Chapter 2
Draco looked at the paperwork piling up on his desk as he walked into his office at Malfoy Trust in Hogsmeade, dusting off the floo soot from his shoulders as he stepped forward. The space was one Draco had customized himself, the desk sat in front of an entire wall composed of floor to ceiling windows. They provided the office with a backdrop view to a serene forest, green brush as far as the eye could see before transitioning to the blue sea. Sunset was Draco’s favorite time in this office, the view breathtaking, painting the sky in bright pinks and oranges, before purples and dark blues highlighted the stars in the sky. The walls were painted a dark slytherin green, accentuated with gold trimmings and accessories throughout, that and the actual Hogwarts castle off in the distance were always a reminder to him of the Slytherin common room, and simpler times.
His assistant Daniel, a seventh year Slytherin, awaited his arrival with today’s agenda by the grand blackwood desk in the office. “Good morning Master Malfoy,” he greeted as he floated a steaming cup to the desk as he walked forward to swap today’s files for Draco’s cloak.
“Good morning Daniel, Mr. Malfoy is ok if you must, Draco is also fine,” he replied, Daniel had been his intern for the last six months in conjunction with preparation for his NEWTs. After the war, Hogwarts had sought to start fresh, upgrading and changing its curriculum from older traditional ways to better serve its student population. Seventh years had less classroom time and were given more independence on how to prepare for their exams, while also being afforded the opportunity for real time on the job experiences to help provide guidance into their career choices.
“How are you faring in preparation for your NEWTs?” Draco asked as he walked around his desk, leafing through the papers in his hands.
“Very well sir, thanks to your guidance our group feels confident in the upcoming exams. Thank you for your time, we are all deeply grateful for your help,” Daniel smiled in gratitude. Draco had taken to spending one day a week with Daniel and his fellow students helping them study, providing study aids or connections he had to best prepare them, not just for their exams, but for the wizarding world as well.
“Good to hear, you have all put in great effort,” Draco said as he sat down at his desk, reaching for the steaming cup, the aroma of coffee tickling his nose. He took a sip, relishing in the bold flavor only black coffee could provide. Bitterness accompanied by notes of roasted hazelnut and a hint of vanilla to balance it out.
“Thank you Mr. Malfoy,” Daniel replied as he returned from placing Draco’s cloak on the wall. “Today’s a bit of a busy day sir, Lords Nott, and Zabini have most of the morning blocked out for you straight through the lunch hour. In the afternoon there is only a meeting with Lady Malfoy and investors to wrap up before the Ministry meeting on Wednesday.” Draco hid his smile behind his coffee cup, remembering Hermione and their encounter at Tonk’s bookbar.
Daniel continued, “after reading through Ms. Granger’s initiative, I identified areas within the proposal that need more support, took the liberty to consult with Ms. Granger’s assistant in order to add additional potions and materials that would further improve the goals of the initiative. I also added a cost analysis of all the new items required including time and labor, as well as runes and spellworks that would aim to extend all shelf life for the potions and materials, and make it easy to personalize them in order to improve outcomes for the patient population in question.”
Draco silently looked through the paperwork, impressed at Daniel’s thorough attention to detail with Granger’s initiative, his intern’s goal was to become well versed in the way a trust of this magnitude worked, in order to adapt it for non-profit work. In the six months that he had been with Draco, he had proved himself a dependable resource, going above and beyond what was asked of him. Coming from a single parent home, Daniel and his mother were no strangers to the struggles of limited resources. Since Draco had taken over Malfoy Trust from his mother, who ran it by herself since the end of the war, he had endeavored to make a difference. Life after the war had been a second chance, time borrowed when by all analysis he and everyone he loved should have died.
Daniel was the 10th intern in as many years since he approached Headmistress McGonagall with the idea of an apprenticeship catered to muggle students. An opportunity to learn how to network and navigate the wizarding world that was entirely different than where they’d come from. Not all of them thrived, some found that the aspect of business networking was not their niche, but so far a handful had succeeded and chosen to stay within Malfoy Trust after graduation.
Suddenly the front door to Draco’s office burst open, Zabini and Nott bursting in laughing, “of course he’s here, look at him, dap and proper at his desk, coffee in hand papers strewn about like the good little lord of the company!” they walked in, Nott clapping Daniel’s shoulder, “good morning chap, is this old man treating you well?” he asked.
“Don’t lie Daniel, this is a safe space, you can tell us the truth,” Zabini encouraged, throwing his arm around Daniel’s other shoulder.
