Epilogue Part 2

Summer, 1991

Diagon Alley

"Pythagoreans to me!" Rabastan Lestrange called in an authoritative voice. A group of children lined up in front of him, drawing several odd looks from passersby. "All right, does everyone have their passbook and their key? Excellent! Now, remember, just like we practiced at school."

The miles turned on his heel and walked into Gringott's, the small line of children following him. The Pythagoras School had automatic slots for the war orphans who lived at the orphanages founded by the Ladies' Aide Society, as did all the other magical day schools in Britain. There were a few purebloods who had no other family left, but the majority of the children had been muggleborns. These children had been as well taken care of as the Ladies' Aide Society could manage. Each child at the time they had come to the orphanage had had an account opened in their name at Gringott's, if they didn't already have one (the few pureblood orphans being the exception to the rule). Most of the orphans had received small life insurance policies or the equivalent and the orphanages had had the monies converted to galleons and used to open accounts for each child. Those that did not have anything, were allotted funds to open accounts in their name. This was so each child would be able to purchase their school supplies for the year. Hermione had been instrumental to this particular piece. She had convinced her father, her father-in-law and several of their mutual cronies to push through legislation that declared any magical child that had lost both parents in the recent war to be the child of 'war heroes', which entitled them to a small monetary settlement of 3,000 galleons. Hermione had worded the legislation so that muggles were being declared war heroes automatically, and laughed all the way to the Gringott's.

Part of a well-rounded education at the Pythagoras School was Sentient Magical Being Relations. Special guests were invited to speak a little about their culture and to share a special treat from their culture. Centaurs, Goblins, House Elves, Werewolves, Veelas and others had all been politely invited. The parents were told that it was similar to an International Business Relations class. The witch or wizard who could remain pleasant and polite no matter the situation would be the one who would seal a business deal, or secure a contract. The pureblood parents nodded. That made sense to them, and they didn't bat an eyelash. There were also comportment lessons. The pureblooded children were taught how to be polite in a muggle household and the muggleborn children were taught the same in magical households. They took field trips to major magical sites, and they also took field trips to the muggle world to go to the zoo, the British Museum, and other sundry things. The children who graduated from the Pythagoras School, or any of the other magical day schools, had received a top notch education and usually out-scored their fellow students in most Hogwarts classes.

This year's graduates were special because this year was the year that Harry Potter was going to Hogwarts, and not a single person outside of his family and friends knew or cared. Hermione couldn't be more happy. Her best friend had so far had the chance to grow up, have friends, and have a family—just as he'd always wanted. He was a normal, happy little boy and no one ever stared at him, or rushed up to him to shake his hand. He was just Harry. Hermione smiled to herself as she watched the small groups of orphans, each herded by a miles go from store to store to purchase their Hogwarts things. She knew that part of the joy, the fun, of going to Hogwarts was getting to pick out your supplies, which was why they had set everything up this way.

"Aunt Hermione! Aunt Hermione! Look, isn't she beautiful?" Harry asked excitedly as he held up a cage with a snowy white owl in it. Hermione smiled warmly at her nephew and kissed his forehead.

She is an amazing owl, and she will be a wonderful familiar and friend to you, Harry," Hermione said in that slightly distant voice that her entire family had learned to listen to carefully.

"I want to show her to Luna and dominella," Harry said fretfully, "but I don't

see them anywhere. They were with Uncle Sirius and Uncle Regulus just a minute ago."

"They're here somewhere. I know that Regulus had promised Cepheus that he would take him to the Quidditch supply store. Perhaps we'll start there?" Hermione asked her nephew with a smile. "Have you shown her to your mother, yet?"

"Yeah, Mum's in Flourish & Blott's," Harry said cheerfully. Hermione nodded and smiled, listening to her nephew's happy commentary. He hadn't chosen a name for his new friend just yet, he wanted to wait and pick the perfect name for her. Hermione agreed that that was an excellent plan.

"Mummy!" Two excited voices called eagerly, and Hermione turned automatically toward her twins. She bent down to hug them both, and then found herself pulled snugly against Sirius' body. He smirked at her and she raised an eyebrow at him.

"Hello, kitten," he breathed against her ear and she felt her pulse accelerate wildly. The children around them made loud retching noises, just as Uncle

Severus had trained them to do and Hermione rolled her eyes at Sirius.

"Can we trade them in?" Hermione teased. Sirius grinned wickedly.

"What, your milites? Yes, please!" Sirius said fervently. Regulus glared at him.

"We need to wrangle these little monsters to Fortescue's," Regulus reminded his brother drily. "We're supposed to meet Lucius and Narcissa there."

"I want to show Draco my owl," Harry informed them proudly. Hermione hid a small smile. It still surprised her, this friendship between Harry and Draco. Neville had attended the day school along with Sebastian so Harry was friends with both boys. The Weasleys had been leery of the whole idea of day schools, and hadn't sent any of their children. They preferred the old-fashioned way—homeschooling—so Harry hadn't had a chance to meet Ron yet. Several other pureblood families such as the Greengrasses and the Zabinis had taken to the concept with alacrity which had originally surprised Hermione. Although, Hermione watched Luna and Harry, and wondered if perhaps things might not turn out very, very differently this time around.

