Smiling to herself, nimble fingers turned the weathered page of her favorite novel, taking in the night air as she awaited the arrival of the Hogwarts Express at Hogsmeade Station. Soon the quiet of the night would be filled with the raucous laughter of returning pranksters and reunited friends, amongst those her own nieces and nephews. It was her favorite time of the year. The excitement that permeated the space was electrifying. The magic in her body crackled, rejuvenated with the opportunity to impart knowledge and wisdom to eager young minds that reminded her of herself and her friends once upon a time. Witnessing the brilliance of a young wizard or the mischievous mind of a blooming witch had restored her faith in magic over the years. It was a healing balm that mended deep, buried wounds and made her feel alive again. It was just the type of thrill-seeking she craved most days, missing it when she wasn’t at the castle.
No one would have ever thought that Hermione Granger would find herself at Hogwarts, a simple Professor of all things in the eyes of the Wizarding World. After the war, the masses assumed that the Brightest Witch of her Age – with large ideas and out-of-this-world dreams – would take the Ministry of Magic by storm, pushing for reformation, and leading them into a new tomorrow. Her former classmates remembered the girl whose boggart was failing her exams, who always had the answer to everything. They held onto the memories of the fourth-year student who demanded the rights and freedoms of all magical creatures, even if her ignorance of their culture rebelled against her train of thought. Wizarding Britain expected that girl to become the Minister of Magic one day. What they forgot to consider was that girl was a pawn in a war, a war that demanded her blood be spilled, her magic taken from her, and that girl didn’t survive. The witch that emerged after the Battle of Hogwarts was different.
When Harry Potter and Ron Weasley deferred a final year at Hogwarts and instead enrolled in the advanced Auror training program, no one was surprised that the Golden Girl returned to the alma mater for one final year. What had been surprising to her classmates and professors alike, however, had been her lack of participation. The first evidence was when she politely declined the prestige of Head Girl, something everyone knew she had been working toward her entire school career. Next came when she no longer asked nor answered questions in any of her classes, concerning many of the Professors, including Remus Lupin who had returned a little worse for wear after the war to resume his old post as Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. When he tried to discuss it with her, Hermione had assured her professor and friend that she was fine and just trying to allow herself to have one normal year and relax. While he didn’t quite believe her, the man let it go, telling himself he would continue to keep an eye on her.
After graduation, Hermione signed on to be an Unspeakable, burying herself in the depths of the Ministry of Magic, in the Department of Mysteries, a place that no one thought was healthy for her considering the repercussions of the last time she had been in there. She barely came up for air, Ron and Harry’s only source of intel coming from another Unspeakable, Theodore Nott, who shared his concerns about the witch. He had been second in their class behind her and yet the witch he had admired was nowhere to be seen. The day Theodore Nott stormed into the Auror bullpen looking for Harry Potter was a day that would forever go down in history as far as everyone was concerned. Past differences were set aside and an alliance was formed, all in the name of the Brightest Witch of Her Age.
Almost one year to the day of signing her contract with Unspeakable Saul Croaker, the Aurors were called down to the Department of Mysteries along with Minister Shacklebolt and curse-breaker Bill Weasley. When Harry and Ron arrived at the scene, Theo was pacing furiously and Bill was focused intently as his wand slashed through the air in an attempt to break down complex wards that Hermione had cast, keeping everyone out. The moment the wards broke, the group stormed through the door. Harry was immediately sick to his stomach as he realized exactly where they were, where Hermione had purposely locked them all out.
“The Death Chamber? The fucking Death Chamber Nott?” Ron snarled as they tore down the stairs, Harry’s green eyes never leaving the shimmering Veil that stood at the bottom of the dias, taunting him like a waking nightmare.
“No one fucking knew what she had been researching. She keeps everything sealed and warded tight. She speaks to no one!” Theo snapped back. “You two are supposed to be her friends! You were supposed to make sure she wasn’t doing something stupid!”
They never got to finish their argument. As they reached the dias, a rope of some sort began to glow bright gold and as if powered by magic itself began to pull. Two bodies stumbled out of the mist of the veil; a curly-haired witch with a gold rope wrapped around her waist and a man with black curls and grey eyes that had been lost to them years ago. Sirius Black.
Hermione had taken one look at them all and muttered the words, “I resign. Effective immediately,” and then collapsed to the ground. Both she and Sirius had been taken to St Mungo's and to everyone's shock, the latter was released to his godson and best friend Remus Lupin before Hermione had even awoken. Harry took it upon himself to attempt to get in contact with her parents, knowing that after the war she had gone to Australia to restore their memories before returning to Hogwarts. When he went to Kingsley for help, he learned a terrible truth. Hermione had found her parents, yes, but they had died overseas.
