The game of Miss Granger… Or is it Miss Peverell?

Chapter 1

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, or Harry Potter world, containing the characters written by J.K Rowling, the real owner. Though I do own the plot line and a few OC.

"Terry, can you take over my patrol tonight? The headmistress needs to see me and those visits last hours." Hermione Granger called up the stairs of the Head Dorm room to Terry Boot, a nice Hufflepuff boy in her year. Draco Malfoy was supposed to be Head Boy, but he declined the offer, he was still in a shell, though the outer layers were beginning to crack away and the snarky, bully-like Malfoy was appearing again, slowly. Hermione kept an eye on the blonde, for what reason, she did not know.

"Sure, what floors and when do you normally round?" Terry called back down as he was getting ready for the day.

"I normally round at 10 o'clock and normally keep an eye on the under levels of the castle. The Slytherins are always randy." It was true, Hermione hadn't even been back 2 weeks and she caught more couples shagging then Severus Snape had in the same amount of time, and that was say a lot!

"Okay, will do!" With Terry's final words, Hermione left the head dorms. The meetings with Minerva Mcgonagall normally ended with Hermione leaving the Headmistress' office with a little buzz since it was needed, walking in places that your friends died, or where you watched them die. It took a toll. The castle had been rebuilt, it looked beautiful, and Mcgonagall added a few more secret paths, which, Hermione was taking right now. Pulling on the arm of a knight's suit, it clicked before pushing into the wall revealing a stair case upwards, which was magically enchanted to make the distance from the 2nd floor to the 7th, one stair case. Hermione took pride in this stairwell seeing as she made the charm.

The bushy haired girl was still gaining weight after the year of being on the run, so she walked up the stars slower than she normal did. There was no real rush for getting to the Headmistress' office, Hermione still have 20 minutes before she was due, but, Hermione still made it about 10 minutes before she was due after leaving the enchanted stair well and weaving through a labyrinth of corridors before making it to the gargoyle who began to turn upwards as soon as it seen Hermione entered the corridor. Smiling softly at the gargoyle, which no one bothered to get to know, it had a name, and a voice but didn't speak much. Climbing the stairs, Hermione nocked on the Headmistress' door.

"Come in!" Minerva called from the inside, Hermione and her Headmistress were on first name basis since the battle. Opening the door, Hermione glanced around, the office still amazed her, though there were not as many nick nacks, there were some that Minerva kept that was once Dumbledore's, who was 'sleeping' in his portrait.

"Minnie, how have you been?" Giving the elderly witch a hug, the bushy haired witch knew something was not right. The air was different, it was filled with tension, sadness and a dash of anticipation.

"I have been fine dear, now there was a reason to call you up here." Sitting down, Minerva summoned a house elf asking for earl grey tea and biscuits. Taking her seat, Hermione glanced at Headmaster Snape, who was peering down his nose at them, emitting a small smile at the grumpy ex-headmaster Hermione turned her attention back to Minerva.

"What may be the reason then Minnie? Is someone hurt?" Hermione's overactive mind began jumping to conclusions as it normally did in such times of tension that frayed the air.

"No one is hurt, do not worry about such things. But, I am here to discuss your parents." Hermione's heart dropped at the woman's words, she had looked for her parents in Australia for a month, finding nothing but an obituary marking their loss of existence in the world. They both died in a car crash, dead on impact seeing as it was a blasted semi. Snapping from the mourning thoughts, she continued the conversation which she was now not to excite to participate in as she was a few minutes ago.

"What about them?" She asked warily, there was no way to tell where this conversation was meandering off to.

"They are not your real parents Hermione… I hate to break such news to you, being my daughter in all but blood. But you were adopted a few days after your birth, on September 12, 1979. Your real birthday is in 2 days, September 10th." She was in shock, Minerva knew that. Taking a few minutes to digest the information that she was just provided with, Hermione glanced down at her cup of tea, thinking she needed something stronger. As if reading her mind, Minerva summoned a bottle of Ogden's firewhiskey and 2 tumblers. Minerva needing it just as much as Hermione, poured the russet colored drink into the glasses, handing one to Hermione and keeping one for herself. Both Hermione and Minerva downed the drink in one big gulp, savoring the burn as it went down their throats. Finally, Hermione spoke after another tumbler of firewhiskey down the hatch.