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HG/HP/HB

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"Hermione, what is all this nonsense?" Orion asked irritably, waving a sheaf of parchment at his daughter-in-law. Some days it seemed as though the wizengamot was bound and determined to drive him spare. The current law in front of him was so convoluted that it conflicted itself at every turn, and he was almost certain that perhaps two or three separate laws had been shuffled together. His daughter-in-law quickly flipped through the pages her face tightening and her lip curling in disgust.

"It looks as though someone has cottoned on to what I've been up to for the last ten years," Hermione said thoughtfully. "Unfortunately, this is really poorly written and they've still missed more than half of the laws we've passed. This, even if it did get passed would do almost nothing. What idiot is trying to submit this?"

"Hmph," Orion grunted and looked through some other parchments on his desk. "Ah, here. One Dolores Umbridge. Hermione? Hermione! Sirius! Get in here, NOW!"

Hiding the fact that one is a Seer is difficult at best, but Hermione and her sworn milites had actually done a damn fine job of protecting her and her secrets. Certain member of the Ladies' Aide Society had known and had willingly taken wand oaths to protect her secret. Even in times of peace, Seers were at risk and no one was taking any chances with Hermione's safety. Orion had known for roughly eight years, but he'd suspected something for a lot longer. His most important clue had been the fact that Sirius tolerated those milites of hers constantly being around, that he had insisted upon them even when Hermione seemed to not want them about. Alphard had explained to Orion that Lucius had briefly courted Hermione, and that Sirius was still prone to fits of jealousy regarding Malfoy. If it had been Orion, Lucius Malfoy would not have been allowed anywhere near his witch, but Sirius tolerated Malfoy. That alone made Orion suspicious. Sirius raced into the room and went straight to his wife. Her face was pale and her wand hand was clenching and unclenching at her side. When Sirius touched her she turned to him immediately and buried her face in his neck.

"Kitten, what's wrong?" Sirius asked her in surprise. She clutched his robes and she appeared to be shuddering the way she would if she were having an intense vision, but she wasn't. Sirius felt fear slide along his spine and he clutched his witch tighter, stroking her hair.

"Is it this woman?" Orion asked roughly. "Have you had visions of her?"

Hermione shook her head against Sirius' neck, but she clung to him still. Both men looked at one another in surprise. Hermione never acted like this, she was always so sure of herself, so confident. It was one of the things he liked best about his daughter-in-law. He adored Hermione, not the least of which for giving him two beautiful grandchildren who loved to come and visit their Grandfather Black. He stood awkwardly next to his son, his normally stoic expression slipping slightly to show his concern.

"Kitten, we'll take care of it, whatever it is—you just have to tell us what to do," Sirius murmured into her hair. She pulled back and looked at him, her eyes wide, and she bit her lip uncertainly.

"It…," she paused and her eyes took on that distant look that they did sometimes. She blinked after several moments and frowned up at him. "She is an evil woman, one of the most evil I've ever…er, she's evil."

"Okay, she's evil," Sirius said firmly. Hermione was nibbling her lower lip and thinking to herself.

"We need to take her down," she murmured under her breath, her brain working at a mile a minute.

"Of course, love. Do you want me to call your lieutenants?" Sirius teased her gently. She looked up at him gratefully and kissed his cheek.

"Would you, Sirius?" She asked, her hazel eyes wide, her expression grave. He could deny those eyes nothing, so he stalked over to the floo, grumbling under his breath.

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HG/HP/HB

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September 1, 1991

Platform 9 ¾, again

Going to school was exciting, Harry admitted easily. His sister Delphinia and his little brother Charlus were wildly jealous that he was going to Hogwarts this year. However, despite his excitement he felt uneasy leaving behind Luna and their dominella. He and Draco hadn't wanted to insult Cepheus, but they worried about his ability to protect Cassiopeia all by himself. Draco had been so worried that he had asked his father about it, and the elder Malfoy had sworn on his honour to protect and to guard Cassiopeia. That had made Draco relax, and now he was tugging insistently on his best friend.

"C'mon, Harry, let's go find a seat before all the best ones are taken," Draco said.

"Hang on a tic," Harry said absently, his eyes scanning the crowd. He let out a crow of happiness and took off into the crowd.

Draco looked up at his father who had a slight smile curving his lips. Uncle James looked irritated and he was slipping his wife a handful of galleons. Aunt Lily looked somewhat smug and tucked the galleons into her handbag. Draco looked in the direction that Harry had run off to, and saw him hugging the slight form of Luna Lovegood who was standing next to their Aunt Hermione. Draco sighed heavily and headed toward his best friend and his bondmate, and realized with pleasure that Cassiopeia was standing next to Luna. Her dark grey eyes shifting and turning slightly darker when she saw him standing there.

