The Daily Prophet outs Hermione’s maternal heritage and the Dark Lord discovers just what happened to Dolohov.

The next morning found Hermione and her mother having breakfast with the Malfoy family in their main dining room. Her mother seemed oddly relaxed and at ease, which caused Hermione to smile inwardly. It would seem as if her parents had picked up right where they’d left off all those years ago, which oddly didn’t make her feel strange at all.

As they were finishing eating, the Malfoy family owl flew through the open window and dropped the Daily Prophet down in front of Lucius. He opened the paper and smirked at the article on the front page. Handing it over to Hermione, her eyes widened as she read the words emblazoned on the front page.

Lost McKinnon Heir revealed to be Alive!

By: Rita Skeeter

In shocking news, it was confirmed to me yesterday evening by Ministry officials that Marlene McKinnon, oldest daughter of Rosemond and Elladora McKinnon (née Lovegood), was discovered alive after being presumed perished with her family back in July of 1980.

We readers, will remember how it was supposed that the McKinnon family had been slaughtered by Death Eaters at the behest of He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named.

The Dark Mark having been seen over the scene of the crime.

But in a shocking twist we never saw coming Dear Readers, it has been confirmed by the Minister for Magic himself, the honorable Cornelius Fudge; that the McKinnon family were killed by none other than Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, former Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and former Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, now disgraced prisoner of Azkaban.

Memories shared in the closed session of the Wizengamot yesterday, showed with absolute clarity that Dumbledore did indeed kill the McKinnon family. Although further details were not forthcoming, Delores Umbridge, Undersecretary to Cornelius Fudge did offer insight into the proceedings.

Memories were given from the former house elf of the McKinnon family, who had witnessed the torture and murders of Rosemond, his wife Elladora and their youngest daughter Maisie. No other information was given except that upon seeing the memories, the Wizengamot convened and passed sentence on Dumbledore, who will receive the kiss tomorrow, at sundown.

In yet another unexpected shock? It would seem that Lady McKinnon has taken over all titles afforded to her as Heir to her House. While this comes as little surprise, what does? Is the fact that Lady McKinnon appears to have birthed an heir. Court papers shown to this reporter late last evening, prove that Lady McKinnon has requested that the Wizengamot allow her to claim her heir immediately. Hermione Jean Granger, supposed Muggle-born Slytherin of Hogwarts, has been revealed to not be a Muggle-born after all, but an Heir to a Pureblood House.

How will her Slytherin housemates, who’ve bullied and tormented the little witch for years feel when they discover Miss Granger’s...or should we say...Miss McKinnon’s true identity?

And whom is her Father?

When the question was put to Lord Lucius Malfoy, Head of the Ancient and Noble House of Malfoy, the wizard responded with a cryptic comment. “Those who know of the former Miss Granger’s brilliance only need to look to her true heritage to understand her value. She is cunning, clever, intelligent and resilient. I am most gratified that mother and daughter will be reunited, and I offer the unequivocal support of my House and home should the need arise.”

Very interesting indeed.

We will keep you posted readers, as we learn more.

Glaring at the paper in disgust, Hermione sighed resignedly. While she understood the necessity of having the Prophet break the story, it did little to make her feel better at being the center of attention. Looking over at her mother, Marlene smiled softly.

“I know you’re not happy with the publicity, but it will help in the long run. I’ve no doubt I will be receiving letters shortly from former Order members, requesting to meet. I would rather deal with this immediately than prolong the inevitable.”

Hermione nodded, then inquired warily, “Where is Father this morning?”

Marlene quirked an eyebrow at her daughter, but responded kindly. “He left on business. He will return shortly.”

Letting out a sigh of relief, Hermione visibly relaxed, not realizing that everyone in the room was staring at her questioningly. When she glanced up and caught her mother’s eyes, Hermione blushed but said nothing.

Marlene sighed and spoke. “What is going on, Hermione? Something has you on edge this morning, something more than just this article.”

Hermione gazed over at Draco, who was now watching her with concern. Lucius and Narcissa also seemed to be uneasy, as if they sensed that whatever was wrong was going to make them very unhappy.

“If I tell you, it might cause more problems than it’s worth and I’d rather not involve anyone else, if that’s alright.”

Marlene sighed in frustration. “No, Hermione, it’s definitely not alright. While I may have only been back in your life a short while, I can’t help you if you aren’t honest with me.”

“If I tell you, Mother, you will be forced to tell Father, and I’d rather not have that conversation right now.”

Hermione glared, rising from her seat and walked out of the dining room without waiting to be dismissed properly.

Lucius and Narcissa stared after the little witch, who seemed to be truly out of sorts. Marlene then looked over at Draco, who seemed to be both concerned and shocked at Hermione’s display.

“Do any of you have any idea what that was all about?” Marlene inquired of the group.

Narcissa shook her head, while Lucius just frowned. “No, we don’t. She does seem to be visibly distressed and anxious.”

Lucius also looked to his son, who just shook his head in the negative.

