A long-awaited Reunion and an offer.

Hermione had spent the better part of the last week perfecting her animagus transformation. During her time at Hogwarts she could slip in and out utilizing her wand, but was pants at performing it wandlessly. Madeline had shown her some specific mediation exercises that allowed Hermione, complete wandless success within a week. During this time, Hermione had spent her free time visiting with Bathilda Bagshot, who was utterly starved for companionship, of which Hermione was more than willing to provide. The woman was a font of useful information on a wide variety of people, and Hermione had managed to procure old copies of Gellert’s correspondence with Dumbledore.

Bathilda was more than eager to share any juicy bits of gossip she was privy to, as she blamed Dumbledore for the loss of her only family.

Hermione had noted the symbol that Dumbledore and Grindelwald had utilized frequently in their correspondence, which Bathilda was also quite eager to share her knowledge of. It would seem that Albus Dumbledore, had a myriad of secrets buried here in Godric’s Hollow and the biggest of which, she’d discovered quite by accident in an old photograph of Gellert and Dumbledore.

She had missed the connection at first when she’d seen the picture last summer, but once she’d realized the truth?

The pieces of the puzzle started falling into place rather quickly.

Today Hermione was on her own, as Madeline was visiting her sister in London for lunch. She’d decided to take a walk around Godric’s Hollow, and take in some of the sites. After a while, she came to a home that looked like it’d been partially burnt down—which seemed rather odd in this idyllic community, so she decided to take a closer look. When she reached the front gate of the house, she saw a sign that stated, “The ground outside the cottage has been preserved in its ruined state as a monument to the Potters and as a reminder of the violence that tore apart their family.”

The sign had some writing over it, names and messages of support for Harry Potter—which made Hermione roll her eyes and shake her head in disgust.

“I’m sure some people would be impressed with such a moving tribute as this, but it seems you don’t share that sentiment?” A deep voice stated from behind her.

So engrossed in her own thoughts, Hermione hadn’t realized someone had been watching her. She went to reach for her wand, but felt familiar magic whisper along her as she stood there. She then smiled softly, as her back was still facing the stranger.

“I just find it odd how people get sentimental over the most unusual things. People cling to their heroes, I suppose? However, life is rarely black and white. ‘I cannot help thinking that the manage of Hell makes as many devils as the severe penal codes of inhuman humanity make villains’. I however, have always felt that villains don’t truly exist, it’s just a moniker society uses to say that someone has an opposing conviction. Stories are written from the perspective of the victorious, never the defeated.”

Slowly Hermione turned around to see a tall man with black hair and deep green eyes assessing her with a smirk on his face. “Don’t you find that true?”

The man now smiled and walked over gracefully, standing next to the little witch, watching her closely. “Interesting quote from Lord Byron, and I suppose I’ve never thought of it quite so eloquently as you have put it...Miss?”

“Granger.” Hermione finished, and bowed her head respectfully.

“Hhmmm.” The man replied noncommittally. “So you aren’t impressed with the sacrifice the Potter family made?”

At this Hermione genuinely giggled. “I suppose it’s wouldn’t be considered popular opinion, but they weren’t very careful in whom they placed their trust. But people make irrational choices out of fear and are easily manipulated as a consequence. Perhaps they were easily led.”

The man looked to be considering her words, as he placed his hands behind his back and walked over to the destroyed home, considering at it with feigned interest.

“Loyalty is a difficult concept, to be certain. Trust is even more rare, and valued. Tell me, Miss Granger: Do you trust easily?”

At this Hermione hummed thoughtfully, “I would say the opposite it true. Loyalty is hard to find and trust is easy to lose. I’ve always believed that actions speak louder than words.”

“I have to say that I wholly agree with that sentiment.” The man turned around to face the young witch and gave her an appraising look. “Do you live here in Godric’s Hollow?”

Hermione shook her head in the negative. “No. I’ve been visiting with another witch who is sponsoring me for part of the summer. She is a scholar, and has been kind enough to teach me.”

“I see. You’re finding her tutelage helpful then?”

“Oh yes, she’s been most kind. She introduced me to a sweet lady here in town, who sadly, lives alone as her only family was taken away from her many years ago. She is a renowned historian and has told me some interesting facts about former tenants of this small village. You’d be amazed at the skeletons one can find in such a small town as this. Truly shocking.”

“Indeed.” Replied the wizard with a smirk.

Hermione smiled briefly at the wizard, before she walked slowly over to a nearby bench and took a seat under a shaded tree. The wizard followed her closely and politely asked if he might join her for a moment. Hermione gestured to the vacant spot and he sat down.

“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself this summer, Hermione,” the wizard stated politely, “I must say, that when Nagini told me about you, I was surprised to say the least. But you are as intelligent and clever as she’d stated, and I find myself greatly pleased by this fact.”

Hermione bowed her head humbly. “I’m flattered that Nagini speaks so highly of me. She’s been a good confidant, and I wish to thank you for allowing her to spend time with me.”

The wizard chuckled, “Nagini does as she pleases, but she is loyal and trusted. You have impressed me, child, as I didn’t think such a thing would be possible. You’ve given me a gift and as I’m sure you’ve guessed? I’ve given you a measure of trust in return.”

Hermione nodded. “I do appreciate that more than you know. I understand that my approach might be different than what you’re used to.”

“It is, as I’m sure you know.” The wizard gazed out over the courtyard for a moment, his dark eyes narrowing. “I should leave you, but I will return. How much longer do you plan to stay here in Godric’s Hollow?”

“Just another couple weeks, after that my plans are to return to London.”

“Ah yes, to your Muggle family?” The wizard sneered in revulsion, but Hermione only nodded politely.

The wizard looked at the little witch who was sitting next to him unafraid. She was demure, polite and well-spoken. Clearly the Muggles who had raised her had done an adequate job, but no heir of his would remain in such a situation long term.

“And if you had another option, young Hermione? Would you be open to that?”

Hermione glanced up curiously at the wizard before her, who was watching her with an impassive expression, but his eyes blazed red with emotion. “It’s complicated. Whilst I would be more than open to exploring my magical heritage, it might not be prudent to do so, yet. I believe it might be better to keep the status quo until a certain Headmaster is no longer a problem?”

The wizard smirked knowingly. “And I’m positive you have a plan to take care of that little problem?”

Hermione grinned in reply. “I might have an idea or two?”

The wizard just nodded, standing to his full height as he offered his hand towards the little witch, who took it without hesitation. “I will be back soon, my child. It seems we have much to discuss. I’m not unaware of the challenges you’ve faced these past few years in Slytherin House. I commend your discretion in the face of such overwhelming adversity. That you persevered and rose to become the best student of your year is no easy feat. Slytherins are known to be excessively cruel to those they view as lesser. You, my dear, are not. You are Heir to Slytherin, and when the time is right? All will know it and face my wrath.”

“Thank you, Sir. I’ll look forward to seeing you again, soon. Please be well.”

The wizard nodded once before he turned and walked into the shadows, disappearing without so much as a sound.

Hermione sat back down in shock as she replayed the entire conversation in her head.

Her Father had come for her, and he wanted her!

It was a relief for her to feel that perhaps for the first time in her life, she had finally found a place where she belonged.