Disclaimer: Nothing but the plot is my own!

A/N: Minor edits done on 3/2/2019.

Part I

The carriage traveled along the road at a pace that made my mind want to go mad. I was tired of seeing forests and rocks and trails that the wheels would leave in their wake. I was more than ready to change out of this corset that was digging into my sides. Proper fashion, they say? This fashion torture was more than uncomfortable and almost made me behave like a heathen and go without it. But if I wanted to be taken in by a proper family and hold the tiny station I was being given, then I would endure the torture and remain properly dressed until told to do otherwise.

After what seems to days of travel, little rest, and more than my fair share of stale biscuits and ale, we finally arrive at the manor in question. Burrow Manor is not the largest one, but certainly one that I hope to find as interesting as the assigned occupants sound, the family of the Duke and Duchess of Richmond. My previous caretakers, the Granger Family, of the nearby village have sent me here to work; to earn my long years of keep under their household. My parentage is known, but not discussed among the higher societies. I was the bastard child of a courtier. The shame of my mother and her family, she sent me away and continued her life in a nunnery to avoid further repercussions from Wizengamot, our high court. I am known by my caretakers' last name, since they have cared for me since my birth. Though, I was reminded often of my station and that I should hold no hopes to rise above it. I am but a forgotten disgrace.

The carriage door is opened for me, probably the most chivalrous act I have ever experienced in my sixteen years. I gather my dress and quietly exit the carriage. The footman closes the door and stand with me until I am greeted by the Duchess. She is plump, seemingly happy woman with a kind face and sparkling eyes. She is clad in a beautiful gown of floral and earthy tones and her strikingly red hair is carefully curled and pinned into place. She has a welcoming appearance that eases some of the anxiety that has built within during the long journey to this moment. She must notice that I am anxious and a little uncertain about what the customs are about how to start the introductions.

"You must calm yourself, my dear. There is no need to fear anyone within these walls. Welcome to Burrow Manor, my dear child. We are pleased that you arrived safely and I hope that your journey here was not too terribly wretched. Come now, I am Duchess of Richmond, but you may call me Molly. Now, state your name," she stated so kindly, as she smiled warmly upon me. I remember my manners instantly and curtsey.

"Forgive me, Madame. I give you my humble thanks for your worries. I am Hermione Granger and wish to express my gratitude for extending your home to my employment." It is at that moment, I feel her gently wrap her hands around my shoulders as she returns me to a full standing position.

"Welcome to your new home, Miss Granger. You are here under our employment. You will find that we do not have many servants here, as we consider the people we house within our walls more or less family. You need not fear harsh treatment from us. Come! I will give you a tour of our home and then we will sit down to a proper meal. There you will meet the rest of the staff and family." She pats my hand affectionately and asks the footman to take my meager belongings to the entry.

Burrow Manor's stone exterior is beige in color and stands what seems to be three stories tall with large iron windows to light the large expanse of the manor's build. A stone covered entryway leads to the large oak doors stained black are adorned with gold knockers. It appears that the roof entryway also serves as a guard station if there were ever a need for such a situation. It's rather picturesque and I am a little intimidated by the expanse of such a house. How could such a large manor be operated on a small staff?

The duchess leads me inside to a small parlor where she begins explaining the layout of the home. I listen astutely to absorb as much information as I can. This is after all the home I must clean and follow all given rules of for my intended welcomed employment.

"The servant quarters are on the first floor, as is the sitting room, kitchen, laundry room, and dining room. The gardens can be entered through the kitchen and sitting room. The second and third floors house the private chambers of our children and the Duke and I. There are currently ten members of the family presently living in the manor. We have been blessed with six sons, ranging in age from twenty-six to sixteen years old, and one daughter, age fifteen. My oldest son is married and still lives here to stay close to his family." She stands proudly before a portrait displaying the family in question. They all share the same trait of striking red hair and fair skin. The same kind expression shines on the Duke's face.

