Hermione returns to Malfoy Manor and the Dark Lord confides to Lucius the identity of Hermione’s mother. A meeting with the Death Eaters, leads to a confrontation and a brutal demise.

Dumbledore’s trial and sentencing made the front page of the Daily Prophet for well over a month. Hermione, Harry and Neville had each been called in to testify, as well as Professor’s Snape and McGonagall. When the evidence was finished, Dumbledore was sentenced to Azkaban for 20 years. He didn’t receive the Dementor’s kiss, but Hermione was quite pleased that the man would most likely die in prison with his reputation in tatters.

When she returned back to Malfoy Manor, her Father and Nagini were waiting for her.

“Daughter, it is good to see you looking well. Nagini and I feared for you, when we had heard what happened.”

“I’m alright, Father. Just glad to be home.” Hermione sighed. Nagini came over and wrapped herself around her young mistress causing her to giggle softly as she petted her snake fondly. “I’m alright, Nagini.” Hermione hissed. “Just tired, and glad it’s finally done.”

Nagini lifted her head and considered her little Mistress hissing out, “You gave Master and I a fright. Nagini is cross with young mistress, putting herself in harms way. The old wizard could’ve killed my mistress. Nagini is most displeased, but happy you are safe.”

“I am too, Nagini.”

The snake removed herself from Hermione and slithered back towards the fireplace in the study so she sat down and turned to her Father expectantly, when he took his place next to her.

“I know you’re tired, Daughter, but I’ve called a meeting this evening with my inner circle. I believe it’s time for you to meet my most loyal followers, and for them to show their appreciation for your efforts in freeing them.”

“As you wish, Father. I would like to freshen up a bit and maybe get something to eat beforehand, if that’s alright?”

“Very well. Nagini will escort you to your rooms and she will be at your side at all times.”

“Of course, Father.” Hermione nodded and left quietly, with Nagini following her out of the room.

When she had left, Lucius entered the room and bowed to his Lord. “Sit, Lucius.” Voldemort gestured to the chair next to him.

Lucius took the preferred seat, watching his Lord closely. “I’m grateful to you, Lucius for watching over Hermione this past week. Now that Dumbledore is taken care of and the Minister is effectively under our control, I wish to discuss Hermione. As you’re aware, she turns seventeen in September. Your son will not be of age until the end of their sixth year, and I’m not inclined to have her enter into an engagement until she is finished with her N.E.W.T.S. However, I will allow them to formally court seventh year, providing your son realizes that he will not engage in any other relations with witches until such time as he’s allowed to court Hermione openly, and he will abide by all the demands I’ll put forth on him, as part of the courtship. I have also been made aware that she received eleven OWLS, outstandings in all her subjects and with that I find I can no longer keep her entire heritage a secret.”

“Draco will abide by whatever demands you wish to place upon him, but I don’t understand one thing, my Lord? Do you wish to openly acknowledge Hermione as your heir?”

“Not in so many words. The entirety of Slytherin House will be made aware of her heritage, under penalty of death it will not be revealed. I will not have my daughter continued to be a leper within her own house. Her mother is another issue, one which I’ve failed to mention, because I wasn’t sure if she was still alive. I’ve since discovered she went into hiding, shortly after Hermione was left with the Muggles.” Voldemort sighed. “Dumbledore had her family killed, trying to find her. She was a spy within the Order, and as such when Dumbledore found out, her family disappeared. It was believed they were killed by Death Eaters, and I never disputed that claim until now.”

Lucius eyes widened in shock. “You mean to say, my Lord—that Hermione’s mother is Marlene McKinnon?”

Voldemort nodded, surprised that Lucius had figured it out so quickly. “Yes. Marlene had been involved with Sirius Black at Hogwarts, as you know, but that was a ruse. I met Marlene in her fourth year, and I was intrigued by her brilliance. She knew whom I was, but she was never fearful of me. I grew to respect her, as much as I am capable I suppose. I knew her family had been killed, and I had always assumed she’d been killed with them. The fact that Hermione lived, told me Marlene was not in her family home when they were attacked. I was able to track her down this last year as she’d been living with distant relatives in a small village outside Cornwall.”

Lucius looked shocked. “Where is she now, my Lord?”

