Hermione’s continues to impress her Father and his followers and proves just how cunning she truly is.

The meeting continued as the men discussed Hermione’s plan and eventually, Lucius chimed in with a question. “This plan for Dumbledore is predicated on you keeping you true identity a secret?”

Hermione nodded, glancing briefly at her father.

“I believe it’s correct to assume, that I wouldn’t be safe if Dumbledore knew whom I really am. I realize this is a bit of a gamble, but it’s the best chance we have to bring him down.”

“You’d mentioned something about his role in the Wizengamot,” stated Lord Nott, “I’d imagine there will be some blow-back from allowing the Potter boy to compete in the tournament, but Dumbledore has many supporters within the Wizengamot.”

“You are correct, Lord Nott. However, Dumbledore hasn’t always been a stalwart of following Magical Law if it hasn’t benefitted him to do so.”

“What are you implying?” Demanded Yaxley.

“Years ago, Sirius Black was sent to Azkaban, and recently he escaped from custody as we all know. What isn’t widely known however, is that Sirius Black is still the Head of the Black family, with all the rights and titles it affords. I propose that Dumbledore knew this, but allowed the Heir to the Ancient and Noble House of Black to be incarcerated without a fair trial of his peers. Did you know, Lord Yaxley? That in the late nineteenth century, a law was written that stated that ‘No rightful heir of the Sacred 28 can be sentenced to Azkaban without first a trial by his counterparts. There can be no exception to this law nor repudiation therin for to do so willingly is a violation of the decree set forth and punishable by a sentence of no less than 20 years, and restitution made in full at the discretion of said Lordships.’

“Bloody Hell!” exclaimed McNair, “If what you’re saying is true? He allowed Black to suffer in Azkaban all these years without his rightful due process!?”

Hermione nodded, put her arm into her bag and pulled out an old magical law tome. “I found this book hidden in the back of the restricted section at Hogwarts. I felt it was important, so I appropriated it.”

Severus pinched the bridge of his nose. “You stole a book from the Hogwarts Library?”

Hermione flinched back in shock. “No! That would be wrong! I simply borrowed it, used the ‘gemino’ charm and made my own copy.”

Severus eyed the little witch incredulously. “Am I to assume that you’ve made other copies of books from the restricted section?”

Hermione shrugged innocently. “I may have copied a few books here and there.”

Lucius smirked, “And by a few books, you mean?”

Sighing in resignation, Hermione glanced once again at her Father, who was watching her with an expression of utmost glee on his face.

“I may or may not have, copied all the books in the restricted section.”

At this confession, the Dark Lord laughed out loud and Hermione smiled at her Father, as his other followers also laughed in response.

Well, all but Severus, who looked completely aghast at the thought that someone had copied all the restricted books from the library.

“Do you have all those books in your beaded bag, Miss Granger?” Sneered her Potions Professor.

“Actually its a variation on the ‘gemino’ charm that I invented myself and it allows me to copy any text I wish and catalogues it into my personal library. I have the main ledger with me at all times, and if I wish to access a book, I just utilize the spell I created and voila! Instant access!”

By now everyone sitting at the table was staring in complete awe at the young witch.

“My Lord,” said Thoros Nott softly, “If I may be so bold? Have you given any thought towards betrothal contracts for your daughter?”

Voldemort smirked knowingly, watching the look of astonishment appear on his daughter’s face.

“As a matter of fact, Thoros? I was approached not too long ago by a young wizard wishing to formally court Hermione. I told him the same thing I will tell you now, Thoros. My daughter is too young to enter into such a courtship. I will not be entertaining any such requests until she is of age. I would imagine she’d have a thing or two to say in whom she would wish to formally court?” Hermione just glared at her father stoically and nodded once. “Well, there you have it.” Voldemort chuckled.

“That is disappointing, my Lord.” Stated Thoros quietly, gazing over at the young witch covetously. “Might I inquire as to whom made the formal request?” The Dark Lord glanced over at Lucius, who was now smiling to himself, well aware of his son’s wish to court Hermione.

“Lucius son, was quick to let me know of his intentions towards my daughter. I believe the boy is quite taken with Hermione.”

Hermione just looked back impassively at her Father, not giving him any emotion or sign of preference either way.

“Perhaps gentleman? We might table this discussion, as I won’t be seventeen for at least another year, and it seems a bit premature. Don’t you agree, my Lord?”

Voldemort nodded serenely and smirked in delight at his daughter’s obvious agitation. He wasn’t surprised by Thoros interest in his heir, as he could well imagine there would be many such requests once Hermione’s heritage was finally revealed.