Draco looked up, amusement on his face as he noted the shocked terror on Daniel’s, who didn’t know what to do every time Zabini and Nott were being themselves. With a shaky voice Daniel greeted them before he excused himself, dipped away from in between the two Slytherins and swiftly exited the office.
Laughing as soon as Daniel closed the door, Nott and Zabini turned to Draco, “I like him! Also love finding out from mom you’re in town you wanker!” Nott said. Referring to Narcissa who he considered his own mother, she basically had raised Theo as well as Draco since they were five years old. Theo walked around Draco’s desk displacing everything he could touch just centimeters off its original location. Grating Draco’s nerve, he stood up to shove him away and simultaneously hug him.
“You’re the bane of my existence Theo” he said as he clapped his childhood friend and brother in the back, “I don’t understand what mother sees in you.” He laughed and headed towards Zabini, hugging him in much the same way.
“Mother loves me because I am everything you fail to be, charming, amicable, good looking,” looking at Draco with a smirk on his face, “oh and I gave her grandchildren!” Theo added, referring to the five year old triplets he had with his wife Luna, Atlas, Astra and Orion.
“Speak of them and they shall come!” Zabini exclaimed as three perfect replicas of Theo and Luna burst through the door of the office, “Uncle Draco!!!!” they all heard as tiny bodies headed for the man who was quickly squatting down to greet them. A little boy with green eyes and brown curls just like his father, Orion, got to Draco first. He was the shy and quiet triplet, in a proper button down shirt, dress pants and shoes Orion carried himself like a noble little lord. He approached Draco and hugged him tightly, “uncle Draco, I like your color today, it's shiny and bright, it makes me happy,” he commented as he looked around Draco’s face. They all suspected Orion was able to read auras just like his mother Luna.
“I am buddy! I am so glad to see you!” Draco answered, hugging him back fondly. This was followed by what Draco could only describe as a set of cornish pixies in human form. Atlas and Astra were the troubling twosome of the trio, two tiny blonde blue eyed tornadoes who rushed Draco and promptly began to climb him like a tree. The girls were insatiable in their need for adventure and excitement.
“Uncle Draco, look what I learned!” Atlas screamed as she began to change her hair color, Astra not far behind, reaching Draco on his other side, using his left arm as a support beam to climb his broad shoulders. Though Astra rarely spoke, together with her sister, her mischief was just as loud. Once perched on his shoulders, she leaned down, a smile on her face as she made eye contact with her uncle kissing the side of his face. The kiss made his skin tingle, his heart suddenly filled with love and warmth, as Astra let him feel what she was feeling through her touch. They both held on tightly as Draco stood up, Atlas dangling wildly from his right arm shouting, “twirl Uncle Draco, twirl!” as she laughed.
That’s the site that greeted Luna Lovegood-Nott as she entered the office, a gentle smile on her face as she rubbed her baby bump, “Hello Draco! Any interesting creatures in your travels?” she inquired softly tilting her head with a smile on her face.
Draco laughed, putting the girls down as he walked over to Luna, hugging her warmly, “no, your children continue to be the most interesting creatures I’ve come across yet.” He stepped away from her, holding her arms out, “you look positively radiant, is this good for nothing Nott taking care of you?”
Luna laughed as Theo approached her with both girls in his arms, kissing her affectionately then looking at Draco sideways wiggling his eyebrows, “obviously,” he pointedly looked at her belly, “I take wonderful care of my wife,” followed by wiggled eyebrows in her direction.
“Don’t be crass!” Luna said, smacking Theo’s chest lightly, “I stopped by so you could see the tiny nargles before you get too busy then leave and it's another three months before we see you again” she looked at Draco with admonishment in her eyes..
Draco smiled as he looked at the friends who had become family, they warmed his heart. There was a time he would have rather died than have feelings or even worse, show them. Years of therapy with mind healers had helped him work through that and everyday he was grateful for the ability of not only being able to receive affection, but give it as well. The three tiny people running amok in his office were a testament to that, since the day they’d been born Draco had worked tirelessly to make sure they knew they were loved. He wasn’t sure if or when he’d become a parent, but when Theo showed up shocked at the aspect of becoming a father, when all three of them had had poor examples of it, they swore to support each other and ensured they would be better.
Zabini joined them, greeting Luna fondly with a hug and kiss, throwing his arm over Draco’s shoulder, “no worries Luna, this one’s here for good this time,” he said as he attempted to ruin his hair, Draco last minute shifting out of the way smacking his hand off.
“Is that so?” she asked, Draco nodded in response, “yes, my time abroad is done, the last two offices in Germany and Japan are fully functional and independently operational.”