It was two months before Hermione awoke, her body and magical core exhausted to the point of near death. Many of the healers were convinced that she would wake a squib, if she woke at all. The moment she did awaken, Minerva McGonagall and Poppy Pomphrey, absconded her from the hospital and stashed her away in Hogwarts. Both Poppy and Andromeda Tonks worked with the young witch on regaining her strength, her magic, and her peace back. Friends and family visited, of course, supporting her in every way she needed, reforging bonds, and strengthening others. Both Harry and Sirius were the most steadfast at her side.
In a surprising turn of events, Hermione discovered an unlikely friendship with Draco Malfoy who was finishing his mastery under the direction of Horace Slughorn, the Professor setting him up to take over the position of Potions Master and Professor soon. Lucius Malfoy had given his life to protect both his wife and his son from the wrath of Lord Voldemort when it was discovered that Narcissa had lied regarding the death of the Chosen One. Though his faults were many, the young witch would never forget the moment the wandless father and husband stepped in front of his former Master, defying him and giving the love of his life and son a chance to run. The two former enemies grew close over the loss of their fathers and Draco took an active role in the recovery of her magical abilities, even brewing potions to help with her fatigue and tremors.
When Professor McGonagall offered Hermione the opportunity to learn under her and become the new Transfiguration Professor, the young witch jumped at the opportunity. With Hermione permanently living at the castle alongside the Scottish witch, it gave her plenty of time to rest and recover before permanently taking over.
After learning of Hermione’s plan to take over for Minerva, Sirius practically doubled the amount of time he spent at Hogwarts, using the excuse of full moons for Remus and transfiguration lessons with the little witch who had dug her way under his skin and into his heart. The witch had practically lost herself to save him and yet, she was a light in the darkness for him, helping him find parts of himself that he thought were long lost in the process. The headmistress would watch from her tower as the young witch and burdened Marauder would walk along the grounds. Little by little she witnessed the light return to her favorite cub’s eyes along with the mischief growing once more in the wizard that had lost far too much. Minerva McGonagall may have been the only one not surprised when Hermione and Sirius announced their engagement before informing anyone they had been dating.
“Professor Black!”
The young professor raised her head, broken from her reverie. Smiling softly, Hermione waved, letting out a small giggle as children began to flock toward her. Grinning faces filled with excitement and anticipation fled the confines of the train, making their way down the station toward her.
“Welcome back to Hogwarts, everyone,” Hermione spoke, gently offering hugs to those who wrapped their arms around her, soaking in the offerings of tender love and care. “It’s so good to see you all. The carriages are just down the way waiting for you, first years you’ll follow me to the boats.”
“Hi, Aunty Mi!”
“Hello, Jamie,” the witch chuckled, ruffling the familiar mop of raven hair as his lanky thirteen-year-old body made his way toward her.
“I think he’s a bit nervous,” Jamie whispered in her ear before cocking his head toward his little brother. “Thinks he is going to end up in Slytherin.”
“And even if he does, I happen to know a few great wizards from that House. Come here my darling,” Hermione beckoned, smiling as the younger Potter barreled into her. “Don’t worry Jamie, I’ve got him. Off you pop.”
“Freddy! Reggie! Wait for me!” James yelled, rushing off toward her own son and their little pack of friends. Hermione had been sure Minerva would have retired when the children of a Potter, Black, and three Weasleys all started the same year. Two years later though, she was still holding steady awaiting the arrival of a Malfoy along with another Potter and Weasley this year.
“Don’t listen to your older brother,” Hermione murmured to her godson, running her fingers through his dirty blonde mop of hair. “I happen to know the hat thought about putting him in Slytherin. Besides, your mum was a Slytherin and look how she turned out.”
“I know, I know,” Hyperion sighed, his brilliant green eyes looking up at her as he snuggled into her warm, comforting side. “I’ve missed you, Auntie Mi.”
“I missed you too, my love.”
Hermione waited for the other first years to gather, smiling to herself at the fact that the class sizes seemed to be growing as the years went on. Magic was blessing them all once again. Once surrounded by the eager firsties, the curly-haired witch led them all down to the boats where Hagrid was waiting for them. With a soft smile and gentle words, she carefully guided groups into boats and watched the utter wonder and happiness cross each of their faces as she witnessed their first view of Hogwarts. It wasn’t until she led them through the entrance to the doors of the Great Hall to Deputy Headmaster Remus Lupin that she realized something was amiss.
“Is everything alright Remus?” Hermione whispered, taking in the weary expression on her friend’s face.
“We’ve encountered a bit of a… snag,” Remus explained. “Minerva is trying to figure out exactly what happened. Go on in though, your dog has decided to make himself at home.”
“Of course he has,” Hermione playfully rolled her eyes and slipped into the Great Hall, making her way up to the dais where all the Professors were seated. She eyed a smirking Draco and took her seat next to the big black dog who immediately rested his head on her thigh.
