Soul Bound 38

“Hermione!”Andromeda called out when she spotted Hermione exiting her classroom. Andromeda felt her heartbeat flutter when Hermione turned to face her and once she saw who called her Hermione smiled a smile so bright it seemed to radiate joy and happiness all the way across the hall to Andromeda. Andromeda loved that she had that effect on her soulmate. It didn’t matter what the situation that kept them apart was as soon as Hermione saw Andromeda again she always showed her excitement. It was something Andromeda hoped never changed. Andromeda noticed Neville standing with Hermione and greatly approved of their budding friendship. She did not approve of the dark haired boy making his over to her.

“It isn’t going to work.”Gerold said.

“Hello Gerold. How are your classes going?”Andromeda wasn’t going to be pulled into whatever drama Gerold brought with him.

“That’s Lord Black to you.”Gerold would not allow the Black sisters or the imposter to call him his first name.

“If you will excuse me I am meeting someone.”Andromeda looked to Hermione who was speaking to Neville.

“I told you it isn’t going to work. It doesn’t matter how close you and your sisters get to the impostor you aren’t going to get your hands on my house or my properties. You are especially not getting your hands on my vault.”Gerold knew that was why the sisters were so attached to Hermione. They wanted access to his estate.

Andromeda laughed.”You think we care about any of that?”

“Of course you care. If you didn’t you wouldn’t be interested in the imposter.”Gerold knew that was the goal for the sisters. To take over the Black family.

“Lady Black is not an imposter.”Andromeda cut off whatever Gerold’s reply was.”I pity you you know. You didn’t have a choice of being born. You however did have a choice on how you chose to live your life and because of how you have done that you have lost any chance for Lady Black to welcome you into her family. Meaning you will not get access to the vault or any properties that the House of Black owns. If you had been a good person she would have happily given you access to the entire estate when she takes over. You and your family ruined that chance.”

“I don’t need your pity. It’s me who pities you. I pity you and your sisters for your pathetic attempt to take over my family.”Gerold didn’t believe anything Andromeda had said. There was no way Hermione would have given him access.

“Hello Lady Black it’s good to see you again.”Andromeda held open her arms to give Hermione a hug.

“It’s good to see you to Lady Black.”Hermione pulled out of the hug and turned to Gerold.”Hello Gerold.”

“I AM LORD BLACK!!!”Gerold screamed.

“Good for you Gerold. Hermione come on I have a surprise for you.”Ignoring Gerold’s random insults and screaming Andromeda wrapped her arm around Hermione’s shoulder and led her down the hall.

“Where are we going?”Hermione saw they weren’t going to the Great Hall and it was lunch time.

“Just trust me.”Andromeda said steering Hermione out of the castle towards the lake.

As they got closer to the lake Hermione could see a picnic set up under a tree. She threw her arms around Andromeda.”Andy it’s perfect. We can eat together this way.”

“I knew you would like it.”Andromeda was very pleased with herself for coming up with the idea.

“Bella and Cissa know where we are so they don’t worry right?”Hermione knew if she didn’t show up in the Great Hall Bellatrix and Narcissa would worry.

“I let them know.”Well Andromeda let them know that she and Hermione wouldn’t attending lunch with them. Andromeda didn’t give them the location because she didn’t want them joining her and Hermione. Sitting down next to a tree Andromeda sat against the trunk and pulled Hermione so she stretched out between Andromeda’s legs while leaning her head on Andromeda’s shoulder. Catching the scent of Narcissa’s perfume made Andromeda frown. She would have to leave a bottle of her perfume in Hermione’s bathroom for Hermione to wear. That way she smelt like Andromeda and not her sisters.

“What did you talk to Gerold about?”Hermione asked.

“He wanted to inform me that my and my sisters’ plan of using you to take over the Black family wouldn’t work.”Andromeda smiled when Hermione laughed.

“That’s his new theory?”Hermione supposed for someone like Gerold it would be a good theory.