The last eight years Draco had traveled, helping to set up Malfoy Trust offices abroad, while simultaneously creating space between himself and wizarding London. After everything that occurred during the war and after a last minute change of fate with a house arrest sentence instead of Azkaban, Draco paid his penance and left. He took every opportunity to see the world that may have otherwise been ripped from him, muggle and wizarding alike.
However his travel abroad had not been all tourist sightseeing and fun, he put in the work physically, professionally, and personally. Every city he visited he ensured he was as physically involved as he could, hiking, swimming, and running about, and when his mind was busy, heavy with doubt and regret, he would also visit a gym at night. Exhausting his body beyond measure, but silencing his mind. In cities like Japan he looked for culturally traditional forms of physical fitness like sojutsu, in China he practiced kung fu, in Moscow he learned all he could about sambo. In Greece he dabbled in wrestling and olympian style courses. In Egypt he tried desert sports and learned first hand what three days without water and magical exhaustion felt like, while almost losing an eye to a falcon. His focus was to immerse himself in the muggle culture he ignorantly tried to eradicate. Plus, the results spoke for themselves, now in his mid thirties Draco stood at five foot nine, broad shouldered, a hundred and ninety pounds of muscle. He wasn’t the lean, thin, pale boy that many knew from his past.
Professionally he focused on taking over the financial responsibilities for Malfoy Trust working via floo with Narcissa to grow the business and head in a new direction. The goal was to both do good for the wizarding world and clear the dark mark Voldemort left behind. It is why he focused his efforts many years ago to set up the main offices of Malfoy Trust in Hogsmeade, the small wizarding village outside of Hogwarts that had been ravaged during the Battle. The witches and wizards that didn’t flee during the battle, were forced to relocate after the dust had settled. Once Draco had returned a few years later, he made it his goal to help pay back in any way he could. Initially, they had to do a LOT of damage control that endless galleon vaults helped restore. Eventually once Hogsmeade accepted the Malfoys' presence and help, the Trust began construction, their presence increasing the traffic to the village and helping improve its economy.
As for his dark mark, though it’d never disappear nor fade with time, he chose to commemorate every city he considered himself lucky to visit with a mark of his own choosing until it was covered, resembling something else entirely. Each new tattoo was charmed with runes to improve the pillars of a full life focusing mostly on mental clarity, wisdom, self awareness, and most of all grace and forgiveness, of others and oneself. Each rune was inscribed traditionally, meaning though magic was involved the mind also had to be within whatever state the rune was looking to enhance. Some were easier to obtain than others, it took Draco twice as long to forgive himself as he forgave others. However they were all reminders of where he’d been, and what had become of him on the other side. He continued the work he started with the mind healers during house arrest, choosing to face the discomfort of breaking down years of trauma and repressed emotions head on, not due to a mandate but because he wanted to.
“Well it will be nice to see you around more often, maybe you can come feed the thestrals with me some time,” Luna offered. When Draco had first seen one he wasn’t exactly sure what he was looking at. He had been in this very office early that morning when he stood by the window sipping his coffee and there it was. Flying playfully over the forest, a horse-like skeletal creature with black wings weaving and disappearing into the forest line before shooting up into the sky, the wind going through shadow tendrils that simulated skin or hair, he hadn’t been sure. Yet pinpoint bright spots as eyes captivated him, kept him anchored on the creature, he was absolutely mesmerized.
After discussing it with Luna, they deduced that Draco having witnessed the death of Albus Dumbledore, was more than just a pivotal moment for the war, but also in young Draco’s life. Where the death he was trying to avoid so steadfastly, had touched him in ways he did not predict. Dumbledore and young Draco were not necessarily close, but his death would affect Draco for a lifetime.
“I’d love that.” Draco smiled, “but uncle Draco has to finish working so he can buy you rascals all the candy!” he shouted as he rounded up all three children into a tight hug. He ruffled their hair, quickly righted Orion’s jacket, and patted their little heads on their way with their mum out of the office.
“Mummy, can we go to Weasley’s Wheezes!!!!!” Atlas’ muffled screech as the door closed reached Draco’s ear making him smile. He’d have to reach out to the twins and see what exactly Atlas had in mind.
“Those girls are going to be Ministers of Magic one day, and together, they’re going to change the world” Zabini added, laughing at Theo’s perplexed face. “Why do you think I drink mate?”
Zabini and Nott settled back into their wingback chairs, “so, my work is done for today, let's go get us a firewhiskey or two and take a couple of laps! I’ve got new brooms that are begging to be broken into” Theo offered. “Plus the girls have been begging to start learning, now’s the perfect time since uncle Draco is in town!” Theo teased.
