Alone

Her parents instructed both her and James in Occlumency, and had been giving them private instruction since they were small children. This was something that most pureblood families did for their children, as a precaution. She was receiving a far more complete education than she had the first time around. No wonder Lucius Malfoy was so angry with Draco's grades, she thought with a wicked smile. He really should have had a leg up over her. Thankfully, her pureblood education seemed to complement her Hogwarts education so that she was learning at least some new things, and was not constantly bored.

Sirius and James spent all summer tearing across the Potter estate, and completely ignoring Hermione, just as she had told Severus. Dorea Potter watched her young daughter, with her sad hazel eyes watching the boys leave her behind, again, and sighed. She decided to take her daughter to tea parties with other pureblood mothers. Some of the other young ladies were Slytherin, but there were quite a few who were Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and a couple Gryffindors. Hermione's favorite among these elite young ladies of the wizarding world was an older girl named Andromeda Black. Andromeda was several years older than Hermione, but she was kind and cheerful. Hermione invited her to Potter Manor, and she was, in turn, invited to the Black estate when Narcissa and Bellatrix were elsewhere. Still, if Hermione had had her way, she would have much rather run wild across the estate with her brother.

One Wednesday afternoon, it was the Potter family's turn to host the tea party, and Dorea Potter had arranged a beautiful al fresco tea in the gardens. Hermione was sitting at one of the perfectly arranged tables with her friend Andromeda, but also with several older ladies. Hermione found them fascinating to listen to, and she had stopped speaking quietly to Andromeda so that she might better do so. One of the older women eyed her with a gimlet stare, and Hermione—instead of cowering—straightened her spine and looked the old woman right in the eye.

"You're Dorea and Charlus' girl?" She demanded. Hermione smiled slightly.

"Yes, ma'am. I am Hermione," Hermione said politely. The old woman narrowed her gaze thoughtfully.

"You've got spirit. I like that. Augusta Longbottom," she said sharply with a nod.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, ma'am," Hermione said with a grin. One of the other ladies snorted into her tea, and Mrs. Longbottom shot her a dirty look. When her gaze fell on Hermione throughout the rest of the tea, it was vaguely approving.

HP/HG/HP

Sitting on the bench with her hands neatly folded in her lap, and her delicate face tilted out toward the window, Hermione made a pretty picture that hinted at the privileged upbringing she had received. A young boy stood nervously in the doorway, and his long black hair and gray eyes reminded her instantly of Sirius. She cocked her head at him.

"May I sit here?" He asked with a nervous swallow. She smiled sweetly.

"Of course. You must be Regulus?" She asked. He nodded, his eyes wide.

"Yes, but how did you know?"

"I'm Hermione Potter, James' sister," She said, and it didn't seem at all odd or weird to say it, as it had the first year. Everytime someone had addressed her as Miss Potter, it had taken her a moment to realize they meant her. Now, however it felt completely natural. Regulus nodded.

"Oh," he said a little bitterly. Hermione frowned slightly.

"You don't like James?" She demanded sharply. How dare he insult James! Regulus shrugged.

"It's not that," he muttered. "It's my parents."

Hermione nodded, but she didn't question him. Old Hermione had overheard Sirius Black talk about his parents on numerous occasions. She had also learned, the hard way, that Sirius Black was an intensely private man that did not like to discuss his personal business with people he did not trust implicitly.