A family secret is revealed, leaving Yaxley with a decision to make.

November and December soon passed, and before everyone in school knew it...

Christmas break was upon them.

Narcissa Malfoy had sent out New Years Invitations to every Pureblood family in Britain, as well as many on the continent. The festivities this year were in celebration of her son’s betrothal to his beloved Hermione, and not a single family had turned down the invite. It was already being hailed as the social event of the season.

The Ministry was effectively in the hands of the Dark Lord, and he had finally come out of hiding, giving an interview to the Daily Prophet, in which he explained that it was Dumbledore whom had killed the Potters, had cursed him and left him for dead.

That it was part of the wizard’s sick plan to take over the Wizarding World.

Skeeter’s article was quite sympathetic, especially when Voldemort admitted that he had spent years looking for a way to return to his family, to his only daughter. Skeeter had been absolutely chomping at the bit to make the announcement that Hermione McKinnon was really the Heir of Slytherin and the daughter of Lord Voldemort.

Marlene had helped Tom set up the memories of what’d happened that night. How he had discovered, (when Peter Pettigrew had come to him and told him that Dumbledore planned to kill the Potters and frame him for the deed), just like he’d done with the McKinnon family. Realizing what was at stake, Voldemort had gone with Peter to the Potters, but they were too late. Dumbledore was there and in Voldemort’s effort to protect the child, he was hit with an unknown curse that rebounded in the room.

Sirius Black and the Weasley’s were up in arms, but the pensieve memories given by Voldemort were irrefutable.

When the Dark Lord suggested that Harry Potter be brought in as a witness, as he was also there that night...the young wizard had been livid at first, but eventually capitulated when Hermione asked him to please help her Father, like she had helped his.

Sirius reluctantly brought Harry into the Ministry before Christmas and Pius Thicknese, Head of the DoM, came forward and did a memory regression on Harry and sure enough, the memories taken backed up Voldemort’s claim, and the wizard was exonerated in the deaths of Lily and James Potter.

Voldemort had left the Ministry, hailed a hero—all thanks to the brilliant planning and cunning of one singular little witch.

When he’d obliviated Potter at the end of his fourth year, Voldemort had planted fake memories of the deaths of the Potters in Harry’s mind at the behest of his daughter.

Hermione was truly gifted in her ability to plan and scheme long term.

As a treat from her Father, Hermione and Daphne had gone shopping in Paris for new dress robes in preparation for the party, Feeling happier than ever about having her family back, she and Daphne had found two exquisite dress robes for the occasion. Daphne’s dress was a sapphire blue corset dress that fit her like a dream. The top hugged her substantial curves and made her cleavage look sumptuous, while the skirt was a beautiful mixture of silver and blues that looked like sapphires shining in the light.

Hermione’s dress was the same array of colors as the stone on her necklace. Her dress was also corseted, but it hugged her curves all the way to the floor.

The night of the ball, Daphne got ready with Hermione at McKinnon Manor. When they arrived at Malfoy Manor with Hermione’s mother, Draco moved over and swept Hermione into his arms, giving her a kiss for all to see.

Daphne smiled brightly at her friend’s joy, and greeted her host and hostess most graciously.

When she finally entered the main ballroom, Daphne smiled at the beautiful lights and decorations glittering over the room. It truly was a winter wonderland. She greeted Theo, Blaise, Millicent and then went to find her sister. When she saw Astoria, she was with their mother and thankfully, her father was no where to be found. She had avoided writing to her father since she had told him she had no intentions of entering any formal betrothal with any wizard she didn’t love.

Her father had wrote her back and reprimanded her, telling her he would disown her, to which she’d replied back, “Do your worst.”

She had finally confided to Hermione what had been making her so irritated lately. Hermione had hugged her friend and told her they would work something out.

Daphne’s mother smiled tightly at her eldest daughter, who just rolled her eyes in response.

So much for female solidarity!

Her mother was just another one of those useless pure blooded witches who had no voice, and wouldn’t say a word against her husband.

It was bloody frustrating.

“Daphne, you look lovely dear.” Celia Greengrass purred to her older daughter.