"Who are they then? Are they alive?" Hermione spoke softly, the firewhiskey starting to do its job. Glancing up at Minerva, she realized that the elder witch had tears in her eyes.

"Peverell family and Salazar merged. Merope Gaunt had a sister, a half-blood who was not a squib as her sister who married a Peverell named Amycus. She had a daughter name Iolanthe, your grandmother, who then gave birth to your mother. Trinity Peverell, the girls through the Peverell family line always kept their last name. Your father, well to place such things lightly, was not human, along with the rest of your family. You have not merged with the Malfoy, Parkinson, Nott, and Weasely family yet. You are related to Harry, and are… Tom Riddle's cousin. Death Eaters killed your parents." Hermione sat there, starting wide eyed at the Headmistress, feeling dizzy, and seeing the floor come closer to her face after she stood trying to make what she thought a 'head rush' go away. Minerva sighed, placing her drink on the table beside her.

She should have known this was too much to handle at one time. Minerva waved her wand at the now passed out witch, levitating her to the couch, Minerva waited. Thinking it best to let her sleep this off for now and let her come to it when she does. Hermione possibly believed that the headmistress was barking mad, Minerva thought the same thing when a will was sent to her from the goblins stating Hermione Maylin Peverell-Granger was now the owner of most of Gringott's Wizarding Bank along with many estates and also being the leader of many… Clans per say. The will included a letter from her mother, her birth mother. Though the elderly woman did not know what was in it, she had a feeling that she would need to keep Hermione sitting so her face doesn't try to attack the floor again. It took maybe 15 minutes for Hermione to start stirring, her head hurt, and no doubt it was from hitting the ground. Minerva had a headache potion already sitting on the tea table. Swallowing the potion down, Hermione grimaced at the taste before sitting up. Minerva was sitting at her desk working on something. The older woman looked up, gracing Hermione with a motherly smile that broke down the dam that Hermione placed up to keep her emotions at bay and behind a wall.

Tears began their course down Hermione's cheeks, Minerva quickly got up and came over, sitting down beside her 'daughter' hugging her tightly, allowing the girl to cry into her shoulder, mourning people she never met. This was a shock to Hermione, hell, it would be a shock to anyone who found out. It took some time for Hermione to regain her emotions and wipe her tears away. When she did, Hermione began asking questions once more.

"If… If my real parents weren't human, what were they?" Hermione asked, sniffling softly. Minerva sighed, handing Hermione a glass of water before answering.

"You are a pureblood Veela, like your family before you. Tom Riddle was half-blood due to the other half of his blood being veela. Bellatrix Lestrange was his mate. Which brings me to a topic we will discuss tomorrow after noon." Minerva sighed softly, this was too much to place on a girl her age… no! A woman her age, Hermione was no girl, she stopped being a girl in 4th year. She was now a woman, a strong one at that, but no matter how strong one is, news as such would bring Hermione to her knees.

"Veela… I have read about them. So… I am being told this now because my 18th birthday will be here in 2 days. Is there any way I could dilute the effects of the veela charm?" Hermione was beginning to think logically again, building that blocker up to keep her emotions hidden once again. Taking a sip of her water, Hermione's mind began thinking about all she knew of veelas, they strive on their mate, their mate is immune to your charms, if someone tries to hurt your mate you have a 75% chance of sprouting wings and killing the person who attempted to harm you're mate. And the good thing about that it is completely legal due to the laws in place protecting all veela. It was a sweet deal really. Hermione internally shook her head at that line of thought.

"No, there is nothing to help with it. I have already looked into it, asked the veela clans, and even invited Fleur over for tea. Nothing, there are no ingredients, spells, charms, or blood rituals strong enough to even dilute the charm a little. If you upped the amount on the ingredients in a potion, you could kill yourself." Minerva looked down at her cup of tea sadly, Severus was now listening in on the pair since they began talking about potions. Dumbledore still 'sleeping'.

"Bloody hell… I think it's time for bed, this… this is a lot to process." Sighing, Hermione stood up and began to collect her beaded bag, which she charmed into a book bag and always kept it on her out of habit.