“Hello, love,” Hermione murmured, threading her fingers through the tufts of black fur, causing a content rumble to vibrate through the dog’s chest.
“How was he?” Harry asked, watching the doors anxiously. His ability to keep a straight face in times of danger but to crumble with anxiety under the weight of parenthood always amused the witch to no end. He truly was a brilliant father.
“He’s nervous but will be alright,” Hermione soothed her friend. “He’s a Potter.”
“Ten Galleons says he’s in Slytherin with my snakes,” Draco smirked, chuckling gently when his wife slapped him. The blonde wizard caught her hand, kissing her wrist gently. “He and Scorpius are close and we both know Scorpius is going to Slytherin.”
“We don’t know that,” Lizzie Malfoy neé Nott spoke, her eyes narrowed at her husband. “Just because Theo was in Slytherin doesn’t mean that is where I would have been sorted had I been allowed to attend Hogwarts.”
“You would have never been in Slytherin,” Neville chuckled. “You are more Hufflepuff than anything else and if I have learned anything, the badgers are far more lethal than any snake I’ve ever encountered.”
“Hufflepuffs are scary,” Harry visibly trembled, shaking his head.
“I take that as a compliment,” Lizzie beamed before gently kissing her husband’s cheek.
After James Sirius Potter had been born to Harry and his wife Daphne Greengrass, it was no surprise to anyone when he announced that he was leaving his job with the Aurors and taking up the position as co-Defense Against the Dark Arts professor with Remus. What had been a surprise, was the new Muggle studies professor. Narcissa and Andromeda had been brought in to teach a glass on Wizarding customs to incoming students and both witches accepted the position with one stipulation. Narcissa announced that she and Lucius had been hiding the squib sister of Theodore Nott since the death of Lady Nott. Thoros had been determined to kill the child, ridding himself of what he thought was an abomination but Grace, his wife had begged Narcissa to hide her away. She and Lucius had sent her to France and cared for her. With the end of the war and the death of Thoros Nott, Narcissa retrieved her from France and reunited her with Theo. She declared that if she were to teach about wizarding customs, she wanted Elizabeth Nott to teach the Muggle Studies class. Minerva has accepted immediately.
“Oh, Minerva called a meeting after everyone is settled tonight. She said there was something she needed to address with us all,” Neville informed her right as the double doors opened.
“Here we go,” Draco breathed, smiling proudly when he spotted his son as Remus led the incoming first years toward the dias.
“For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And I can cap them all.
There's nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can't see,
So try me on and I will tell you
Where you ought to be…”
&&&
Adjusting the practically sleeping baby on her chest with Sirius’s large, warm guiding hand on her lower back, Hermione entered the staff room to a cacophony of different conversations some more volatile than others. One look at Sirius had the man waving his hand over his daughter, casting a wandless silencing charm so that the group did not wake her.
“It’s like fourth year all over again,” Harry groaned, throwing his head into his hands.
“Sorry I’m late,” Hermione stated slowly, following Sirius to a pair of chairs. “Atlas would not settle and Selene seems to be running a bit of a fever.”
“Padfoot, why are you here? You aren’t a professor,” Remus sighed, shaking his head.
“Sometimes I am,” Sirius smirked, knowing full well that even though he wasn’t, he tended to frequent Hermione’s classes and sometimes guest lecture. “Besides, I’m here for my teeny tiny kitten. My love can’t put her down until she is completely out so once that happens, she’s all mine.”
“Thank you all for coming. I know that many of you have families to get home to and classes to prepare for,” Minerva spoke as she entered the room, stopping only briefly to roll her eyes at the sight of Sirius Black. “I need to inform you all of a situation that has transpired and we will all have to deal with it accordingly.”
“It’s the first night. What could possibly have happened already to warrant such a meeting?” Andromeda asked, looking around the room.
“You forget that one of the alumni in this very room had a knack for getting into trouble on the very first night,” Draco smirked, his arm delicately laid across the back of his fiance’s chair. “If I recall, it was a flying car driven into the Whomping Willow. Wasn’t it Potter?”
“Don’t forget the dementors on the train,” Neville chuckled.
“Yes, we are all very aware of Mr. Potter’s former tendency to attract danger,” Minerva sighed. “This particular situation has the touch of another alumnus of ours.”
Hermione looked up from bouncing her sleeping daughter to see her former classmates, as well as Minerva and Remus, looking at her as if she had conjured some catastrophic incident. “Why are you all looking at me? I only got into trouble in school because I was helping Harry. I have no idea what this meeting is about.”
“Does the acronym S.P.E.W. sound familiar, Mrs. Black?” Minerva asked, an eyebrow raised as a cacophony of groans sounded through the room. Hermione’s eyes widened momentarily.