“Yes and most likely other people will claim the same thing.”Andromeda tilted her head to give Hermione better access to her hair. Playing with each sisters’ hair was something Hermione never grew out of.

“That’s because they don’t know you like I do and because I know you I know that the three of you could care less about the titles. If it weren’t for all the other stuff we have going on we would all live at the farm and never bother with the rest of the world at all.”Hermione knew the sisters would be more than happy to live at the farm together and not have to interact with society.

“That would be lovely.”Andromeda would love to go live the life of a recluse with Hermione and her sisters. Nymphadora as well if she would be interested.

“I heard people whispering about Dumbledore and I was getting a lot of pointed looks. What happened?”Hermione thought that the looks she had been getting all morning were different than the ones before.

“Dumbledore made a statement to the press about what happened during the sorting. He claimed that he was simply testing the hat when he tried to put you in Gryffindor and he had purposely called Salazar’s ghost. The comment about you being the next Dark Lord he said was just a joke and he meant nothing by it. He then said that he in fact would love to have chance to sit down with you and chat over a cup of tea. The press asked him why Salazar called him a liar and demanded he step down. Dumbledore tried to brush it off by saying that it was all planned out and he in fact was not asked to step down.”Andromeda had expected the denial.

“How are we responding?”Hermione knew that the sisters weren’t leaving it alone.

“You know us too well. We have already wrote out a statement that Narcissa sent with a letter to our lawyer with a short history of our lives with you and asking her to take you on as a client. I doubt she will decline as you are the most politically powerful magic user in Britain.”Andromeda was positive the woman would agree.

“What was said in the statement?”Hermione wanted to know what their reply was.

“We called out Dumbledore saying is a liar and him putting you in Gryffindor was not a test. That Salazar was called because of his tampering with the hat and trying to manipulate his heir and that Dumbledore had been suspended while an investigation was being held into his conduct. We also said that you did not take Dumbledore’s words as a joke and were deeply offended and incredibly hurt that the man who was in charge of the Light side of the war could be so predigest against pureblood families that he automatically assumes that all the members will became the next Dark Lord or one of his followers. Bella added the fact that you believe blood purity is stupid and credited inbreeding with your parent’s squib community never having powerful magic users until you.”Andromeda thought the last bit was a good edition.

“That should give the public something to think about.”Hermione thought it was a good statement.

“And give you an excuse to distance yourself from Dumbledore.”Andromeda thought that was the most important part.

Hermione reached out and grabbed a sandwich.”Do you think he is actually gone for good?”

“No I don’t think so. Unless they find some kind of damning evidence during the investigation I don’t think he’s going to lose his job.”Andromeda wished he would but it was unlikely.

“Well at least I don’t have to pretend to like him nor do I have be polite to him. My plan is that if I ever get called to his office or he tries to have a private conversation with me I will use my necklace.”Hermione wasn’t going to be left alone with Dumbledore.

Andromeda was thinking the same thing as Hermione.”That’s a good idea. He’s a horrible person. Who knows what he would try to do if he got you alone.”

“You need to eat Andy. Do you want me to make you a plate?”Hermione asked.

“Would you please? You know what I like.”Andromeda didn’t want to move.

Hermione leaned forward and filled a plate for Andromeda. She then grabbed a fork and handed both to the older woman.”I gave you extra potato salad.”

“Thank you sweetheart.”Andromeda was touched that Hermione paid such close attention to her eating habits that she knew her favorites.”So what were you talking to Neville about?”

“He asked me to help him with our muggles studies class. He said that even with all that Bella had taught him about muggles most of the syllabus was unfamiliar and he wanted my help. I told him I would be happy to study with him.”Hermione liked Neville and didn’t mind helping him.

“Neville is a good friend to have.”Andromeda and her sisters were hoping the pair would be friends.

“He isn’t very well respected by the other students or his house.”Hermione had heard the random whispers about Neville.