"We own a small mass of goats, cows, and chickens that are to be tended to daily to ensure eggs, cheese, and milk are always in supply. Grains, flour, and sugar are to be purchased and ordered weekly from the merchants in the village. Fruits and vegetables can be picked from the small garden and orchard in the back. They must be checked daily for ripeness."

The Duchess wrapped her arm around my shoulders as she walked me down the passage ways of the manor. I was shown each individual bedchamber and told how to precisely prepare the rooms daily. The tour and instructions were not terribly tedious and the pleasure of the family seemed reasonable enough to master. I finished my tour with the Duchess with the hope that fate has decided to shine on my graces for once.

"It is almost dusk, which means those boys will be washing up soon from whatever has kept them today. My daughter, you will find, is not your normal noble. She gets her hands dirty and is just as rough as my sons. There is no sense in trying to break her of it, since has a rebellious, but good, spirit. I will personally introduce you to each of my children and you will also have the opportunity to greet the rest of the staff."

She smiles warmly at me as she eyes my dress. I must admit that I must look a state after enduring a carriage ride of three days. She grips my hands gently and urges me to follow Duchess leads me down the hall to a washroom. She instructs me to undress and shed the grime ridden riding gown I am currently wearing as she disappears behind a set of panels. I follow her instructions and carefully unless my gown and set my soiled petticoat over the panels. I am left in nothing but undergarments and the wretched corset that has left me uncomfortable for days. Finally, she reappears with a fresh petticoat and a beautiful expanse of crimson fabric. Surely, this cannot be something meant for a servant.

"This gown will do far better than your soiled garments. The petticoat and this dress were refitted to your measurements. If any alterations are needed, I am happy to complete them. But first let's try this on. I believe we have chosen a wonderful color for your complexion and hair. This shade will look magnifi-"

"Madame, surely this fine gown is not meant for me. Servants are rarely given such a beautiful dress to wear to simply clean and provide for their master's family." I am startled at the offer and am sure it must be a mistake. Surely, this gown was meant for the Duchess's daughter or daughter-in-law.

"Miss Granger, I assure you this gown is not your uniform to perform you daily duties in. This gown is for when the family and servants dine together as one. We share all meals together, but dinner is the one time that all are equal and can be seen at their best attire. This will be your first meal with your new family and I will not have you in such dismal attire after you traveled so far to be with us. Now, my child, let us dress you and comb and repin our hair. Shall we?"

After tying the ribbons on the delicate petticoat and securing the dress in place, I am able to admire the simple beauty of the fabric. It is adorned with small flowers the run along the breast and larger versions of the same pattern are seen along the skirt. The Duchess carefully detangles the unruly curls from their unkempt placement. Then, she braids my hair and wraps the plait until it becomes a neat and manageable bun. Once pinned in place, the stray curls that are framing my face and neck and smoothed and allowed to stay once she is sure they will not frizz out again.

"Now that should make you more than ready and am sure dinner is able to be set on the table. Shall we go introduce you to the rest of the household, Miss Granger?" The Duchess takes me under her arm again and gently guides me to the dining room.

As she predicted, food is already set on the expansive table. There are fourteen chairs set at the table and each seat is home to a silver plate and goblet. Pitchers of ale are set out in various locations, as are platters of chicken quarters, vegetables, and fruit. A bowl of bread covered with a cloth is on each end of the table. This dinner spread must be meant as a feast!

My attention to the spread before me was broken by a shuffle of feet and laughter heard from the parlor. A flash of red entered my vision as two young men entered the room with joyous expressions. The two were identical in every way. They eyes found me and I quickly adverted my eyes to the ground. The sound of more steps and voices filled the room as the rest of the occupants filed in for their evening meal. I felt their eyes on me and quickly started to flush from all the attention. I was accustomed to being invisible.

"Molly, my love, who is the beauty you have at your side?" This voice must have come from the Duke himself. I heard his cheerful and kind voice.

"Arthur, this is the young lady we sent for. Miss Hermione Granger, this is my wonderful husband Arthur, Duke of Richmond." Molly guided me to the joyful man clad in handsome, blue satin attire.