“S.P.E.W.?” Narcissa asked, looking at Remus and then Hermione and Sirius. “Perhaps someone could enlighten us to the meaning and what this has to do with the incident.”
“We received this notice this evening before the students arrived,” Minerva stated, opening a scroll before beginning to read:
To The Esteemed Staff of Hogwarts:
We, the house elf staff, have served you with loyalty and pride since the creation of this prestigious home for our young wizards and witches of tomorrow. We have loved you, cared for you, and even shed our blood for you. We have done all of this with gratitude and loyalty, most of which has gone unnoticed.
While we live to serve, we have collectively decided that we do not have to serve an ungrateful and uninformed body of witches and wizards. No one thanks us for slaving away over meals to stimulate the minds of magic’s future. No one thanks us for cleaning and picking up after everyone, including the staff.
As a result of these egregious oversights, the Society for the Promotion of Elvish Welfare has presented these demands for the House Elf Strike of 2017 to end:
- Young witches and wizards are to be informed of house elf culture.
- Proper thanks and gratitude are to be shown at all times from both the student body and staff. No abuse, verbal or physical, will be allowed.
- House elves are each to be paid 1 galleon per week.
- Each house elf will participate in a sorting ceremony, to be sorted just like their little firsties. They will then be allowed to dress accordingly.
- Two vacation days per month will be allowed to each Elf as an individual. Further days off are open to discussion between the house elf representative, Snuffles, and Deputy Headmaster, Remus Lupin.
If you are agreeable to these terms, please reply at your leisure. Until that time, you are on your own. No meals will be cooked and no common rooms or learning spaces will be cleaned. At the stroke of midnight, after our newest firsties are asleep in their beds, the House Elf Strike of 2017 will commence.
Sincerely,
S.P.E.W.
“Listen to the exemplary grammar in that demand letter,” Lizzie Nott, the Muggle Studies professor and wife of Draco Malfoy, beamed. Clapping her hands excitingly, she turned to Draco with a smug smile. “See. I told you that having a free House Elf wasn’t abnormal.”
“I take it back,” Draco glared at his wife and then toward Hermione. “I thought the two of you were a horrible influence on my mother. It’s Granger, who is the bad influence. Now you have to stay away from my wife too. And my son.”
“It’s Black, not Granger,” Sirius pointed out smugly. “And that is no way to speak to the mother of your godson.”
“Thank Merlin Atlas has me to prevent him from becoming some uncouth little heathen,” Draco snapped. “His brother has Potter and Selene… well I suppose Lupin is a decent role model. When he’s not bending to my mother’s every whim.”
No one had expected Narcissa to remarry after the death of her husband Lucius Malfoy. Contrary to popular belief, Narcissa and Lucius were a love match. They loved each other fully and completely and when Lucius sacrificed himself to save his family, part of the Malfoy matriarch died that day. The divorce of Remus and Nymphadora was another casualty of the war that had sacrificed itself. There was too much trauma, and too much change within both of them to continue with a marriage where the love was no longer present. The pair split amicably, friendship remaining intact, and vowed to raise their son together in a world safer than the one he had been born into.
After Sirius had been pulled from the veil and the Black family reunited, Remus and Narcissa seemed to run into each other more. This was furthered when Narcissa and Andromeda began teaching a class on Wizarding Culture and Etiquette for incoming muggleborns and half-bloods. The two war survivors and professors continued to fall into each other. Within a few years, they were married and had adopted together a young war orphan, a turned werewolf, whose sole goal in life seemed to be driving his older brother, Draco, insane.
“Can we get back to the topic at hand please?” Remus cleared his throat, looking at both Sirius and Draco.
“I, for one, think it’s brilliant,” Sirius laughed, running his fingers through Hermione’s curls, enjoying the feeling of the sentient tresses wrapping themselves around his tattooed digits. “Good on them. They should be appreciated and you all know it. Aren’t you teaching them about House elves and their magic in your class Cissy? Andy?”
“Of course, we discuss House Elves and the role they play in the home,” Narcissa scoffed. Remus tried to soothe her ire by resting a scarred hand on her knee gently. The witch smiled lovingly at him, reaching out to squeeze his arm tenderly.
“But are you teaching them about elf magic? How it thrives off praise and loyalty? How important the bonds are?” Lord Black continued, his eyebrow raising. “Does no one ever listen to my wife speak?”
“Hermione, isn’t Snuffles the Black family elf?” Lizzie smirked, causing Draco to scoff.
“Of course it is. Did you hear the language in that demand letter? That was pure Hermione Granger,” the blonde wizard retorted.
“Hermione Black,” Sirius corrected. “And Snuffles is our nanny elf yes. She is bonded to us but works at Hogwarts. She was quite taken with both Hermione and Reggie when he was born. The little one has been attached to us since. We trust her with our lives and our children's lives for that matter.”