Draco had no idea what was wrong with his witch. Asking to be excused, his father nodded and Draco walked out of the dining room in search of his intended.

Marlene just sat back and frowned thoughtfully wondering what could have gotten her daughter so upset after last night. As she was lost in thought, another owl came into the room and dropped a letter in front of her. This was followed by several other owls. Taking the letters in hand, Marlene excused herself back to her room to look through her mail.

When she settled on her chair near the open window, Marlene opened the first note hesitantly, recognizing her former Head of House’s hand writing. The letter was brief, but surprisingly warm. Minerva was astonished by the Prophet Article and wanted to meet for tea soon. Opening the second letter Marlene smirked at the missive. It was from Rodolphus Lestrange, expressing his pleasure at the witch’s return from the dead. He went on to mention how devastated he and Rabastan had been to hear of her death, and knew once Hermione had been claimed by the Dark Lord, who her mother must have been. Rodolphus was quick to offer his services, should Marlene need his help in any way and it did not go unappreciated. While her Lord was gifted in most areas, Rodolphus had been a very pleasant surprise that evening so very long ago. She couldn’t help but remember how he had ravished her pussy and arse with equal fervor. His tongue was truly a gift, and Marlene felt her knickers soak with arousal at the memory of how long and how often Rodolphus had made her come that night.

Marlene could feel her clit throbbing with need, and suddenly her charm activated and she felt the snake elongate and push into her pussy as she rocked herself on the chair, feeling the fullness swirling inside her, pushing at her walls and making her knickers soaked. Spreading her legs open, she moaned as the girth widened and pushed in and out of her pussy faster. As she was about to come, it stopped suddenly. Looking up in confusion, she noticed Tom in the doorway watching her with a predatory gleam in his eye.

“It would seem, my Pet, that last nights activities have left you wanting more this morning?” Tom hissed viciously.

Marlene moaned and pulled up her skirt so her bare pussy was exposed to Tom’s hungry gaze. Noticing her flood of arousal, Tom closed the door and sauntered over to where his witch was sitting, watching him with those big brown eyes. Smirking down at her, he reached for the letter on the table and read through it once, before lifting a questioning eyebrow in response.

“Caught up in memories, my Pet? Are you remembering how well Rodolphus attended to you that night so long ago?”

Marlene just nodded, watching as Tom leaned over her and smiled viciously. “I remember that night well, Pet. I remember your screams of pleasure as both men fucked you. I remember the smell and feel of you wrapped around me as you came violently before you lost consciousness. Tell me what you want, my Pet...”

Marlene stood up and moved into Tom’s embrace, tilting her head up for his kiss, which he gave furiously.

Marlene moaned at the aggression. “My Lord, it has been soooo long and my need is great.”

“You wish for Rodolphus to join us, my Pet?” Marlene nodded causing Tom to smirk evilly. “I will give this to you but I will expect something of equal value in return.”

“I understand, My Lord.” Marlene whispered as Tom locked and silenced the room before he vanished Marlene’s clothes and flipped her over, her arse wide in the air. His hand came down with a vicious blow, causing his witch to moan and writhe in need. He spanked her relentlessly, watching as her pale flesh turned a bright red. Silently vanishing his clothes, Tom plunged himself into his witch causing her to fall back as her mouth opened in a painful scream. He was relentless, bringing Marlene to orgasm several times before he groaned out in release.

As Marlene panted, splayed out over the armrest of the chaise, Tom redressed and smirked at the redness on his witch’s backside. Marlene stood shakily and winced at the soreness between her legs and on her bum, but overall she felt relief and satisfaction that her relationship with Tom hadn’t diminished at all, despite the years apart.

Casting cleansing and contraceptive charms, Marlene dressed watching Tom as he observed her with feigned coolness that belied the heat emanating from his gaze.

“I thought I should mention that Hermione was visibly distressed this morning. Something happened after our talk last night. Lucius, Narcissa and Draco seemed just as confused as I was. Do you know what might be wrong?”

Tom appeared thoughtful for a moment and snapped his fingers, Nagini appearing in the room suddenly.

“Did you see my daughter last night, Nagini?” Voldemort hissed at his familiar.

“Yes, Master. I stayed with her after the Malfoy Heir left her in her suite.”

“Did she seem out of sorts?” Voldemort hissed questioningly.

“She was very pleased at your willingness in allowing the Malfoy Heir to court her. She loves him very much, as he does her.” Nagini evaded.

Tom raised his eyebrow at the snake, realizing that his familiar did not answer the question directly. “Speak, Nagini...it is not like you to evade my questions.”

The snake hissed menacingly, something Voldemort had never seen her do at him. “You bade me to protect my Mistress...that foul man violated my Mistress...Nagini was only doing what my Master bade of me. Mistress worries that you will rescind your permission to court the Malfoy Heir because Nagini took care of the foul wizard. You will not interfere with Mistress happiness...you bade Nagini to protect her.”

Voldemort closed his eyes and sighed in frustration and anger.

Nagini had killed Dolohov, and she was right.

He had made his familiar promise to protect Hermione above all others—even himself.

