Hermione returns to McKinnon Manor to see her Mother and discuss the upcoming Revel.

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Hermione had spent the rest of the week pondering over her conversation with her Father. When she’d returned to the Slytherin common room after classes were done, Draco was waiting for her and had been curious as to why she’d been summoned to Severus office. When she told Draco about her conversation with her Father...all of it...Draco had paled at first, then laughed at how shocked his witch must’ve been at the Dark Lord getting one over on his own daughter.

She had pouted of course, but then realized that things could’ve turned out very differently for her under the circumstances. Her father was right. She had made the choice initially to go after the Hallows as a contingency plan. It was a matter of self-preservation at that point, because she hadn’t known what to expect and it was always good to be prepared.

She’d lost a bit of that self-preservation this year. Becoming somewhat complacent due to not having to fear for her life or being constantly on guard that someone might try and hurt her. It was both disconcerting and comforting to realize that she had people in her life now that genuinely wanted to protect her, and were willing to go to great lengths to do so.

When Saturday approached, she asked Severus if she could floo home to McKinnon Manor after lunch. She desperately wanted to see her mum and she needed to know what to expect from this evening.

She didn’t want to be unprepared in any way.

Moving through the floo and into the McKinnon library, she was pleased to see her mum waiting for her with some tea and biscuits.

“Hello darling, you are looking well.” Marlene smiled serenely, pouring tea for the both of them.

“Hi, Mum.”

Hermione took a seat across from her mother, nodding her thanks at the cuppa that was offered her.

“I must say, this is a pleasant surprise.” Marlene took a sip of her tea and set her cup back down on the saucer. “I suppose you have a reason for coming to see me today?”

“Can’t a girl just want to spend some time with her mum?”

Marlene laughed. “Yes, I suppose a girl can but we both know that you are a girl no longer. You and Draco have sealed your bond, so I think that qualifies you as being a woman, don’t you think?”

Hermione sat back and gave her mother a considering look. “I thought my bond with Draco wouldn’t be sealed until we were married.”

“Under normal Wizarding laws, yes—but the soul bond you both share was sealed when you consummated your relationship.”

“But I haven’t had any manifestations of my inheritance. How is that possible?”

Sighing softly, Marlene took another sip of her tea and set her cup and saucer on the table.

“It is always better to seal the bond before the transition takes place. I know your Father and I shared that with Draco. The succubi trait does not always manifest every generation within our family, and as such, may skip you altogether. Your Father and I wanted Draco and you to be prepared in case it did manifest, but it was never a fait accompli.”

Hermione nodded in understanding. “I have to admit, I’ve had Draco reading up on most of this as I’ve been so busy worrying about other issues.”

“Like the Hallows?”

“Yes.” Hermione gave her Mum an amused look. “Dad knows.”

Marlene’s eyes widened in shock. “Did you tell him?”

“No—sneaky snake that he is—figured it out on his own. Apparently, I’m predictable in the sense that I always have a contingency plan in place and he guessed correctly my motives in wanting Dumbledore to attack me.”

Marlene laughed outright at Tom’s cunning. “Your father is a Slytherin through and through, Hermione. Was he angry?”

“Not as such. I was suitably chastised and I quote—for not trusting him enough. Apparently my penchant for self-preservation is an admirable trait, which he both praised and admonished me for equally. He did infer that if I’d been anyone else, he would’ve had no choice but to eliminate me.”

Marlene’s eyebrows raised into her hairline at this confession. “He said as such?”

Shrugging, Hermione rolled her eyes. “Not in so many words but it was implied. Most kids get put in time out, on restriction or have their favorite toy taken away but apparently those things are too plebeian within our family. Death threats are more the order of the day.”

“Perhaps I need to speak with you Father again about refining his parenting techniques.”

Hermione had gone to take a sip of her tea, but at her mother’s words, she nearly choked on the liquid. “I’m sorry?”

Marlene waved her hand elegantly, clearing Hermione’s airway and smiled softly at her daughter.

“I might have told him and I’m quoting verbatim...not to fuck it up.”

The look of shock on Hermione’s face was priceless, before she threw her head back and laughed joyously, causing Marlene to join in her daughter’s mirth.

“You didn’t?” Hermione breathed out, once she’d calmed down.

“I most certainly did. Your Father is learning as he goes, and while I’m not thrilled with your attendance at tonight’s revel, I do understand the reasoning behind it.”

Hermione’s demeanor changed instantly. “Ah yes—the revel.”

“And the main reason I’m seeing you today.” Marlene gave her daughter a knowing look. “So, you wish to know what might be in store for you this evening?”

“I need to be prepared, Mum. I refuse to show weakness but I’m not sure how to prepare for something like this.”

Marlene reached for her daughter’s hand and gave it a quick squeeze. “I can only share with you what I knew from before and even then, it wasn’t much.”

“I know a little bit and I know that some of the older Death Eaters weren’t very happy when Father stopped the practice of revels when he returned.”

“Yes, you are correct. Walden McNair, Antonin Dolohov, Augustus Rookwood and Archibald Flint were probably the most vocal from what Tom shared with me. Walden has a particular penchant for torture and enjoys the pain he inflicts. Some of the other Death Eaters were willing participants however and yes, rape of Muggle women was often a part of revels. Your Father never partook, as far as I’m aware, but it didn’t stop his loyal followers from indulging their baser proclivities.”

“Draco is worried what might be required of him.”

Marlene’s gaze darkened. “Of that you need not worry, Hermione. I have spoken with your Father and he agrees with me that the bond you both share would be irreparably damaged should Draco be required to engage in such acts. I will be there this evening. It will also be my first revel and I must admit, as much as I wish to enact retribution on those who have hurt you—I find myself conflicted over the children—primarily the sister of the boy who hurt you. I have been down to the dungeons at Malfoy Manor and have observed, disillusioned of course, the dynamics of the family. The youngest girl seems to keep her own countenance and doesn’t speak to anyone—it concerns me.”

“Will the entire family be brought in together?”

Marlene nodded. “Most likely. Your father will want to set a firm example and will not waste anytime entering their minds to find out who was complicit and who wasn’t.”

“And those who weren’t, will they be spared?”

“Inasmuch as they will likely die a quicker death, but I’m afraid your Father will not be swayed on this issue, Hermione. I’ve said my peace and can do no more. Whatever transpires this evening, understand that this is fundamentally whom your father is. With you and I—we are the exceptions to the rule. You will need to find a way to reconcile what you will witness this evening and it will change the way you see some of the Death Eaters going forward. I also wanted to share with you that I have secured a vow of loyalty from Rabastan and Rodolphus Lestrange for your benefit. Should you ever require aid, they will help you.”

Hermione looked at her mother in shock. “Do I want to know how you were able to convince two of Father’s most faithful followers to do such a thing?”

Marlene smirked wickedly. “You’re a smart woman, Hermione. I’d like to think I don’t need to spell out such things to you.”

Hermione nodded, her skin flushing uncomfortably. “No, I can figure it out for myself—thanks, Mum.”

“Good. Why don’t you go take a nice hot bath and relax a bit before this evening. I will bring you something appropriate to wear later on before we floo over to Malfoy Manor together.”

“Okay.”

Hermione stood up and headed towards her suite of rooms, wondering how she was going to be able to get through the next few hours.

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