“And Snuffles is highly intelligent, for your information,” Hermione informed them haughtily. “I don’t recall Scorpius or Cassiopeia ever complaining about the little lessons they would have with her, do you, my love?”
“Never,” Sirius smirked, looking at Draco directly.
“What if it’s a prank?” Harry asked, looking around the room. “What if this is just an elaborate back-to-school prank that the elves have concocted? I wouldn’t be surprised if a certain Marauder is behind it.”
“I personally have nothing to do with this one, Prongslet. If you recall, my wife was giving birth to my daughter. Afterward, we were with the kids in France until the start of term,” Sirius pointed out. “No time for me to concoct this elaborate prank and convince the elves to do it all while taking my son to King’s Cross to board the Hogwarts Express before coming back and relieving Hermione of the ramblings of a wired Atlas and feverish, overtired Selene.”
“I didn’t realize you had started S.P.E.W. again Hermione,” Neville stated, causing both Professor Flitwick and Professor Sinastra to nod their heads in agreement. Anyone who had been present for her fourth year could recall the ferocity at which she campaigned for the elves.
“I haven’t,” she shook her head. “Don’t get me wrong, I fully support this stance they are taking but I had nothing to do with this. Besides, since you all seem to have such fond memories of S.P.E.W., perhaps you can remember that the elves except Dobby were completely against it.”
“She’s correct. I remember when they refused to clean the Gryffindor common room because she kept hiding knit items to secretly free House Elves,” Neville smiled genuinely at the memory of his dear friend and her caring heart.
“I still think it is a joke,” Harry shrugged. “I’m sure everything will be normal tomorrow.”
“And if it’s not?” Minerva asked, looking at the young man across the room.
“Well… I suppose we will cross that bridge when we get to it,” Harry shrugged.
&&&
As panic ensued in the Great Hall, Harry was proven to be completely wrong. It became apparent immediately that the elves had, in fact, gone on strike. There was no breakfast waiting to be devoured. While students should have been enjoying their morning and receiving their assigned classes, instead chaos was running rampant.
“Children, calm yourselves!” Minerva commanded, using the Sonorus charm to make herself heard over the abundant noise. Waiting patiently for the students to all settle at their respective tables, Minerva took a deep breath before continuing. “Now. We are currently working on a resolution to our small problem. In the meantime, we will take care and provide you with everything you need. In lieu of these developments, classes for today will be canceled. Remain seated at your tables and your Heads of houses and professors will be making their way around to speak to you all. In the meantime, Professors Nott and Black will be addressing you all as a whole while we sort out breakfast.
“So much for it being a joke,” Draco mumbled to Harry with an eye roll as he crossed his arms.
“Thank you, Headmistress McGonagall,” Hermione spoke with a gentle, calming smile as she and Lizzie left their seats at the head table to address the room as Professor Flitwick, Remus, Draco, and Neville all made their way to their respective houses in an attempt to calm scared first years and dramatic others. “Now, I’m sure it’s no surprise to anyone that I am a muggleborn witch and Professor Nott is, in fact, a non-magical daughter born to a magical family.”
“That makes Professor Black and I uniquely qualified to help in this aspect,” Lizzie smiled, winking at the little Hufflepuff first years who were watching her with wide eyes. “She and I will be discussing a few basics with you while breakfast is being made.”
“I know many of you are used to house elves cleaning, cooking, and helping you out in general,” Hermione continued, looking to her son who sat at the Gryffindor table who amongst his friends. “You’ll be learning more about House Elves and their magic with Professors’ Tonks and Black-Lupin in your Wizarding Custome and Culture classes. In fact, this year it is a mandatory course that all will be taking along with Muggle Studies.”
“Until this is all resolved, you all will be in charge of keeping your dorms clean, including your Common rooms,” Lizzie continued.
“But I don’t know how to make my bed!” a distressed voice rang out amongst the sea of students.
“What about our clothes?” another shouted.
“Can my mum and dad come and get me?!”
“Your clothes will be washed, do not panic,” Lizzie chuckled. “And as for making your bed, anyone who needs to be taught, well, I will teach you.”
“This will only be temporary,” Hermione soothed. “We are not sending anyone home and your parents will be informed of everything that is transpiring. Think of this as a fun little exercise. Just another learning experience.”
“Aunt Hermione, this doesn’t sound very fun,” James grumbled.
“Thank you for your input, Mr. Potter,” Hermione sighed before the uproar of children started once again.
&&&
“You know,” Draco smirked, arms crossed as he watched Harry and a few of the other professors run around the kitchens, preparing for the evening feast. “We could always call Molly. If anyone knows how to cook up a feast for an unending amount of people, it’s her.”
“Firstly, Draco,” Sirius smirked, Selene wrapped against his chest in the contraption that Hermione had deemed worthy of carrying all of their children in while she worked. “We are more than capable of making an edible meal. Secondly, I don’t see you lifting a finger. You’re the potions master. Cooking is just like potions. You follow the instructions.”