“She is safely hidden until I can figure out a way to reunite mother and daughter. Marlene being a Pureblood, once she claims Hermione, her blood status will no longer be an issue.”

Lucius nodded. “Then perhaps you might allow me to help in that regard, My Lord. If Marlene were to come forward now, and give testimony that Dumbledore killed her family, he’d be put on trial again and there’d be no avoiding the kiss for him this time. All good will he had remaining on the Wizengamot will be swept away when it is learned he tried to kill someone within his own ranks, the last of a Pureblood House.”

Voldemort smiled. “I do believe that could work, Lucius. Please speak with Minister Fudge and I will go and discuss this with Marlene. If she agrees, we will be able to reunite Hermione with her mother sooner than anticipated.”

Lucius bowed and stood. “I will see to it immediately, My Lord.”

Voldemort stood and walked up to his daughters room and knocked on her door. When he didn’t get a response, he walked in and saw Hermione laying on her bed asleep. Smiling to himself, he walked over and brushed a lock of hair from her face, which caused the young witch to stir and look up at her father with bleary eyes.

“I’m sorry, Father. I must have fallen asleep.”

“Not to worry, Daughter. I just came to tell you that I will be leaving for a couple of hours. There is someone I have to meet with. I will need to speak with you tonight after the meeting is over, but for now sleep; and Nagini will wake you in a couple hours.”

Hermione nodded sleepily and nestled her head back down on her pillow, instantly falling into slumber. As Voldemort looked down at his daughter, he was once again awed by her cleverness and cunning. Her brilliance was unmatched by none except himself and he was amazed at how resilient she was. She had executed her plan flawlessly and had handed him Dumbledore and the Minister without a single drop of blood being shed.

He had no doubt that with Hermione at his side, the Wizarding World would be his for the taking.

Turning to his familiar he hissed quietly. “Watch over her, Nagini. No one is to enter this room without my permission and you are tasked with keeping her virtue protected at all costs. I’m not unknowledgeable of her beauty and brilliance nor the proclivities of some of my more loyal followers.”

The snake nodded once, wondering if her Master understood the ramifications of his words, but choosing to ignore it for now? She slithered over to the end of her mistress’s bed, silently keeping watch over her new charge.

Nagini would never allow anyone to harm her mistress, and she would kill anyone who tried.

Later that same evening, Hermione took great care getting ready for her meeting with her Father’s Death Eaters. Narcissa had come in and helped with her hair, and made some recommendations on which robes suited her best. Hermione finally settled on a beautiful emerald green set, and Narcissa smiled approvingly at her choice. When she was ready, Narcissa led Hermione at the main drawing room, where several people Hermione didn’t recognize were standing quietly talking amongst themselves. When she entered, she was greeted immediately by Lucius and Severus, who both kissed the back of her hand in welcome. Thoros Nott and Walden McNair came forward too, followed by Corban Yaxley—who had another gentleman with him that she’d never met.

“My Lady, it’s very good to see you looking so well after your ordeal.” Yaxley stated in his deep, throaty baritone.

“Thank you, Lord Yaxley. I’m happy that unfortunate business is behind me. Perhaps you might introduce me to the gentleman next to you?”

“Of course,” Yaxley drawled. “This is Lord Antonin Dolohov. Antonin this is Lady Hermione Riddle, our Lord’s daughter.”

Hermione curtsied formally and was taken aback when the man in question moved into her personal space and reached for her hand, kissing the back of it and looking deeply at her in a way that made her quite uncomfortable.

“It is my pleasure to formally make your acquaintance, Miss Riddle. I understand that it’s you I have to thank for my release from Azkaban. A free man once more.”

Hermione smiled demurely, locking her Occlumency shields down firmly. “I thank you for your kind words, Lord Dolohov. I was only doing my part for our cause.”

“Nonsense. I’ve heard rumors of your cunning and beauty, but I must say, the rumors don’t do you justice, my Lady.”

Dolohov seemed very intense and Hermione just nodded her thanks, before Lucius thankfully, came over to whisk her away for introductions elsewhere.

When she finally came to Rodolphus Lestrange, he was flanked by his brother Rabastan and his wife Bellatrix. Narcissa had fore-warned Hermione that her sister was a bit unhinged, and had an unhealthy obsession with the Dark Lord. She put on her best placid expression, and smiled politely at the threesome—who were looking at her with a mixture of appreciation, hesitation and irritation.