"One more thing for tonight, your family will, along with the Slytherin Will which was made by Merope Gaunt that Dumbledore kept from Tom. And there is a letter from your birth mother Trinity, in the Peverell will." Minerva quickly made her way up to her desk to grab the papers. After going through a few drawers, she pulled out the large thick wills, handing them to Hermione Minerva pulled the veela in for one more hug before letting her go.

"Tomorrow will be worse than today dear… Meet me in my office at noon. There is an extra paper on top of those which you need to read tonight. Think about it carefully." Hermione' eyes once more brimmed with tears, she hugged the motherly witch tighter before letting go. Leaving the room behind Hermione glanced at the papers in her hand, she didn't want to read anything right now, only to go to bed for a few weeks. But, Hermione would do what was required, perhaps read the letter her mother left for her. She was thankful she asked Terry to take her rounds and patrol for the night.

When entering the dorm room, Hermione began to make hot chocolate. Adding a shot of firewhiskey into it, Hermione left the common room. Once in her room, Hermione changed into her night wear, then sat down in the muggle bean bag chair which she bought for herself as an early birthday present. Pulling the papers off the dresser, Hermione opened the Peverell family will, pulling out the letter which was sticking out, she sighed softly, the writing was unique, every curve different from the last. On the envelope said: To Hermione Maylin Peverell. Opening the letter, Hermione steeled herself.

Dear Hermione,

If I am not giving this letter to you personally, I am not within the world of the living anymore. Here I sit, writing this letter as your father strengthens the wards against death eaters who attempt to penetrate them. We, your father and I, refused to join Voldemort's forces, resulting in the onslaught on our wards protecting the Peverell castle in Northern Ireland. Your father and I have placed you in the trusted hands of Albus Dumbledore for the night. If I am not there, which, by now due to the pulsing wards around me, is more possible then 5 minutes ago. If we are not there, I am sorry for not being there to watch you grow up, to watch you become a young woman, have a family with your mate, and attend your wedding of which I would love to be at.

Your Veela heritage is very important. You will not be placed with a muggle or muggle-born, that we knew for sure. You will be mated with a male from one of these families, Malfoy, Parkinson, Nott, or Weasely. We are not prejudice on blood, nore have we ever been, hinting why we refused to join Voldemort's rein. When all the pureblood families are connected by the Peverell Family, our Veela's will begin choosing half-bloods and Muggleborns. There is a strong blood charm to prevent our Veela's from choosing families we have already merged with.

I must bring this letter to an end dear, there is more information on our family in the villa in West France and at the Malfoy Manor. Just know that your father and I love you, more then you could imagine. We would do anything to watch you grow up, but that is not an option now. Our wards have broken, we love you Hermione. My wand is included with the will you no doubt have in your lap as you read this. You are an original silver haired baby girl with rare honey brown eyes, beautiful. Good Bye my dear, your father and I will see you on the other side when your time comes.

Adieu Mon Chaton.

P.S: I hope you are mated with a Malfoy… Lucius Malfoy is a close friend, I advise you to visit them, and they have some things of our which they are holding for you. His son, Draco is a beautiful boy… Adieu

Hermione finished reading the letter with tears streaming down her cheeks freely, sobs began to rack her small body. She cried for her adoptive parent's death, her real parent's death, every death that should not have happened in the blasted war. Hermione had lost more than most in Hogwarts, even more then Harry, his parents were killed, but he only had one set of parents unlike Hermione… she had Jean and John Granger, her adoptive parent, her real mother and father, and the worst of all, they want her to be mated with Draco Malfoy… Draco Malfoy! Bloody ferret… Hermione pulled what emotions she could back into the depths of her soul and folded the letter back up, placing it in the envelope which she carefully placed on the dresser. Glancing down at the will, Hermione was feeling a little more open to reading some of it. But she needed the wand first, then she needed to read the paper Minerva said was very important.

Carefully, Hermione pulled out a wand box, she had read somewhere that the Peverell family had their own wand maker. Hermione didn't know if it was true or not, if so, then Hermione would like to visit this maker, it was rare for families to have their very own wand maker. Even the Malfoy's didn't have their own maker, which was surprising at the least. Carefully, Hermione un-lidded the wand box, inside was what looked to be the Elder wand, or a carbon copy of it at least. Keeping her jaw from dropping wide open was not an option. The wand wood was obviously elder, Hermione would have to find out what core it had by taking it to Ollivanders, which was now ran by Ollivanders daughter. Carefully, Hermione picked up the wand, the wand had found a new owner, warmth spread throughout Hermione as the wand hummed in acceptance. Deciding to try a simple spell on her kitten which she got from Diagon Alley before school started.