“Last I checked you work for me, and I don’t recall work being done Theo-” Draco attempted before being cut off as he made his way back to his desk.
“-ah ah ah,” Theo said wiggling his finger, “I work WITH you Draco, WITH you and all my reports were submitted for your perusal, days ago. As far as the project,” he said while throwing quotation marks in the air,” I will not be handling ANYTHING to do with it. THAT, per mother, is to be handled, only by you, dearest Dray.”
The smirk on Theo’s face made Draco want to depulso every object in the office in his direction, aggressively and at top speed.
Blaise laughed, “Daniel included my reports into the summary for this morning, the meeting today should be nothing more than a quick dotting and crossing, if you will, I do have a few more investors interested. However, for the sake of simplicity I haven’t answered either way, in case our interests grow as the project heads underway. For the meantime I’ve offered them other ventures for the time being until then.”
With his easy going personality and charm, as he liked to refer to himself, Blaise specialized on the networking aspect of the Trust, identifying potential investors that would be beneficial to Trust investments. Blaise could work a room filled with rich wizarding society like he was born for it. In contrast Theo specialized on the resources end of the projects they supported, he identified what they needed, how to and where to procure it from.
“A few of the items that Daniel identified will be available more steadily a week or so after we begin but that shouldn’t be an issue. Speaking of, I'd like to discuss his continued employment after graduation, he would be very good with me,” Theo added.
“Yea, maybe stop terrorizing him so often and he will choose to stay with you.” Draco added half smiling, shaking his head. “But since you two have been so good, let's go get something to eat then!” Draco said as he clasped Theo’s back, Blaise joining him as they exited the office.
A few hours later Draco was back at Malfoy Trust’s conference room when the floo flared to life, Narcissa and the investors on board for Granger’s project walking through. Draco stood heading to his mother, “Mother” he kissed her cheeks then walked her to he chair, to the side of his, at the head of the table.
He then looked to the investors, “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us,” greeting them as he stood by waiting for them to take their seats. Much like his personal office, the conference room was grand, flanked by floor to ceiling windows, the room was bright with sunlight to contrast the dark decor, a black dragon glass conference table capable of seating 22 dominated most of the space. Parchments and quills were at the ready by each attendant preparing to take notes.
Once all were settled, Narcissa stood, his mother knew how to commandeer the attention of any room, big or small, the Lady Malfoy maintained her elegance and grandeur after all of this time. Her robes were meticulously pressed, family jewelry adorning her body in a way to enhance her beauty not distracted from; her hair much more platinum blonde than years prior, meticulously in place. She smiled at her son, winking at him before she addressed the room and began the meeting.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the final details are in place to go forward with the Granger initiative,” she began, as she waved her wand, opening everyone’s folders at once to provide reference as she continued.
The estimated cost of production is slightly higher than anticipated but I truly believe this is a strong cause worth the sacrifice,” she continued.
“Our wonderful intern Daniel has found different ways to improve potion quality and longevity, as well as customization to improve patient outcomes-” before she was done speaking, a gentleman by the name of John Skuptis interrupted her.
“Why are we focused on the initiative of a Ministry employee that has been nothing but controversial. This isn’t the reputation we want to associate ourselves and our brand with is it?! This Granger girl has a different cause every week!” he demanded more than asked.
“I do not have to tell you how imperative it is not only for Malfoy Trust, but my family, that this initiative is not only funded but supported in its entirety,” she regarded Mr. Skuptis with a serious look.
“Miss Granger is a brilliant mind, who lacks the right support, with it we can ensure she can not only do great things within the wizarding world, but she could very well change it,” Narcissa’s final word and stance left no room for questioning. Draco recognized the look on his mother’s face, one of determination, of daring to fail the expectation she put forth, not one he missed.
As he leaned back on his seat, looking at his mother, he admired her determination in the face of adversity and push back. It had kept them both alive, his father from Voldermort’s grasp for as long as she could mitigate the danger. Now as he looked at her, her mind made up and assured that anything Granger needed she would provide, made him pause. Why was mother so insistent? Draco wondered as he remembered the conversation with Narcissa only a few weeks prior.
He had been rushing getting last minute preparations done before his return trip, when Narcissa’s head popped out of the floo in his hotel room greeting him, “Good morning sweetheart, when will you be arriving in London?” she had asked. Draco had just shrunk the last of his luggage and placed it in his pocket, looking around his hotel room to ensure all was tidied.
“I should be in the office within the next 15 minutes or so, mother,” he answered. Turning to her as he checked the time with his wand on the portkey he had arranged to return to London.