Lucius made the formal introductions.

“Rodolphus, Bellatrix, Rabastan? Please allow me to formally introduce you to Our Lord’s daughter, Hermione Riddle. Hermione, this is Lord Rodolphus Lestrange, his wife, Bellatrix and younger brother, Rabastan.”

Hermione curtsied formally, which drew an appreciative smile from Rodolphus and Rabastan.

Bellatrix however, was not impressed at all. “You’re the Dark Lord’s daughter?” Bellatrix sneered openly. “And who might your mother be, child?”

The room had suddenly gotten very quiet and Hermione considered the older woman with amusement. Clearly Narcissa was correct in warning her that Bellatrix would be a problem.

“Yes, Lady Lestrange, I’m the daughter of Our Lord. I’m afraid any other personal information would need to be directed to Our Lord, as I’m sure you can understand? He is a private wizard, and would not take kindly to openly discussing such matters in front of even his most loyal followers.”

Bellatrix grimaced, but then glared harshly at her attempt being thwarted—while her husband just stared at Hermione with admiration while Rabastan appeared amused by Hermione’s response.

“Why you, insolent child! I will have you know I am Our Lord’s most faithful and devoted servant to the cause and I’m sure Our Lord would not take kindly to learning that his child was disrespectful towards his most loyal follower.” Bellatrix crowed with glee.

Hermione’s countenance didn’t change, if anything, she looked even more amused than before. “I’m afraid Our Lord hasn’t mentioned you to me, so I was unaware of your status, Lady Lestrange. I’m sure he will be pleased to see you here, giving your unconditional support for his cause. Loyalty is such a valued commodity.”

There were quiet chuckles at the thinly veiled insult, but Bellatrix just seemed even more incensed.

Moving over into Hermione’s space, the older witch tried to stare her down and intimidate, but she just raised an eyebrow in an unspoken challenge. Bellatrix then sneered and was about to speak, when the Dark Lord entered the room and the older witch stepped back.

Voldemort had witnessed the exchange, and was silently applauding his daughter, in how deftly she’d handled Bellatrix.

“My friends, welcome home. I know these past years have been uneasy, and I’m not without appreciation for those who have shown continued loyalty to our cause.” At this Bellatrix preened, smiling triumphantly at Hermione, who just looked back at her indifferently. “You are here today, thanks to the efforts of one who has become indispensable to our cause. It was through her efforts, planning and cunning that we are free today of Albus Dumbledore. The Order of the Phoenix is fractured, and the Ministry is firmly in our pocket. Please raise your glasses in a toast, to my daughter and Heir, Hermione Riddle.”

All the men in the room raised their glasses and toasted to the young witch, but Bellatrix just looked incensed.

“My Lord? Why should we give deference to a mere child? Has she killed for the cause? Tortured any Muggles, for the cause?”

All eyes were fixed on the Dark Lord, as he smiled harshly at Bellatrix. “Ah, dear Bella. I had almost forgotten your thirst for blood. Times are changing, and we must change with them. Hermione was able to discredit and dismantle the Order without a single drop of bloodshed. She has effectively turned the entire Wizarding World against Dumbledore. There are no heroes nor martyrs to rally to their cause! They are fractured, shamed and impotent. You stand here a free witch, thanks to my daughter’s efforts. Whom exactly do you think came up with the research and planning to allow you to walk in here tonight freely, and not a fugitive?”

Bella just glared at the little witch. “Research is all well and good, My Lord, but how is she going to be able to handle herself if the need for bloodshed is required? Run away like a frightened little lamb? Do you really think...”

All eyes focused on Hermione, who was smirking at the older witch with something her Father could only describe as calm amusement. She lifted a questioning eyebrow to her Father, who silently nodded in return, and then suddenly? Bellatrix had her hands at her throat, gasping for air. The shocked faces of all within the room quickly turned towards the little witch, who had her head tilted at the Madam Lestrange, giving her a considering look before she smiled widely.

“I’m sorry, Lady Lestrange? You were saying something?”

As the dawn of awareness flitted across the faces of those in attendance, the Dark Lord chuckled at his daughter.

Wandless, silent magic...most impressive.

