Here is the next chapter, Meeting the Malfoy's.

Hope to have the next Chapter up in a couple of days

Hope you enjoy it. As always your thought comments and suggestions are welcome.

Next Chapters: Council of war & Step one – The wards.

Chapter fifteen. Meeting the Malfoy's.

Neville, Harry and Hermione settled them selves on to the bed. Bethany settle herself in her frame.

Salazar had dragged in another chair from another frame, and got comfortable. He knew the story they were about to share would shock the young ones, but they needed to know some facts.

" Well, introduction's first I believe. My Husband as you know is Salazar Slytherin, I am Bethany Potter. Although for a time I was known by another name. I was Rowena Ravenclaw. I changed My name and magical signature, some time after Sal, left the wizarding world behind. Sal and I wanted to live our lives in peace away from that woman" Bethany hissed. The rage in her tone told the group that if she ever set eyes on ' The Woman' there would be trouble.

"We interacted in the world via our dear friends Helga and Godric. We used a variation of polyjuice potion to continue to teach" Rowena paused here. Sal gave her a brief hug, Then took over the story.

"About five years after we went into hiding, My son, Roman Slytherin, from my marriage to Carina entered the school. And demanded to be shown around the school before deciding which post he would teach. Godric refused to comply with his demands. Roman swore revenge, and he would claim his legacy." Sal explained. Rowena took his hand.

The rest of the tale was tragic for Salazar. His former wife, Carina also known as 'That Woman' by Bethany, was full of rage that she wouldn't receive anything from the Slytherin vaults or even Salazar's part of the school. She gained nothing Salazar had used some very rare magic to ensure The Goblin nation could never give over anything to her. He wanted his legacy preserved for his heir in his marriage to Rowena.

Carina in her rage cursed the Slytherin line. The curse it's self was simple. A parasitic curse would attach its self the magical core, slowly causing the core and soul to be attacted the dark arts. She never bothered with creating a counter-curse.

She would brainwash her child to hate Muggle-born's and Muggles, thus All the children of her who carried the Slytherin blood would forever be known as lovers of the dark arts, and Muggle haters shunned by the magical community, Starting with Roman This of course found it's way into Hogwart's via Roman and his children. It took a few generations for this philosophy to be accepted. Slowly but surely the word spread.

Salazar through his new Identity of Romulus Potter, tried to fight the curse, and brainwashing. He didn't succeed. The name of Salazar Slytherin would be a beacon for the dark families to follow.

By the end of the story, Hermione was overcome with sorrow, for the couple. Neville and Harry had been shocked and dismayed that someone could effect a thousand years of history. Rowena or Bethany as she wished to be know, explained that, Harry as the older of her two living heirs, he had the head of family title and the Slytherin family took precedence over the Ravenclaw line. However working with the wards, and Hogwart's related business Luna would have to be present and concur with his actions, and also supplement his power of the Ravenclaw Line. Hermione on the other hand could work with out such restrictions, since she was the only living descendant of both lines.

The group had spent a few hours in the Chamber, it was approaching dinner time. So they left the chamber sealing it tight so no one could enter, Salazar had pointed them to an exit that would take the out close to the great hall. Harry, Hermione and Neville decided to sit with Luna. After dinner the four went to the room ROR, where Luna was told the story of Salazar and Rowena. Luna sat through the tale with a dreamy look on her face, once the tale was finished she turned to Harry

"I trust you completely Harry, I know you will make the right choices"

Hogsmead weekend had been announced, for the following weekend, The four continued to keep their heads down, and worked hard on their homework, and in the DA. Salazar had been conserving with Hogwart's, about the wards. Hermione had sent word to Draco about meeting in the three broomsticks, for lunch with him and his mother, she booked a private room. Draco had accepted this offer with grace. He had then since left them alone. The four watched Draco for the better part of two weeks, and noticed the change in his attitude. The lack of taunts, the usual sneer had yet to make an appearance, He spend most of his time in the company of Zabini and Greengrass.