His daughter however, didn’t seem to keen on welcoming such attention, and that was probably just as well.

“Perhaps we can discuss your desire to remove your followers out of Azkaban, my Lord?” Hermione inquired politely.

“I’m positive you have a plan for that as well, Daughter?”

Hermione nodded, and the men chuckled knowingly at her father.

“Lord Black was incarcerated in violation of the rule of law. I did some checking and found out that Lord Lestrange was also locked away without his due process. If Sirius Black, well-known former member of the Order of the Phoenix is released on a technicality, it will set a precedent and will put in question all former Death Eaters who were incarcerated at that time.”

Lucius smiled at the brilliance of Hermione’s idea. “How will you plant the seed, Hermione? It would be suspicious if any of us here were to do so.”

“I agree, Lord Malfoy, that is why I’m going to have Rita Skeeter pen a story about the abuses of power going on in the Wizengamot. I’ll have her include a paragraph about past indiscretions, mention Sirius directly. Plant the seeds of doubt in the minds of the public, but Harry Potter in particular. We have been given some intelligence that suggests Dumbledore is starting up the Order of the Phoenix again, and is using the former home of Sirius Black as a base of operations. I plan on ‘helping’ Potter come across some timely information, and I have no doubt that he will be able to find a way to petition for a retrial for his godfather. Once that is done, then it’s only a matter of time until all your Death Eaters will be released, legally from Azkaban.”

“If there is a retrial? How do you expect those who are incarcerated to be let free?” Queried McNair.

Hermione smirked wickedly at the man. “Because those who would’ve been called to testify are no longer an issue. Bartemius Crouch Sr. Former Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement is dead. The Prewett’s are dead. Frank and Alice Longbottom are permanent residents of the Janus Thickney Ward at St. Mungo’s. Did you know Lord McNair? That there are several statues that make the viewing of memories inadmissible, if the person who gave the memories is not present for cross-examination. It has to do with a defendants right to face their accusers. You can’t face someone who is dead or insane, can you?”

McNair shook his head, looking at the young witch with respect. “That’s inspired. And I suppose you plan to place the blame for this squarely on Dumbledore?”

“Well, the old fool was the Chief Warlock during that time and you’d think he would’ve been better about following proper laws and procedure. An unfortunate fact that will have to be made public, I’m afraid. All former Death Eaters will probably be released due to some unfortunate technicality and even if it gets to a trial? Which I’m certain will not happen? It will be because Dumbledore won’t want anyone looking too closely into his business. As Lord Nott so eloquently pointed out, he holds enough sway to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

“Your going to use the man’s hubris against him?” Lucius interjected.

“I’m going to make sure he chokes on it.” Smiled Hermione demurely.

“And the prophecy, Daughter?” Voldemort asked quietly. Hermione just rolled her eyes, reached into her beaded bag and pulled out a glowing orb, to the shock of everyone around the table. Her Father however, was now staring at her with narrowed eyes. “You’d best explain, child. Is that what I think it is?”

Hermione nodded smugly.

“How did you get it? Prophecy’s can only be retrieved by those whom their about?” Stated Severus warily.

“Well, technically that is true, but no one said you couldn’t make a magical copy of said prophecy. Always with the loopholes, really? You’d tend to think the Unspeakables would be a bit smarter than that.”

“And how did you get into the Department of Mysteries?” Lucius inclined his head at the little witch.

“Oh, that was fairly easy. Did you know that the Room of Requirement at Hogwarts can give you anything if you know how to ask for it as long as it doesn’t contradict Gamp’s Law of Elemental Transfiguration? I managed to find a way to ask it to give me a passage into the room where Harry Potter’s prophecy was hidden...and it did. I entered, disillusioned of course, made a copy and slithered back into Hogwarts. Took all of five minutes.”

Voldemort stared at his daughter in stunned disbelief and by the looks on his followers faces, they too were shocked. Hermione then handed the prophecy to her Father, who nodded at her in thanks. She then sighed and scrunched her nose, as she was getting tired.

the Dark Lord, noticing his daughter’s weariness called for Nagini. “Take Hermione to her rooms and stay with her.”

“Of course, Master.” Hissed the snake.

“Nagini will take you to your rooms, Daughter. You’ve had enough excitement for one day.”

Hermione smiled, “Of course, thank you, my Lord.”

Hermione went to stand up and the other men followed suit.

Each one came and bowed, kissing the little witch’s hand, much to the amusement of her father.

When she was at the doorway, Hermione turned and said “goodnight’ to which Voldemort replied, “You’ve done exceptionally well, my Daughter. I will see you at breakfast in the morning.”