Bellatrix was now on her knees, struggling to breathe. She reached for her wand to hex Hermione, when the wand flew from her hand and into the little witch’s palm, who was calmly standing across from her. When it appeared as if Bellatrix was about to lose consciousness, Voldemort quietly but firmly said, “Enough, Daughter! You’ve made your point.”

Sighing, Hermione waved her hand and released the witch from the asphyxiation spell she’d created. The mutterings of the other men in the room, not to mention the way in which Dolohov was leering openly at Hermione, made The Dark Lord realize that his followers were in awe of his daughter and the power she wielded.

The thought made Voldemort smile.

Hermione walked over to where Bellatrix was gasping on the floor trying to regain her equilibrium. Oddly enough, her husband made no effort to help her up, which Hermione thought intriguing. When she was within arms reach, she handed Bellatrix’s wand back to her with a small smile, and then turned to go back to where she’d been standing next to her Father, when she heard a gasp and reacted instantly, throwing up her protective shield silently and sending a reflective charm back towards the caster.

The scream that pierced the air gave Hermione a measure of satisfaction, but when she turned around and saw Bellatrix on the floor with open cuts all over her body? She turned to the others within the room, and was surprised when all of the wizard’s present, were openly glaring at the older witch with heated disdain.

Apparently it was considered bad form to attack, when someone’s back was turned.

Bellatrix was losing blood quickly and then Hermione turned to her Father, who was watching the other woman plead with him to spare her life.

“And why should I do that, Bellatrix? You attacked my Daughter, dishonorably.” Addressing Rodolphus, Voldemort inquired, “And what of you, Rodolphus? Should I spare your wife’s life?”

Rodolphus shook his head in the negative at his Lord, and then glanced over to his Lord’s daughter, who was watching the scene with feigned disinterest. “No, my Lord. What Bella did, she did of her own volition. I will accept whatever decision you make in regards to her life.”

Voldemort glared down at the witch who had been one of his most trusted servants, but he was no fool. The witch was obsessed with him, and he had been concerned that Bellatrix would try and openly challenge Hermione. That his daughter had gained the upper hand over a witch as powerful as Bella, made Voldemort most pleased.

Glancing over at his daughter, she was watching him with a guarded expression.

He knew that look. She was wondering if he would choose another over her after everything she’d done for him.

In that moment Voldemort knew he could not dishonor his daughter in such a way.

Gesturing to Nagini, who was sitting up next to Hermione, Voldemort nodded once and then hissed, “Nagini, kill.”

The snake didn’t need to be told twice, as she would’ve killed the witch, even if her Master had let her live. Striking with deadly precision, Nagini ended the mad witch’s life without hesitation.

Hermione sighed when Nagini came back to her and gently petted the snake, who wrapped herself around her mistress before hissing at the rest of the room in warning.

Voldemort chuckled at how overprotective Nagini was being, but he applauded the sentiment just the same.

Hermione went over to Lucius once Nagini released her and looked at him sadly. “I’m so sorry, Lucius! Please convey my apologies to Narcissa.”

“You have nothing to apologize for, Hermione. Bellatrix sealed her own fate, and Narcissa will understand. She won’t blame you.” Hermione nodded, and then moved over to where Lord Lestrange was standing. “I’m truly sorry for your loss, Lord Lestrange. Please know that I would’ve welcomed Bellatrix under better circumstances. Your family’s devotion to our cause is not something that can ever be minimized.”

Rodolphus took the young witch’s hand and bent over her knuckles, placing a small kiss there. Gazing into her amber eyes, he smiled kindly. “Bella was my wife, but it wasn’t a love match. I’m saddened more by her shameful behavior, My Lady. Rabastan and myself are grateful for your efforts, it’s because of you that we stand here free wizards.”

Hermione blushed at the compliment. “Thank you, Lord Lestrange for those kind words.”

Rabastan came over as well, and kissed Hermione’s hand in gratitude and the rest of the room watched the display of loyalty being reaffirmed. Voldemort then directed that Bella’s body be removed and the meeting to commence.

Once the pleasantries were out of the way, discussion began on the best way to infiltrate the Ministry. What plans needed to be made in regards to Hogwarts, and at this—Hermione gave her suggestion.