“Good good, could you just apparate home after you arrive in London? Business at the office is concluded and I’d like to see you,” Narcissa asked. She had said home as if he still resided there, I am sure my rooms are perfectly manicured ready for my return, he thought as he kept the smile to himself. It’d been a few years since he decided to find a living space outside of the manor. Its walls were full of grand opulence and elegance, repaired beyond surface recognition of the turmoil that once ransacked those halls. Yet no amount of magic or charm could hide the cracks to Draco, like wounds that wouldn’t heal with the constant reminders of what his eyes witnessed within them. Just as he needed space from London at one point, Draco decided in order to come to terms with the things that occurred at the Manor, he needed time and room to breathe away from it all.
He lived in a small countryside estate outside of Hogsmeade, the vast field that surrounded it was what drew him to it, he utilized it as often as he could for quidditch games and practice. The two level cozy home had brownstone walls with a thatched roof and bright red shutters that Draco initially didn’t really know what to make of, but now he thought they added character to the place. The estate’s front lawn was essentially the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea which perfumed the air with a salty breeze Draco had learned to associate with home. The backyard was really a vast lush green forest that created a magical winterland when it snowed. That was the triplets’ favorite feature of the place, they almost always preferred to visit Draco at home because of the forest adventures Draco always took them on. When they weren’t running about the property, hunting imaginary foes in the woods, they loved to also see Hagrid and his ground’s keeper apprentice at Hogwarts to learn about the creatures there. Draco loved morning runs around, running quidditch drills with Theo and Zabini until their muscles screamed from exhaustion.
Though sunny days were beautiful at the estate, stormy rainy days were Draco’s favorite, having a clear view of the ocean and its violent crashing waves that eventually subsided to calm blue seas gave Draco peace. The modest house had become Draco’s home, a place he cherished deeply and hoped one day to have a family of his own within its walls.
“You could stay the night, I am sure you will be tired from your day at work, and traveling, you know your rooms have been maintained,” Narcissa offered, pulling him from homeward thoughts. Her tone one Draco had heard time and time again. Initially he’d been frustrated with her constant requests for his return, to stay a while. But with age and experience, came reflection and understanding, especially when it came to Narcissa Malfoy’s love for her son. If Draco knew one thing for sure, it was she wanted her son home where she knew he’d be safe, with her. Though a younger Draco did reproach her one or twice, he vowed never again to make her feel like her love for him was a burden. It had kept him alive when by all accounts and purposes he could and should have died time and time again while Voldemort resided within the Manor.
“Yes mother, I’ll stop by the manor,” Draco obliged, an amused smile on his face, anything for Narcissa.
Their visit went uneventful, Narcissa hugged and loved her son like a soldier returning from war. Every time she saw him her eyes lit up, it always warmed Draco’s heart. As he hugged her, Narcissa on her tiptoes, him hunched down to her level, he saw behind her the spread of tea, crackers, smoked salmon and cucumber sandwiches on the table.
“Are you having guests mother?” Draco asked as they pulled apart. Narcissa avoided his eyes “just a few ladies for tea, we would love it if you’d join?” she asked.
Draco chuckled, “Perhaps some other time mother, as you said I am tired from travel and would love nothing more than to go home and enjoy the breeze.” He walked to the table, picked up a few of the sandwiches and popped them into his mouth while smiling at his mother.
“Very well,” she walked toward him, placing her hand on his bearded cheek, looking into his eyes. You will see some papers on your desk this week. It's in regards to some initiatives I want to help with, why I wanted you to come home with haste,” she gently tapped his cheek before withdrawing her hand and walking towards the table, eyes focused, ensuring everything was in its place. As if she herself or the elves they employed hadn’t already ensured the same, multiple times. Narcissa tea luncheons were perfect from beginning to end. Nonetheless she continued minutely altering the spread, “one of them is for the Granger girl, Hermione Granger, do you remember her?”
Now sitting in the conference room as his mother continued to discuss the details, her voice an echo in his ears, he remembered. He remembered those golden brown eyes looking up at him, a mixture of surprise, shock and something else in them. Excitement? he thought as he pondered on the slight spark in her eyes just before she had stepped away from him.
The way the curls he’d made fun of as child brushed against his hands as he’d kept her from falling, soft and inviting, begging to be twirled around his finger. She smelled like lavender and vanilla, with a hint of parchment he wasn’t sure couldn’t fully be attributed to the bookbar but appropriate for her, and chocolate. The way her features stilled at times during their short conversation, like she was shocked by something only in her head, her cheeks flushing every so often. How she rubbed her forehead innocently, he brought his hand up and touched his forehead just the same.
Did he remember her? The thought of her made him smile.
How could I forget? He smirked.