"Your Grace, it is my pleasure to be here to provide for your home and comfort," I declare as I curtsey before my new master. My eyes are downcast as the Duchess's hand leaves my side. Another set of hands gather my shoulders and right me into a standing position.

"We will have none of that, dear girl. Unless the King or other company is present, such formalities will not be necessary. We do not have the fortune to choose the station we are born to, so this house is a little revolutionary in how we treat each person as equal. My children share our beliefs and will show you the utmost respect in all matters."

The Duke brings me to the front of the small crowd that has gathered by the dining room fireplace. It is clear there are three other servants among the children of my new master.

"The remarkable Mrs. Pomfrey will be happy to show you the daily routines that you will follow. Mr. Pomfrey is our cook and baker. They have been happily married for the last 30 years and have served my family since my father was Duke. Miss Lovegood is our gardener and groundskeeper. She has an affinity for the plants and animals. I trust they will speak with you later this evening and tomorrow to further my small introductions." The Duke steered me towards the others among the new faces.

"This is our oldest son, William, and his beautiful wife, Fleur. I must warn you, he prefers the name of Bill." The man before me was a younger version of his father with the deepest green eyes I had ever seen. Fleur was a beautiful with pale, blonde hair curled and gathered in a delicately adorned mesh. Her beauty was enough to make any woman feel inferior in her presence.

Before I could curtsey, an arm halted my actions. "No, Mademoiselle. You are among friends. You must not feel the need to show anyone present such formalities." Fleur kissed both of my cheeks quickly and flashed a smile. "Welcome to your new home, Miss Granger." She turned and placed her hand in Bill's. He led them to their place at the table.

"This is my second son, Charlie. He is a soldier in the military and will be home during times of peace, God willing." Charlie sported a more rugged appearance and had a few scars peeking through the material of his collar. The man before me gracefully brought my hand to his lips and brushed a kiss across my fingers. He then took his seat at the table.

"Percival, is our third son, and is well known for his studious manner. He plans to obtain a position with the council." Percy wore more traditional clothing and was seemingly more reserved than his siblings. He nodded his greeting and took to his place.

"Molly and I were blessed with twins. These pranksters, as you will soon find, are George and Fred. I must warn you, never trust gifts from them. Boundaries are foreign territory to them, at times. However, they do not mean any real harm." The boys were identical to the last freckle. Knowing smirks flashed across their faces.

"Madame, we would like to-" began George.

"Welcome you to humble abode" quipped Fred.

"It is our great pleasure-" George said.

"To be host to such a fair maiden," finished Fred.

Their quick banter back and forth made my head spin. I blinked and tried to refocus my attention. The Duke narrowed his eyes and grunted at his children. The twins mumbled their apologies and took their place at the table.

"This is our youngest son and only daughter, Ronald and Ginevra. They are the closest to your age, with Ron being only a few months your junior and Ginny being only a year behind him." The boy held the same kind face seen among his other family. He was by far the tallest of his family. He smiled before repeating the actions of his older brother. He brushed a kiss across my fingers, but stayed in his place by the hearth. Ginny was the younger image of her mother, and smiling brightly. She kissed both of my cheeks before prancing to her place beside her brothers.

"Now, it is time we dine. We mustn't let the fine feast before us grow stale." The Duke then turned and joined his household at the table.

It was at this moment I felt the slightest touch on my hand. I peered to find Ronald anxiously waiting for my attention.

"Miss Granger, allow me to show you to your seat." He gracefully led me to two empty chairs sat in between one of his brothers and Miss Lovegood. He slid the chair out and made sure the hem of my skirt was not caught as I took my seat. He claimed his place beside me after sliding my chair to its proper position.

Grace was said over the feast we were to dine. My wildest dreams never dreamt I would be welcomed by such a graceful family. Hope began to swell in my chest as the realization hit me. I could find a place here at this home and become more than just the forgotten disgrace of a careless courtier.

A/N: Reviews are appreciated!