“My Lord, the Hogwarts register lists all incoming students who are to be invited to attend, correct?” Voldemort nodded, wondering where his daughter was going with this. “Well, I was thinking...” A few amused chuckles went up in the room, which caused the witch to blush again, and her father to smirk. “If we were to put someone in Dumbledore’s place as Headmaster? Then we would know all the incoming students, what families they were from and if they were Muggle-born or not.”

Voldemort considered his daughter and inquired, “What are you thinking, Daughter?”

“Well, one of two things actually. When a Muggle-born appears on the Hogwarts register, is it from the time of their birth or when their magic is expressed accidentally?”

A few interested looks passed over the room, but it was Severus who spoke up. “The Hogwarts register is updated when a child expresses their magic.”

“So theoretically, if a Muggle-born didn’t express magic until the age of ten, then the register wouldn’t update until that moment?”

Severus nodded.

“My Lord, there is one of two ways we could handle the Muggle-born issue, but both would be predicated on having Professor Snape become the new Headmaster of Hogwarts.” At Severus look of incredulity, Hermione giggled. “Sorry, Professor. But you really are the best candidate. You can always refuse the position.” Hermione baited cheekily which caused Severus to drawl, “Indeed.”

“Having control of the register, we would theoretically know when a Muggle-Born’s name was added. If the child was young enough, we could obliviate the parents or replace the child with a golem and then reintroduce the magical child into our world via blood adoption. This would be predicated on the child’s age when the magic expresses itself. But the reason I suggest this is two-fold. There are many Pureblood families who’ve had difficulties bearing children. This might be a way to introduce new blood into those families and remove the threat of muggle family members in the Muggle world from ever knowing about us. Or, we could strip the children of their magic, and obliviate the family if necessary.”

Voldemort considered his daughter’s words thoughtfully, while the other men looked on in admiration at the little witch’s cunning. “How would we extract the magic from those children, Daughter?”

“Well, I have been working on a way to do that very thing. Theoretically, when you think of magic like a curse, it requires layers of spells to break the curse, but usually there is a linch-pin that unlocks the main curse mechanism that allows a curse-breaker to break a curse down into smaller components, that are easier to deal with.”

Dolohov was dumbfounded.

He had been one of the best curse-breakers in the magical world before he was sent to Azkaban and to hear a sixteen year old witch describe in such simplistic, eloquent terms the fundamentals of curse-breaking, made him hard as stone.

She was indeed a prize.

“She is right, my Lord,” claimed Dolohov deeply, “a curse at its heart, is fundamentally a lock and key mechanism. It can be single-layered or have multiple layers depending on the object you are trying to curse, and how complex it is in origin. It is far easier to curse an inaminate object than a witch or wizard, for instance. But to remove magic from a person, you could theoretically, layer multiple spells into the curse, thereby extracting the magic from the individual.”

Hermione smiled and nodded her head. “It would be reverse curse-breaking in a way.”

Dolohov grinned at the little witch in admiration.

Voldemort sat back and considered what his daughter and Antonin were saying.

“Blood adoption, I’m unsure how many of the old Pureblood families would feel about such things. It is something we need to carefully figure out how to go about implementing such a suggestion. But in any case, Hermione, I would like you to work with Antonin over the summer. Find out if it is possible to remove someone’s magical core. Would it kill the individual or not? These are things we need to understand better if we are going to move forward in dealing with the Muggle-born problem.”

Hermione nodded as did Antonin. Other matters were discussed and Hermione listened attentively, but offered little in the way of opinion. When the meeting ended, Antonin stayed back and waited for the other Death Eaters to say their goodbyes to the the Dark Lord’s daughter, before he sauntered over and bowed formally.

“My Lady, it was a great honor to meet with you this evening. I’m at your disposal. Perhaps we might begin our project on the morrow?”

Hermione smiled politely, all the while making sure Nagini was close by watching.

“I’m afraid tomorrow is going to be problematic, Lord Dolohov, as I’ve made other plans. Perhaps the next day after breakfast around ten in the morning here in the Manors library?” Dolohov nodded again, and refrained from inquiring what plans the little witch had for the next day. He’d heard from Yaxley that the Malfoy Heir had already requested to formally court the Dark Lord’s Daughter, which had been denied as she wasn’t of age yet. She would be soon however, and Dolohov wasn’t the kind of man who allowed minor details to get in the way when he wanted something.