“Oh I know how to cook,” the blonde wizard stated smugly, immensely enjoying the chaos that was the kitchens at the moment. “I just find myself preferring to watch this spectacle instead. It’s quite entertaining.”
“If you’re not going to be of any use, dear nephew,” Andromeda drawled, looking up from where she was preparing the dessert for the evening. “May I suggest you go and discover what your wife has been up to? Perhaps she could use your help.”
“Of course, Aunt Andromeda,” he chuckled, pushing off the wall. “I do believe last I saw her she was leading a pack of firsties to their dorms to instruct them how to make their beds properly.”
Leaving the room, Draco wasn’t surprised to run into mingling students. He was shocked on the other hand to see his beautiful, kind wife leading what looked like a troupe of soldiers into the Hufflepuff common area, a mischievous smile on her face.
“Is everything alright, my love?” Draco asked cautiously, raising an eyebrow in her direction.
“Of course,” she answered, her voice calming like a lullaby. “You know how emotional little ‘Puffs can get. We are just working out a few kinks.”
“Are you in need of any assistance?”
“No, darling, but perhaps you can go and speak to your snakes. I do believe I saw a few teary-eyed first years.”
Shaking his head, Draco made his way toward his part of the castle, allowing the nostalgia of a new school year to fill the little pieces of his soul that felt tarnished by his own experiences in these halls. Many had questioned his motives for using his talents with potions to become a Professor instead of opening an apothecary or working for St. Mungos but the answer was simple. The young Lord Malfoy wanted to ensure that the next generations’ years at Hogwarts were far from the nightmare his had been, especially his final few. Severus Snape, while a cruel and impatient man at times with unbelievably high expectations, was a caring and present force in his life. His godfather was one of the only reasons he and many others made it through the war intact. Lucius may have died to protect him, but Severus Snape breathed to protect his snakes and Draco wanted to be that for the newest generation.
“Hiya, Draco!” Finn smiled, stepping out in front of his older brother, his amber eyes glowing with humor. Groaning, Draco narrowed his eyes at the young werewolf who continued to walk backward to keep eye contact with him. “What’s up? On your way to the Snake Den? Aren’t you supposed to be helping with the House Elf Strike?”
“Finn, you are aware you’re supposed to address me as Professor Malfoy when we are at Hogwarts, yes? Have we not had this exact conversation many times?” the blonde sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.
“Well yeah, but you’re my big brother. Professor Malfoy is too formal… and boring. Teddy doesn’t call Mum and Dad Professor,” the young Gryffindor pointed out. “Also you didn’t answer my question. Whatcha doing?”
“I’m on my way to check on my students. I was told some were upset. Shouldn’t you be with your other little lion friends? Running amok? Causing chaos?”
“Nah. I prefer bothering you. Are you going to come out on the full moon with Dad and me again? Are you going to let us chase you? Uncle Harry is coming and Uncle Padfoot too! If you’re not going to help with the House Elf Strike, it’s the least you can do.”
“And where did you hear the name House Elf Strike hmm? Let me guess,” Draco said mockingly. “Uncle Harry.”
“Aunt Hermione,” Finn beamed. “She’s more fun than you.”
“Stay away from Professor Black. And Potter. And Scorpius while you’re at it. In fact, leave my presence Finn. I have important things to do.”
“Like what? Did you hear Mum is looking to adopt another kid? We could have a sister Draco!”
“Excuse me? No, absolutely not. I already have two siblings I didn’t ask for. No more. You’re just trying to drive me crazy.”
“Is it working?” Finn smirked, looking a little too much like the photos of a young Remus Lupin and Sirius Black that he had seen floating around between the Black household and his mother’s home with Professor Lupin.
“Why you little…”
“BYE DRACO!” Finn cackled, turning and running in the opposite direction. “Tell mum I can’t wait to have a sister!”
“Kid will be the death of me…” he muttered, running his fingers through the blonde fringe that had fallen in front of his eyes. Murmuring the password, Draco stepped into the Slytherin common room, the soothing green hues from the Black Lake making him smile. As he stepped further into the room, preparing himself to be the comfort that his first years would need, his steps faltered when he found his mother seated on the leather sofa by the fire, first and second-year students all huddled around her as she read to them. His piercing silver eyes noticed that even a handful of the older snakes were hanging about the common room listening to her story.
“Mother,” Draco chuckled, walking further into the common room. “I see you’ve found your way back to the den.”
“Well of course,” Narcissa cooed, hugging the young girl to her side as she turned the page. “I thought I would aid where I could. This was the most appropriate place to start. I had to check on my snakelets. Make sure they are alright.”