“Do you know why?”Andromeda would have thought Neville would be very respected based on being a Longbottom.

“Apparently it took him eight tries to match with his wand and he is rather clumsy. He is also very forgetful and loses things all the time. I’ve also noticed he is kind of nervous and doesn’t have a lot of self confidence.”Hermione told her.

“It took Bella just as many times to match to her wand. Something I will have her mention in front of your class. As for the other stuff he is still young. Maybe spending time with you will help him gain that confidence. Him losing things well we can get him a charmed bag like you have so he has a place to put things and I will show you some locator spells to teach him.”Andromeda knew they could help Neville.

“Thanks Andy. Neville is a good guy and I fear he may get bullied if he doesn’t get help.”Hermione would do what she could but she would need the sisters’ help.

“Neville is also a good ally to have. We have a good connection with Augusta due to Cissa saving her and my friendship over the years with her. Bella has a close friendship with Frank and Alice again so it would be good if you could befriend Neville to secure that alliance.”Andromeda had kept her friendship with Augusta and regularly visited for tea. Narcissa was also a regular visitor after Augusta found out that Narcissa saved her. Even though her reason for doing it was for Bellatrix August still was thankful. Andromeda thought the matriarch was even more thankful because Narcissa was saving her for Frank and Alice’s sake. Bellatrix was a regular feature at the Longbottom house stopping by at least once a week always bringing gifts for Neville.

“It’s not a hardship for me. I like Neville. He treats me like a regular person. He is extremely respectful and doesn’t ask me anything to personal. We talk about our classes and what we know about the subject. Today we talked about how much I knew about the muggle world and I told him I lived in the muggle world my whole life. He was very surprised to hear as he thought I lived at Malfoy Manor with you guys.”Hermione could see why Neville thought that.

“Most people will likely think that because they all just assume that the three of us and Dora have lived at Malfoy Manor this whole time. No one really looked into it.”Andromeda didn’t go out of her way to correct anyone who said it. It wasn’t a complete lie anyway. The family visited the manor often and kept the things they would need to interact in the magical world like most of their wardrobes in the closets of their former bedroom. Plus they had the quidditch pitch, the pool and the library that they used often.

“It’s weird they think Dora lived there growing up because she has basically shunned the magical world completely and claimed the muggle world as her own. She still lives a muggle lifestyle even though she lives full time in the magical world.”Hermione had been to Nymphadora’s home many times and the girl refitted the place to look and function like a muggle home. Including all the muggle gadgets.

“I understand why she moved out of Jean and Denis’ because it was entirely too far away from her job. I prefer she would have stayed there but I am happy she took one of the Lestrange family estates near the ministry. It allows Bella to adjust the wards any way she likes and gives Dora better protection than she would get renting an apartment.”Andromeda wasn’t a fan of Nymphadora living by herself and was planning on having her daughter live with them during the breaks between school years.

“She still visits my parents all the time and spends the night in her old room so it’s not like she is alone that much.”Hermione knew that Nymphadora would have liked to continue to live with the Grangers and her family but the travel every day was too much on her.

“Moving in with your parents was the greatest decision I made for my daughter.”Andromeda’s only regret was she couldn’t have done it sooner. Nymphadora had thrived growing up in such a loving home where all the adults went out of their way to show the girl she was loved and appreciated. Even Denis and Jean made sure Nymphadora was involved in all Hermione’s milestones and never made her feel less because they weren’t related to her. If anything they overcompensated and went all out to celebrate all of Nymphadora’s milestones as well. Andromeda couldn’t have asked for a better set of people to be Hermione’s parents.

“My parents say all the time that their greatest decision regarding all of you was letting you move in because it brought Dora into their lives.”Hermione wasn’t jealous of the relationship Nymphadora had with her parents. She was happy about it because of how much joy it brought all three of them.

“Speaking of Dora I’m very curious what she will think of what happened at your sorting.”Andromeda bet her daughter had many things to say.