“That would be fine, My Lady.” Dolohov bowed one final time, and reached for Hermione’s hand, kissing the back of it again, while locking his gaze with hers.

When he‘d finished and left the room, Hermione gave out a sigh of relief.

The man had a formidable presence and wasn’t subtle with his desires. She went over to stand by her Father, who was talking with Severus and Lucius. When they’d finished, her Father guided Hermione into the study that he used frequently, closing the door and warding the room.

Voldemort grabbed a glass of brandy and handed one to Hermione, who looked at it dubiously before taking a small sip and gasping at the burn. The Dark Lord chuckled at how innocent and formidable his daughter could be.

Her mother had been very much the same at sixteen.

“Daughter? I’d wished to speak with you about something that has come to my attention recently.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. As you know, we haven’t discussed the identity of your biological mother, because I didn’t feel it was relevant to share that information. I believed that she’d died shortly after you were given to your Muggle parents. I’ve since come to learn that assumption was false.”

Hermione gasped in surprise and felt her chest tighten. “What happened to her? Why did she desert me?”

Voldemort sighed and proceeded to tell Hermione about her mother Marlene. How he had met her by chance one day in Diagon Alley when she was fourteen and how she had fearlessly come up and demanded to know if he was as evil as the whispers she had heard indicated and if he really believed in what he was doing, and why. She’d asked him endless questions, and in his shock at being accosted by a fourteen year old witch with bushy hair and fearless eyes, he took her for ice cream and discussed magical theory with her. She was leagues above her school-aged counterparts, and they had formed a correspondence during her school years. She had continually questioned him, made him think about things he hadn’t considered and never once acted fearful of him.

When she’d become of age her sixth year, she had formally dated Sirius Black, and it had been difficult for him. He didn’t love Marlene, but he had come to respect her and enjoyed her company. Eventually their relationship became physical, as she shared many of the same proclivities he did.

Hermione blushed heavily at what this implied and her Father’s deep chuckle, let her know she wasn’t far off the mark in her assumptions.

When Marlene had been asked to join the Order of the Phoenix after graduating from Hogwarts, she’d jumped at the opportunity and had been a spy within its ranks until Dumbledore discovered her allegiance and had her family killed. Hermione couldn’t help but shed angry tears for her mother, and once her father was finished with his story, she asked where her mother was living currently.

“She was hiding in Cornwall with squib relatives. She has been keeping an eye on you throughout your life and is anxious to be reunited with you, if you’re willing. She was afraid if she came forward while Dumbledore still carried influence, she’d have been sent to Azkaban without a trial or worse, killed.”

Hermione nodded in understanding. “I would like to meet her. Does she wish to claim me as her daughter now that Dumbledore is no longer a problem?”

Voldemort nodded. “She does. Lucius suggested having Marlene go to the Minister directly and tell him her story. Lucius thinks that once it is known who really killed Marlene’s family, Dumbledore will get the kiss.”

“But they’ll want to know why Dumbledore was after her?”

“Yes, I’m sure they will, but for now all she will say is that Dumbledore found out that she was involved with someone he suspected of being a loyal follower of mine. She won’t be compelled to confirm my identity. Lucius has given me assurances that Fudge will be cooperative in minimizing my exposure at the present time. Once the Ministry is firmly in our control, I will be able to come out of hiding and acknowledge you as my heir.”

Hermione sighed heavily. “When will I be able to meet with her?”

“Lucius spoke with the Minister today and your mother will be meeting with him tomorrow. If all goes well, she will be able to return here some time tomorrow evening.”

“That soon?” Hermione whispered, paling a bit.

“Yes. Do not fret, Daughter. Your mother has been told of the help you’ve given me, and she is anxious to see you again. She has missed you terribly, Hermione, as it broke her heart to give you away knowing she might never see you again. She did it to protect you.”

Hermione was stunned at the events of the day.

“I know, Father, and I will try my best to be welcoming.”

Voldemort nodded at his daughter and then stood up. “I overheard of your plans to meet with Antonin the day after tomorrow. Nagini will be with you at all times, so do not fret over being alone with Antonin. He is a brilliant curse-breaker and quite proficient at inventing his own spells and curses. You could learn much from him.”

“Of course, Father.” Hermione agreed quietly.