Draco watched as she brushed the hair out of the eyes of the young girl, Cressida, a first-year Slytherin muggleborn. His silver eyes immediately widened. The entire staff knew of Cressida’s situation outside of Hogwarts. When Hermione had gone to inform the family at the presentation of her magic, her parents had willingly handed her over as a ward to the Wizarding World, allowing themselves to be obliviated. She had no family of her own and the blonde wizard knew that Finn was telling the truth.
“May I speak with you for a moment?” Draco asked calmly, his hands clasped behind his back.
“Of course,” Narcissa smiled, whispering to the young children that she would be back in a moment. Draco watched them, smiling to himself as his son’s head popped up and waved at him enthusiastically.
“Is everything alright?” Narcissa murmured as they moved to a secluded area.
“Mother, I just had an interesting conversation with Finn and now seeing it with my own eyes, I know the little bother is telling the truth.”
“Draco. Finn is your brother. You shouldn’t speak of him that way.”
“Finn is a nuisance whose life goal is to drive me mad. That is beside the point though. This is my place of work. You can’t go around just adopting every helpless child you see. You have to stop.”
“It’s my place of work too, my dragon, and I can’t help it that these poor doves don’t have a mother to mother them. It’s my job now.”
“Yes, but you aren’t just mothering little first-year snakelets are you?” Draco asked, his brow raising as silver eyes stared into blue ones. He knew his mother well and there wasn’t a doubt in his mind that she was up to something. “What are you doing with Cressida, hmm?”
“Dragon, no one should be without a family. You know how I feel about that,” she stated, her nose pointed haughtily to the sky causing Draco to groan. Reading between the lines of things his mother would say to him was a subject he had learned to pass with flying colors early. Cressida was going to be the newest Black-Lupin before the end of the year.
“I’m going to the pitch,” he grumbled. “Try not to upend my life anymore while I’m gone.”
“I make no promises darling.”
&&&
Dear Mummy,
Everything is a disaster! The House Elves have disappeared and the professors are cooking all of our meals. You promised me that the meals and desserts were delicious but honestly, it just tastes like another meal at Uncle Harry’s home. I was sorted into Slytherin of course with Scorpius and Hyperion but… everything is a mess. I want to come home.
Uncle Draco said Aunt Hermione started a strike with the House Elves and that this was all her fault.
Mummy, what’s a strike?
Please come and save me,
Iris Weasley
“Would someone like to inform me why my daughter is writing to me to come and save her?” Pansy asked, holding the letter up in her hand, a smirk on her face as she looked around the bustling home in Hogsmeade. Atlas was babbling to Theo in the corner over a picture book as George watched fondly, clearly plotting to convince his husband it was time to adopt another child. Even Pansy had to admit that Hermione and Sirius did seem to procreate darling children as she watched Charlie rock Selene.
“Yeah, Freddy wrote one to us,” Theo added in, picking up Atlas and carrying him into the main room with the rest of them before setting him down beside Rose and Casseopia to play. “Something about Aunt Hermione and the elves.”
“First of all,” Hermione scoffed, setting the plates of dessert out for everyone with their drinks as she dodged Grace and Louis who seemed to be chasing each other, much to the chagrin of Fleur who was trying to control them. “I didn’t do anything. I was a little busy giving birth to a tiny but mighty witch. But Snuffles-”
“Your elf?” Ron smirked, keeping a watchful eye on little Rose who seemed to be plotting to steal the book from Atlas if the look on her face was anything to go on.
“Exactly,” Harry smirked, his arm around Daphne who was holding the pouting Lily in her arms. The young girl had already gotten in trouble for conspiring with Crookshanks and the newest kneazle kitten of the Black household to steal her cousin Louis’s biscuit.
Late dinner on a Friday had become a monthly occurrence after marriages and children rippled through the group of family and friends. During the school term, dinners were held in Hogsmeade at either the Black household or Draco and Lizzie’s home. Summer and any breaks from school resulted in dinners at Potter Manor, Longbottom Manor, or Theo and George’s home. Everyone able to attend was expected to be there and if you weren’t, you were expected to have a very fitting excuse.
“For the last time, I have nothing to do with this. Though, I wholeheartedly support it,” Hermione continued.
“Big supporters of the House Elf Strike over here,” Sirius beamed, kissing Hermione’s cheek. “Give me my baby back, Charlie. You can’t have her.”
“But she’s so tiny,” Charlie smirked, passing the baby like a quaffle over to Bill who chuckled and ducked out of the room with her. “Draga, are you sure you wouldn’t want another? Think how adorable ours would be. Perfection.”
“Don’t you look at me with those blue eyes, Charlie Weasley. Your charm no longer works on me,” Pansy teased, swatting his chest playfully. “But seriously. House Elf Strike?”
“We are handling it. Remus and Minerva have a meeting with the elves next week to settle terms,” Hermione explained, causing both Draco and Harry to snort.