The week was quiet, Hogsmead was here, Hermione had sent an owl order for a set of dress robe fit for the Lady of the house a pale blue silver accents, Her hair had been swept up into a plain french roll, she was also wearing some light natural make up.

Harry had dressed to suit the occasion. Wearing Black with an pale blue tie. Mostly wearing what Hermione had said. Not that he minded, It gave him a glimpse of what life could be like if he ever got up the courage to tell her how he felt.

Harry and Hermione had a rough plan for a few things at the meeting, She would be to ensure an oath from Narcissa and Draco, to never betray the family, and never discuss the meeting with anyone else in specific terms. And finally if necessary bind their magic for a period of three months. This was some very rare family magic, often used a punishment, She could do this because of the diary, and Dobby incidents.

Finally the day was here. The made their way to the carriages, Neville and Luna would travel with them, have lunch down stairs as back up. The signal would come through the DA coin's Hermione had managed to assign names to the coins. Leaving the carriages and making their way to the three broomsticks, went quicker than the pair hoped. Hermione was a wreck. She had been studying the Black family codex, So she could address the meeting in the correct manner, befitting the Lady Black. Entering the three broomsticks Hermione made her way the the Bar and received the key to the private room she had booked. With a almost casual look at Harry, she head for the stairs Hermione had requested a simple lunch, Harry had asked Heather to serve it, Hermione was trying to put across the impression of being fit to lead the house of Black.

Harry and Hermione sat at the table. The room was cosy, the fire was lit the placed looked like it had been cleaned minutes before they had entered. Heather was standing by the fire, her head down, and wearing the Potter crest on her immaculate pillow case. At 1 pm on the dot, there was a soft, but firm knock on the door. Hermione took a deep calming breath, Harry stood behind her chair.

"Enter" she called.

The tall blond, elegant woman came through the door, she took in the room and seemed to approve, this was only shown by the slight tilt of her head. The young blond male enter directly behind her, looked at his class mates and bowed his head. The two moved to stand before Harry and Hermione.

"Lady Black, please allow me to present myself, I am Lady Narcissa Malfoy, Daughter to the House of Black, Amy I also formally introduce my only son and heir, Draco Lucius Malfoy, Son and heir to the house of Malfoy." Narcissa said bowing her head in respect. Draco followed his mothers example.

"Well Met daughter to the house of Black, Heir Malfoy. Please be seated. I understand we have much to discuss" Hermione said. She had spent the last week going over every phrase of greeting. She needed to get this right.

"Thank you My lady" Said Draco, holding the chair out for his mother. Harry took his place next to Hermione, across from Draco. He didn't say anything yet. This was Hermione's show. He was just here for guidance and moral support. Hermione raised her hand, for Heather to serve the meal.

"Lady Malfoy, I would like a vow of secercy from you to ensure you do not discuss the more vital points of out meeting with anyone, you husband may know the out come of your request and nothing else. For example if you are being reinstatsed or not" Hermione commanded.

Narcissa Malfoy and Draco, lifted their wands and gave the vow. It was very straight relaxed a little. And Harry was just greatful that they had listened.

"Daughter of Black, You requested this meeting to discuss you current situation, with Lord Malfoy, is that correct?" Hermione asked.

"That is correct My Lady, My husband has suffered greatly since the return of the Dark Lord, He fears for his son safety, and that of myself as well. He would have made the request himself but with the Dark Lord currently using our home as his base of operations, it was far simpler for me to attend this meeting under the guise of passing on instructions to my son. " Narcissa paused here to take a sip of wine.

"My Lady, may I be blunt?" Draco asked. Hermione nodded.

"The Dark Lord gave a mission to complete. It is meant to be my initiation into his ranks. I was ordered to kill Professor Dumbledore, and repair the portal in the hidden room. I do not want to follow that manic. I want to be free of his influence" Draco said. The tortured look on his face, assured Hermione he was speaking the truth. Narcissa cast a look at her son, Showing her emotions in her eye's. She was distraught.

