information in her mind about just how much they seemed to take care of those with considerable wealth.
The trip certainly was turning out to be an extremely valuable one in terms of Intel gathering.
~~~~~~~
She and Narcissa decided to forgo visiting the other two vaults deciding to check out the Prewett one after grabbing a few thousand Galleons from her mothers vault for the woman. She was still a prison escapee and couldn't collect her money herself so had asked Hermione to grab money for her while they were there.
The trip to the Carrow vaults was a quick one, the cart took them on the track to the lower levels quickly. Hermione bracing herself the whole way. Not exactly trusting the old wooden carts to keep her safe. She was in and out the main vault quickly before they boarded the cart again for a short trip along to the Prewett vaults.
Hermione hesitated as she stepped onto the stone ledge outside the heavy iron door. Her heart pounding in her chest at the thought of what may be contained inside. What would happen if there weren't any answers to find? What would happen if she came out just as clueless as to what happened all those years ago as she was now?
It would haunt her, torment her and worse, it would offer her mother no comfort or closure. She wiped her suddenly sweaty palms on her dress robe, hoping that she wasn't visibly as much of a mess as she felt inside.
"It'll be alright Hermione" Narcissa offered gently, resting her hand on the small of her back and giving her a nudge forward. The Goblin pointed to the handle, telling her that she would be required to let a little blood to deactivate the blood protections on the door or Narcissa wouldn't be able to enter with her.
She did so almost without thought. Finding the small pin in the middle of the door handle and dragging it across her skin, letting her blood seep into the handle. She felt the vaults magic’s embrace her as her mothers had, her fathers bloodline recognising her as their own.
The way it embraced her like she belonged made her feel sick to her stomach. The family magic making her feel warm as family magic was tend to do but the notion that this man who had fathered her would care when he had ripped her away from her mother and tell her she was dead allowing her to end up in the muggle world as an Omega disgusted her. He would have known fine well how she would have been viewed. Yet he had still made the decision somehow that her mother wasn't to have her. Destroying her life and her mothers life in the process.
Not to mention the fact that as her mother was a prisoner of war when she was conceived made her image of the man even more vile. Not that she wanted to delve too deeply I to that thought. The very notion she was the result of her mothers pain hurt deeply, no matter how much she knew her mother wanted her.
The locks on the door released audibly, the iron separating the inside of the vault from the cavernous walkway swinging eerily inwards to allow her entrance. She reached backwards, finding Narcissa's hand and grasping it. The older Omega tightening her grip instantly, offering her that steady silent support without any sense of hesitance or reluctance. Giving her the courage to push forward, through the wards.
The vault was stacked with gold and artefacts. Paintings, Jewels and Galleons haphazardly strewn about. Old books she assumed belonged to the family strewn about carelessly in about it all.
Before she could really begin to wonder where to look her eye was drawn to the centre of the room where an old Hogwarts trunk sat. It was the only thing occupying that part of the room. It looked odd. Out if place in its simplicity compared to the extravagant look of the rest of the vault.
"What's the betting in stereotypical 'light' fashion our answers lay in an sight?" She asked Narcissa sarcastically, motioning the trunk in front of them.
"I wouldn't doubt it" was the simple amused response she received. She bit back the urge to mock how stupidly arrogant the 'light' sides supporters seemed to be. As if they all truly believed themselves the most clever out there, untouchable and beyond reproach in their actions.
She moved forward after a moment, forcing her body and mind to work on autopilot like it had done since she was small. Locking all emotion down tightly within. The box contained the initials of her father G. PREWETT carved into the top in messy scrawl. It made her cringe. Messy hand writing was something she despised. She had spent far too long having to decipher Harry and Ronald's illegible script that now it was something that was guaranteed to irk her.
Reaching for the clasp to unlock it Hermione again found the handle pricking her finger before unlocking once it recognised her as blood. She rolled her eyes but other wise did not react to.
Sitting at the very top of what looked to be a stack of old Hogwarts textbooks was two sealed letters. One with her mothers name on it, the other with her name on it. She picked them both up. Choosing not to read hers yet. She would much rather wait to be with her mother to do so.
She looked through the trunk quickly. Not finding much of value at all as she searched it. A few textbooks she took as she hadn't read them yet. The rest she left. Not really caring much to take anything else.
She could always come back at a later date, if she felt the need too.
Nodding to Narcissa who had waited respectfully by the door, they made their way out and up. Exiting the bank after a last farewell from Rannus and Bogrod they made their way back through Diagon Alley. Into the Leaky Cauldron.
Hermione was glad to be heading back to Malfoy Manor. Keen to be back beside her mate and debrief with her mother and Tom. Very aware that since before that night in the ministry, this was the longest she had been away from her Alpha and she missed the dark woman terribly.
Not to mention she was rather looking forward to being back in the safety of the Manor, feeling far to exposed and dirty with so many eyes on her for the duration of her visit. She hated being the centre of anyone's attention let alone continually having to determinedly ignore the competing Alpha scents and the disapproving glares aimed at her and Narcissa.
It was off putting and entirely unnecessary to have to experience such a thing for simply daring to be a confident Omega. She couldn't wait for the day she could put every single one of her tormentors in their place and show them exactly how much of an error they had made when they had targeted her.
She would show them.
Hermione Lucretia Carrow, child of Alecto Carrow, Family to the Dark Lord and mate of Bellatrix Black would not ever allow herself to cower again.