“I want to write her a letter but she can’t receive one until she’s back from her mission.”Hermione had been anxious to send Nymphadora a letter to tell her what happened but she was on a mission and couldn’t receive owls.

“I’m sure she has already written you a few. Especially if she got her hands on a newspaper because Dumbledore’s actions are international news.”Andromeda had seen one of the professors reading a French paper that had Dumbledore’s picture on the front.

“Do you think that Bella is going to be able to join the investigation?”Hermione asked.

“I was going to ask to join as well.”Andromeda would ask at dinner.

“I hope you both get to because Bella has been saying how she has always wanted to go through his office to find out his secrets.”Hermione had heard Bellatrix say it many times.

“Can you hand me a cola?”Andromeda had brought some of her favorite muggle drinks with her from home so she would have them on hand.

Hermione handed Andromeda a can grabbing some water for herself.”When can we start going swimming?”

“We can start when you want to. You have the offering you took from the Fawley vault to give them and you memorized the proper greeting and what you needed to say to ask for permission. So all we need to do is go and seek an audience.”Andromeda had worked with Hermione all summer on how to properly ask the mere folk knowing she would only get one chance. Not that she was worried. Hermione would never purposely insult anyone.

“I’m sore from running today can we start tomorrow.”Hermione had pushed herself hard that morning and not having run for a few days made her body not want to respond to like it usually did.

“That’s fine.”Andromeda would like to start that afternoon but if Hermione needed to rest she wouldn’t push.

“Do you think we can get away with doing a picnic like this for meals again?”Hermione didn’t like eating in the Great Hall.

Andromeda smiled. She was very pleased that Hermione liked her idea.”I will try arranging more.”

“Thanks Andy. It’s just that the Great Hall is a little overwhelming and Pansy is hell bent on being my friend so I can’t even eat in peace.”Hermione was not impressed with Pansy.

“What did she talk to you about this morning?”Andromeda had seen Pansy speaking to Hermione during breakfast.

“Since we have all the same classes together this year she was asking about what I knew about muggle studies. I think she was trying to figure out a way to get me to study with her because she kept saying how she knew nothing about how muggles lived. That and how hard the class was going to be for her and she didn’t want to get a bad grade. I told her I knew a little a bit about muggles but was no expert and lamented with her about not wanting to get a bad grade. I also ignored all the personal questions she had about where I lived and who I lived with.”Hermione would never tell anyone anything about her personal life.

“Good she doesn’t need to know anything. As for her wanting to study with you claim that you are already helping Neville and don’t have time if she asks again.”Andromeda didn’t want Hermione being alone with Pansy.

“Ok.”Hermione would definitely use the excuse.”How is your day going? I heard something about someone having to regrow a foot.”

Andromeda took a sip of her drink then groaned.”An idiot 3rd year was dared to put his foot in the mouth of Venomous Tentacula and the plant bit it off.”

“He was an idiot.”Hermione agreed.

“Luckily Cissa’s potion is available to the public after she patented it I was able to give some. I gave him a pair of crutches he was confused about but after I explained them he left the infirmary in better spirits than he came in.”Andromeda had been introducing muggle medical techniques in her healing since learning about them from all the studying she did in the muggle world.

“Cissa really is extraordinary when it comes to creating potions.”Hermione didn’t think anyone was as good at potions as Narcissa was.

“Alright you can stop with the compliments she isn’t here to charm.”Andromeda teased. She knew Hermione bragged about her just as much to her sisters as she did to Andromeda about the pair.

“I don’t give any of you compliments because I am trying to charm you. I’m just telling the truth. The three of you are amazing and I’m extremely happy that the world finally gets to see it.”Hermione wasn’t giving out false praise. Her soulmates were exceptional.

Andromeda set her empty plate and can on the ground then wrapped her arms around Hermione kissing her on the top of her head.”I know you believe every word of praise you give us.”