Marlene gazed at her lover questioningly, seeing his visible distress. “What happened, My Lord?”

Tom’s eyes flashed red as Marlene took a step towards him hesitantly. Tom reached for her and buried his head into Marlene’s curls, inhaling her sweet scent of vanilla and spice. Her scent had often calmed him, and he was loathe to admit how much he had missed her scent over the years. When he had thought about the First Wizarding War, he’d often ruminated on all the things that he should’ve done differently, regrets...there were some, but not many. Marlene, Hermione...yes, he regretted not knowing he’d had a daughter, but he also knew that during that particular time, his lust for power and immortality would have curbed any affection he’d held even for his own child.

Having two pieces of his soul returned to him had tempered his bloodlust somewhat, perhaps making him a bit more reflective, but he certainly wasn’t a good wizard. He relished in his darker nature, and Marlene had thrived on it when she was younger. She had allowed him liberties that no other witch would’ve tolerated. She’d never cowed in fear...on the contrary—she’d challenged him in ways he hadn’t realized at the time. He didn’t love her, nor did he love his daughter—but he did feel a level of care and responsibility for them.

Marlene was his witch—she always had been.

Hermione was his daughter, his Heir, and somehow—he had failed her.

Nagini had seen what needed to be done, and she did not hesitate. Apparently Hermione’s only concern over Dolohov’s death was not about the wizard, but about her relationship with the young Malfoy being thwarted. Tom wouldn’t go back on his word as his daughter deserved at least that much from him—he had promised her that she would have her choice of mate.

He intended to keep his word, and he was pretty sure his familiar would not be happy with him if he rescinded his approval.

“I have no intention of going back on my word, Nagini. You are right. I did bid you to protect Hermione, and you did what needed to be done.”

The snake hissed and nodded, slithering towards the door, obviously intent on finding her mistress. Voldemort sighed and followed his familiar as she slithered towards the main library. When he entered, Hermione and Draco were sitting quietly side by side on the couch reading. When Hermione noticed Nagini she smiled, which faded upon seeing her father.

The look in her eyes was wary.

“Nagini told you, didn’t she?” Hermione asked quietly.

Voldemort nodded once and took a seat in the chair across from the young couple. Hermione grabbed Draco’s hand tightly, while the young wizard looked at him unflinchingly. Nagini however, moved over to Hermione’s side and placed her head in the young witch’s lap, which caused Hermione to pet her absentmindedly.

“She did. Do not be angry at her, she did what I should have done myself. I made Nagini promise to protect you against all others and apparently, I made no exception for myself—a fact she was quick to point out to me earlier.” Voldemort smirked while Nagini lifted her head and stared at her Master.

“Are you going to rescind your approval for the betrothal?” Hermione whispered.

Voldemort sighed as he considered his daughter closely. Her eyes looked tired, and she was doing a good job hiding her fear, but he could sense her unease.

“No, I’m not, and I’m pretty sure Nagini would not allow it even if I tried.”

The snake hissed in agreement, which caused both Hermione and Voldemort to chuckle. Draco’s shoulders sagged, the young wizard looking fairly relieved by the admission.

It would seem his daughter had confided in the young wizard about what had happened.

“Thank you, My Lord.” Draco offered politely. “I know the situation is less than ideal with Dolohov being dead, but at least I know Hermione will be safe from his machinations.”

“I appreciate your desire to keep Hermione safe. I will need to call a meeting of my followers tonight, inform them what transpired. I will be as discreet as I can and I’m sure no one will perceive you as weak for falling victim to Dolohov’s manipulations.”

“It seems we all worried over nothing, Father. How will you explain his death to the Ministry?”

“You will leave that to me. For now, your mother wishes to take you to her ancestral home tomorrow and I have business to attend to, so I will see you both tomorrow.”

Draco and Hermione nodded as they watched the Dark Lord waltz out of the library.

Sighing and placing her head on Draco’s shoulder, the two teens caressed hands and stayed quiet for a while until Hermione spoke up softly. “I was so worried Father would take back his permission.”

Draco nodded, looking down at Hermione and then lifting her chin so he could place a soft, gentle kiss on her lips. “It seems we owe Nagini one. I plan on letting her have whatever delicacies she desires for the immediate future.”

Hermione giggled as Nagini raised her head and hissed softly, before moving over by the fireplace and curling up to take a nap.

“Don’t you have an errand to do today, Draco?” Hermione said impishly causing the blonde wizard to chuckle.

“I do, in fact I should get on that immediately. Once my jewelry is on you, you’re never getting rid of me, Granger.” Draco waggled his eyebrows playfully, causing Hermione to giggle louder.

“I don’t want to get rid of you, you great prat. Go pick out something pretty...nothing vulgar. I might have to hex you if you pick out something gaudy.”

“Fine, nothing ostentatious. I think I can find something that will enhance your natural beauty.” Draco smirked fondly.

Hermione shook her head playfully at her wizard, before she gave him a parting kiss.

It would seem that things were finally falling into place.