"Reducio!" Hermione called out, watching her kitten get even smaller. The spell came off easier then Hermione had expected.

"Finite Incantatem!" Her kitten grew to its normal size, glaring at Hermione, who gave the small white fur ball a sheepish smile, at which it simply ignored and went back to sleep. The wand was almost too easy to control, it took no effort, Hermione would have to try a few harder charms at a later date, and was in no rush to register this wand with the Ministry of Magic. Placing her new wand back in the box, Hermione set it aside before looking at the papers in her lap. Lifting up the two files, lay a smaller file which had the Ministry of Magic stamp on it. Opening the file, Hermione saw key words and thought she would die right there and blasted then. Picking it up, Hermione began to read.

Minister of Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt

September 8th, 1998

Order of Guardian Ship

I Kingsley Shacklebolt, Minister of Magic, hereby declare Hermione Maylin Peverell-Granger the official guardian of Delphini Riddle-Lestrange. Delphini Riddle-Lestrange was found at the Lestrange Manor being taken care of by a house elf which was once the Black Families personal elf, Kreacher. Delphini Riddle-Lestrange is the notorious Bellatrix Lestrange nee Black's daughter, which she presumably gave birth to at the Malfoy Manor on May 7th 1997, dating the girl's age at 1 year, 4 months. The father, Tom Marvolo Riddle conceived the child out of wedlock behind Rodolphus Lestrange -Bellatrix Lestrange nee Black's husbands- back. The heads of the Malfoy Family, including Lucius Malfoy and Narcissa Malfoy nee Black are still under house arrest resulting in inability to take care of the child.

The Wizengamot and myself decided you, Hermione Maylin Peverell-Granger are most fit to raise a child who was born to one of the the darkest witch and wizards in the history of the wizarding world. You shall be given a chance to decline the child, which therefore we will send to an orphanage for magical children. You shall receive a sum of money each month for raising the child if you accept. If you do not decline the child, Minerva Mcgonagall Headmistress of Hogwart's Witchcraft and Wizardry will provide you with a nanny house elf, if you do not already have one, to care for the child while you are in classes. The child will need much love and warmth to ensure that when grown up, we will not have another very dark lady on our hands resulting in another war.

We are aware of your Veela parentage, in which we believe to be another reason as to why you, Hermione Maylin Peverell-Granger are fit to raise a child. Veela's are very loyal and caring towards children, even if the child is not its own. The child is currently under watch by auror's at the Malfoy Manor located in Wiltshire Ireland. You, Hermione Maylin Peverell-Granger have 2 weeks from today, September 8th 1998 to make your choice, after the two weeks have passed and you have not made your choice, the child will be sent to the orphanage for magical children.

When you, Hermione Maylin Peverell-Granger have made your choice, come to the Ministry of Magic and visit I, Kingsley Shacklebolt for further paperwork and instruction. Starting from today, September 8th 1998, you have 2 weeks off from school to sort out what is needed with the will of both Peverell and Slytherin, along with making the choice including Delphini Riddle-Lestrange.

Sincerely, Kingsley Shacklebolt

Minister of Magic.

P.N: Hermione, I know you have gone through so much. We believe that taking Delphini will prevent a future of chaos which will happen if raised in an orphanage. I have met the girl myself, she is an angel. She is small, her hair silver, more than likely from the Veela trait, and her eyes purple. Please, consider it. I would ask Harry but… well, he is going to take Teddy Lupin after he finishes school. And the other reason is clear. My condolences on finding your mate. Remember, think about it Hermione, and think clearly, this is a human being.

Hermione was once again, for the 3rd time of the night, in shock. Placing the paper robotically on the dresser along with the files, Hermione climbed into bed with the plan on sleeping through the shock. And that is what she did.

I am already working on the third chapter today, I went on a writing spree last night. This is my first story on thus website, I am still learning as to what all these blasted buttons do... Either way I hope you like this chapter, keep supporting and I will keep updating! That is a promise... maybe... I hope you all love this story, I am giving myself early arthritis for your entertainment.