“Thank you, Mother,” she replied evenly, “You look nice as well. Is Father here, or should I just leave now?”

Celia sighed heavily. “Don’t be that way, Princess. Your father just wants what’s best for you.”

Daphne rolled her eyes. “You know, it’s funny how that works. I’ve always assumed that I was the best judge of character to decide what was best for me. But apparently that is too much to ask.”

“Nonsense! Your Father understands what’s at stake and will find you a suitable husband. He’s over talking to Archibald Flint as we speak.”

Daphne’s eyes hardened hatefully. “He’d better not be thinking of selling me off to Marcus Flint. That foul wizard tormented my best friend for years...nearly raped a third year witch and that’s whom Father in his infinite wisdom has decided to pawn me off to? That is never happening!”

Celia moved over to her daughter and whispered harshly, “Now you hear me, child? You will do as your told, or you will find yourself out on the streets and then who would take care of dear Astoria.”

Sighing at her mother and gazing over at her little sister, who was looking at her big sister with big brown eyes; Daphne’s bravado fell apart.

No one outside their family knew of Astoria’s medical condition nor how it had depleted the family fortune, as they’d searched frantically for a cure.

Daphne went over, held her sister and kissed her forehead. “I hate you, Mother!” She hissed. “Using my sister as leverage against me? If Father chooses Flint, I will make sure you both suffer as I will suffer, you selfish cunt.”

Celia turned red and without thinking slapped her daughter across the face, much to the astonishment of everyone present. Grabbing Astoria and placing her behind her back protectively, Daphne glared her mother until a menacing voice filtered over the room.

“What exactly is going on here?”

Daphne heard her mother’s breath hitch as she turned around to stare into dark green eyes, in a face that was chiseled and powerful.

Daphne didn’t need two guesses to figure out whom this was.

“My Lord,” Celia Greengrass simpered, “you must forgive our unfortunate display. My daughter, Daphne was in need of a reminder as to where her loyalties need to be.”

The Dark Lord glanced over briefly at the eldest Greengrass daughter, and noticed her eyeing him with respect, but no cowering nor fear. This girl had befriended his daughter when no one else would. She had protected her and fought for her, and apparently something was very wrong.

Hermione walked over with Draco, who looked absolutely livid at having such an unseemly display in his home.

“Are you alright, Daphne?” Draco asked calmly.

“I am fine, Draco. I need to take my sister out of here. If you would please excuse us, My Lord.”

“That is simply not necessary, Daphne dear—I’m sure your father and I can attend to your sister’s needs.”

Hermione looked at Daphne questioningly, but her friend just remained impassive, not relinquishing her sister.

“Father, perhaps I might attend to Daphne and her sister in private. I’m sure whatever the issue, it can be discussed elsewhere?”

Voldemort turned to his daughter and noticed that look in her eyes. Something was very wrong—so he nodded and dismissed Hermione to depart with her friends. When Hyperion Greengrass came over and greeted his Lord, Marlene walked over too and the four left the ballroom to have a private conversation.

Lord Yaxley, who was standing with Severus and Lucius looked on in concern.

“Do you know what that is about, Lucius?” Yaxley asked lowly.

Lucius sighed. “Hyperion is trying to find a suitable husband for the older daughter, Daphne. Apparently the younger girl Astoria, is afflicted with a rare blood curse, which has drained the family coffers of much of their wealth. Daphne refuses to be sold like chattel, but loves her sister too much to see her suffer. Hyperion is trying to make an arrangement with Archibald Flint.”

At this Severus hissed in disgust, while Yaxley looked livid. “So you’re saying that Miss Greengrass may not have any choice in whom she marries?”

Lucius nodded. “Hermione loathes Marcus, and Daphne will be devastated if she is forced to marry him. I wish I could intervene, but my hands are tied.”

Yaxley grimaced then sighed, before addressing Severus. “It would seem you may need to find another Professor for DADA, Severus.”

Lucius eyes widened but Severus just nodded knowingly, “She will make a fine bride, Corban. Treat the witch well, or I will come after you myself.”

Yaxley nodded and clapped Severus on the back, walking towards Lucius study where he was sure his Lord was deep in discussions with the Greengrass family.