“Like I said it’s the truth.”Hermione finished off her water, set the bottle on the ground then leaned back against Andromeda and reached up to play with the older woman’s hair.”It’s hard to believe it’s only my third day here.”

“Well a lot of stuff has happened in those days that make it seem like it’s been months.”Andromeda was excited for what the rest of the year would hold.

“Do you think you will figure out a way to stay in my room with me?”Hermione wanted her soulmates living with her.

“Bella said she had some ideas that she would discuss with us when classes ended for the day.”Andromeda hoped she found something.

“Can you show me where your quarters are just in case she doesn’t.”Hermione would feel better knowing where the sisters lived.

“Of course sweetheart.”Andromeda would like Hermione to visit her there if they couldn’t figure out a way to stay in Hermione’s rooms.

“Have you had any problems with the staircase today?”Hermione had spoken to it on Andromeda’s behalf and wanted to know it it helped.

“You know it’s very odd. Not only did I have no problems with the staircase I told it which floor I was trying to go to and it gave me a direct route. You wouldn’t know anything about that would you?”Andromeda was positive Hermione spoke to the staircase.

“I might have said something.”Hermione wiggled and laughed when Andromeda began tickling her.”Andy stop.”

Andromeda kept it up for a few more moments before putting her arms back around the girl.”Thank for defending my honor sweetheart.”

“It doesn’t matter what it is I won’t let anyone treat you badly. Not even staircases.”Hermione would have challenged the staircase to a fight if it kept being mean to Andromeda.

Andromeda sighed happily.“There’s that charm again.”

“Did you guys get permission for us to go to the bank to check out Salazar’s vault?”Hermione asked.

“Cissa was going to talk to Minerva about it because she is your legal guardian.”Andromeda was extremely excited to visit the personal vault of her house’s founder.

“What floor do you think it will be on?”Hermione had visited the Fawley, Lestrange and Andromeda’s vaults throughout the years and wanted to know what floor Salazar’s was on.

“I hope it will be on one of the lower floors and is full of priceless magical artifacts.”Andromeda would be very depressed if the vault only contained gold.

“Do you think the other heirs have added to it or taken things out of it?”Hermione figured they would have.

“I am going to go to the library after I walk you to class and try to find out who exactly were Salazar’s heir. That and the other founders’ heirs as well. That way we can research them and find out what kind of people they were.”Andromeda was going to try to see if she could find the reason Salazar chose Hermione to be his heir.

Hermione looked down at her watch.”Shit.”

“What’s wrong?”Andromeda was instantly on alert.

“I’m late for Bella’s class.”Hermione began to pack up the picnic only to have Andromeda still her hands.

“I’ll take care of this. Why don’t you get going and if Bella asks why you are late tell her I kept you. That way she blames me for it.”Andromeda predicted getting a nasty lecture from her older sister later.

“Thanks Andy.”Hermione gave Andromeda a hug and kiss on the cheek without realizing it. Jumping up from the ground she grabbed her bag and took off calling over her shoulder.”See you later.”

“She kissed me.”Andromeda mumbled bringing her hand to cheek. This was the first time Hermione had initiated a kiss on the cheek in years. The girl had been too shy to do it. Andromeda once again sighed happily. She was going to enjoy telling her sisters about it. They were going to be extremely jealous that Hermione initiated a kiss without being asked. Andromeda was somewhat worried about Bellatrix’s reaction to Hermione being late and the reason she was. Bellatrix hated when people kept Hermione from her and the eldest Black sister had been looking forward to teaching Hermione in her class. Andromeda would have to stay close to Narcissa or Hermione when they saw each other next. Bellatrix wouldn’t risk hurting either of them. Although Narcissa may not help her because she spent all lunch with Hermione by herself. Andromeda gave a mental shrug and began cleaning up the picnic throwing the left over food in the lake for the squid and many different types of creatures to eat. She may get in trouble with her sisters later but after getting that kiss from Hermione she would do it again anytime.