" I am going to assume, that by telling me this, you are looking of protection from Voldermort, by being accepted back into the house of Black. I apologise for being blunt here, But what is in it for the House of Black. I swore that I would lift the dark taint, that hangs over my house, and restore our name to its former glory, in the right way this time" Hermione explained. Harry thought Hermione was doing a wonderful job. She was holding her own against a formidable woman.

"I agree with that My Lady, The house of Black as been too long under the Shadow of my Aunt. If My Lady allows Myself an d Son to be welcomed back. We would of course support those aims. We would also, Give you all the knowledge we have regarding the Dark Lord. My son and I have agreed that should it be your wish we will submit to questioning, under truth serum, in the presence of Auror's. Might I also say, that the family magic will ensure that we cannot work against you, however we will also swear an unbreakable oath. " Narcissa seemed to run out of steam here. They sat quietly eating for a few minutes.

"Daughter of the house of Black. I feel I must inform you of a few points you need to be aware of before I consider restoring you and you Son to my house. First, We will be forming an alliance with Lord Potter, and following his lead, in dealing with Voldermort. No one in my house will have contact with Death Eaters or Voldermort, I understand this may cause problems with your husband, I will annul your marriage, after you have had a chance to get your affairs in order. From that point on, you will not be able to contact him." Hermione paused here to ensure the Malfoy's knew what they were getting into. She could at some later date have messages passed on through Severus about the health of Lucius family. And resolve any outstanding issues as head of house.

Both Malfoy's nodded to show they understood. They had guessed this would be a stipulation of returning to the Black family. Lucius had told them both, to agree to every stipulation proposed by Lady Black. He wanted them safe. He had made his mistake by joining the Dark Lord all those years ago. He didn't want his family to be connected with him in any way. He regretted his choice, He knew the Dark Lord would return, Narcissa had confirmed as much. She had scanned the diary, and his Dark Mark. If the Dark Lord was truly dead, the Mark would have faded, barely the outline would have been visible. He kept up his role of an avid supporter of all the Dark Lord stood for.

Narcissa waited for Hermione to continue.

"Also No one in my house will work against me directly or indirectly, through action or inaction. Punishment for breaking these two Rule will see you disowned from My house. Secondly You will be asked to treat everyone in my house and our allies with respect at all times From house-elves to you sister, who will be reinstalled at a meeting due to take place, Third you will find some way you can be of use, I will not suffer laziness. Draco will continue with his education, then pursue a career that has no connection to the dark arts. Lady Malfoy I would like a to know what skills you have, or wish to pursue, in your effort to assist house Back?" Hermione was a nervous wreck on the insides her stomach was in knots. But on the outside she remained calm and firm.

Draco looked his mother, they seemed to have a private conversation for a few minutes. Draco gave a sharp nod to him mother.

"Well My Lady, before I was married and became Lady Malfoy, I trained for a year with the Goblin Nation at a curse-breaker. I was training for a career with the department of mysteries. I am also familiar with the running of a Ancient and Noble house. I would be more than happy to return to the DOM, and offer my experience to you. As for my son, he has often expressed an interest in a potions mastery hopefully apprenticing with Severus, I also agree to your conditions for being welcomed home." She said with a small smile.

"Very well, If you would forgive me a moment. I would like to consort with Lord Potter." Hermione said. After receiving a nod from the pair. Hermione and Harry moved away from the table and pit up a privacy ward.

"well, what do you think?" Hermione asked.

"You were great Hermione, I think you covered everything. If you let them back in. it might be handy to have Narcissa in the DOM. She could get you contacts, and Draco could sound out some of his house and see if he can get us some more allies. Sal says he believes they are completely honest. And to wait in performing the oath to welcome them back. Sal said he is going to help up set up a meeting in about two weeks so we can get everyone together and make a plan of action.A He also thinks lend more weight to you name, and since Draco will still be heir to the Malfoy line, you would effectively control the Malfoy name after Lucius dies, since the Black line is older than the Malfoy one." Harry said, channelling Salazar . The Pure-blood politics were confusing at best, but this was more than Harry could handle. Hermione wasn't doing much better. However she agreed with Harry and Salazar. So she went to tell the Malfoy's the good news.