"Dominella, you are looking well," Draco said with formal courtesy. Cassiopeia inclined her head gracefully.

Thank you, Draco. You look well yourself," she said quietly.

People who remembered little Hermione Potter often remarked that Cassiopeia Black was a miniature of her mother. In face and form, she was a blend of the best of both parents and was an incredibly beautiful little girl. In her manners and comportment, she was her mother all over again. Wherever Cassiopeia went people were drawn to her grace and beauty, but this had not spoiled the child. Her close friends were always those who were normally ignored or belittled. Her best friend was Luna Lovegood, who found it difficult to make other friends due to her gift of second sight and her practice of saying odd things at odd times. Fortunately for Luna, after having a Seer as a mother Luna wasn't that odd. In fact, Hermione and Luna got on quite well, and always had; it was as though they had known one another for years.

"Draco," Luna said dreamily, tilting her head to one side. "Let not the House divide the friendship well begun."

"Mmm," Hermione looked off into the distance thoughtfully. "Harry may choose freely. His parents will love and support him no matter the House in which he resides. His friends will remain his friends, as well. The links forged in the Pythagoras School will be tempered, but their strength will increase, not falter."

"Er," both boys said uncertainly, looking from the graceful form of their Aunt Hermione to the dreamy, pixie-like figure of Luna. Cassiopeia smiled encouragingly at both boys.

"I have decided that it would be useful for there to be some of you in each House," she announced regally. "If we are lacking a House, I charge you two with recruiting from the other Houses. Be certain of your choices before you tell them anything."

Both boys straightened immediately and automatically assumed the posture of a miles. Their sworn lady was charging them with a quest, and both felt that they were equal to it. They would discharge their duty with honor. Hermione's eyes had shifted and it was like looking into an abyss. Draco and Harry had seen her eyes do that a few times. It was different from her having an actual vision; that had frightened Harry and Draco the first time they'd seen it happen. Then she shivered slightly and her eyes were normal again. She looked at Draco and Harry and her face was pensive.

"I think that it is best that you and your friends will be there a year before the rest," she said at last, frowning slightly. "Remind me to speak to your father, Draco, and your father as well, Harry."

"Speak to us about what, My Own?" James asked as they drew near. She looked at him, nibbling her lip anxiously.

"Training for the boys," Hermione said succinctly, a significant look at Lucius who nodded almost imperceptibly. James' jaw tightened slightly, but he nodded.

"Of course," Lucius said smoothly. Then he smirked slightly. "I see now why you encouraged Severus and Regulus to go ahead and accept the positions offered."

"That's My Own," James agreed. "Gryffindor on the outside, but Slytherin within."

"Oh, Jamie," Hermione laughed, rolling her eyes at his horrible word play.

"Draco, Harry dear, it really is time to go, or you'll miss the train," Narcissa called. Draco and Harry shook their father's hands and kissed their aunt. Before they could blink, the boys were leaning out the window waving energetically, and the train was pulling out of the station. Hermione and Narcissa blew kisses and Luna and Cassiopeia copied them. The men all waved at the boys until the train was gone.

Harry and Draco settled into their compartment with Sebastian and Neville. All four boys looked at one another with grave expressions and Sebastian and Neville turned to face Harry and Draco. Harry glanced at Draco and shrugged, indicating that he could speak first. Draco nodded and turned them, about to speak when their compartment door slid open. A redheaded boy with a spot of dirt on his nose poked his head into the compartment and looked at all four boys who were dressed in nice wizarding robes; part of Sebastian's graduation gift from Hermione had been a full set of wizarding robes so that he would not feel awkward amongst the other students.

"Can I sit with you lot then? The other compartments are full," the red-headed boy asked cheerfully. The four boys looked at one another and then looked back at him.

"You may if you wish," Draco said coolly and he and Harry scooted over to give the red-headed boy room.

"I'm Ron, Ron Weasley," the boy said cheerfully and held out a hand toward Harry and Draco.

"Harry Potter," Harry said and shook his hand.

"Draco Malfoy," said Draco politely and he shook Ron's hand as well. Ron stared in surprise at both of them.

"I'm Neville Longbottom," Neville said politely and held out his hand. Ron stared at it for a moment and shook it slowly. He turned to Sebastian who smiled politely and shook Ron's hand.

"Sebastian Granger," he said politely, then he paused slightly and frowned at Ron. "You've got dirt on your nose, did you know?"

"Granger," Ron echoed in surprise, frowning slightly.

"Yes," Sebastian said cheerfully.

"Are you muggleborn then?" Ron asked politely, that slight frown still in place.

"Not exactly," Sebastian replied with a slight smile. "I've got a little Scamander on my mother's side and a little Greengrass on my father's side. The domina and Draco's father researched it for me."

"Oh," Ron said quietly, his eyes wide. "Who's the domina?"

"Er," Sebastian flushed slightly and looked guiltily toward Harry and Draco who shook their heads at him and shrugged.

"Never mind," Draco muttered. Ron shrugged cheerfully and started asking them about Quidditch.