“Boys,” Lizzie rolled her eyes. “Impossible.”
“Sorry we are late,” Ginny spoke, walking in and holding hands with Luna. “Our portkey was late and then it was all just a disaster. Anyways, House Elf Strike?”
“Congratulations Hermione,” Luna spoke dreamily. “S.P.E.W. is making its mark. You’re making a difference in their lives.”
Ron and Harry just laughed, causing Atlas to run up to Harry and kick his shin, his amber-colored eyes glaring at the Boy Who Lived. “Don’t laugh at my mummy!”
“Yes Potter, don’t laugh at Granger. It’s not very nice,” Draco smirked, murmuring words of praise to Atlas, causing Harry to gape at the little boy before glaring at Draco.
“Boys,” Daphne scoffed, rolling her eyes at her husband and friend’s antics.
“Black,” Sirius corrected with a grumble causing the entire room to erupt in laughter.
“Are Remus and Narcissa joining us tonight?” Lizzie asked, accepting the glass of juice that Hermione handed her. “I didn’t see her when I was giving instructions to Slytherin about how to set out the laundry.”
“Laundry?! They are doing their own laundry?” George laughed.
“No,” Harry grumbled. “We are doing it. And no. They aren’t coming. Something about dinner with Andromeda and a meeting with Kingsley? I don’t know why they can’t just call it a double date.”
“Mother and Remus are looking to adopt again,” Draco scoffed, drinking his firewhiskey. “Because apparently, three sons aren’t enough. I’m sure that’s why Kingsley is coming to dinner.”
“Draco if that is what you believe, you are blind,” Sirius laughed. “Andy and Kings are definitely hiding something. Horribly, but still hiding it.”
“I came home early from St. Mungos the other day when I was supposed to be working the night shift and I saw Kingsley’s shoes in the kitchen,” Teddy spoke, stealing a plate of dessert from the table for himself.
“Teddy?” Sirius cackled. “When did you get here?”
“I snuck in a few minutes ago,” Teddy smirked proudly. “For a bunch of war veterans, your awareness of your surroundings is awful. Also, I was just over there with them and Mum. It looked like a double date to me.”
“Hello, love,” Hermione smiled, hugging him tightly and whispering in his ear. “You might want to go wipe the lipstick off your neck before Victoire’s father sees it and knows you just arrived from sneaking up to the castle.
“Thanks, Aunt Min,” Teddy chuckled and rushed off. Sirius raised a brow at her in question and she just shrugged before returning to the conversation.
“All I’m saying is that I don’t need a sister,” Draco groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Especially not when said sister is one of my first years. Besides, I already have sisters.”
“You know how Narcissa is, Draco,” Pansy chuckled, sitting in her husband’s lap, holding onto the strong freckled arm that wrapped around her waist, relaxing into his calming touch. “She’s always been one to adopt and mother us all.”
“But right now isn’t a good time.”
“Well that’s your own fault for not telling her that Lizzie is pregnant,” Hermione pointed out, smiling softly as Sirius wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her to his chest as he swayed to the music that was softly playing in the background.
“Are you sure you don’t want another?” Charlie murmured in Pansy’s ear, kissing her neck. “We have two perfect little girls. We could try for that little boy, draga.”
“Could you stop groping my sister at the kitchen table please?” Draco groaned, pretending to wretch and causing Atlas to giggle and pat his arm sympathetically.
“You make him sick, Uncle Charlie. Not nice,” Atlas admonished, causing the table to laugh out loud.
“Can we please get back to the topic at hand?” Ron snorted. “I want to hear more about this ‘House Elf Strike of 2017’ that Mione apparently has nothing to do with.”
&&&
Dear dads,
I think we’ve finally gotten this whole making our bed thing down. I don’t really like it but oh well. Uncle Padfoot gave Reggie and us this really cool map that shows all the secret passageways and such. He said it was the upgraded version since the castle changed after everything that happened. It’s called the Marauders Map. We used to sneak down to the kitchens and I saw Uncle Harry and Uncle Draco arguing over how to cook something. It was really weird. And boring. So then we went and found Aunty Mione in the greenhouse. She was with Neville, Hannah, and Uncle Sirius. Whatever they were doing, it smelled but they were laughing a lot. I like it when Aunty Mione laughs.
Aunt Lizzie told me to tell you not to send Pops again to help cook. Personally, I think they could use the help. They can’t cook as well as the elves. But I didn’t tell you that.
Anyways! Thank you for sending for joke products! I’ll see you both at Yule!
Love,
Fred
It was another week before the elves agreed to let Snuffles meet with Remus and Minerva to discuss terms to end the strike. By the time the morning of the meeting had arrived, the students and Professors at Hogwarts had practically perfected a system. A group of teachers, and sometimes sixth and seventh years, prepared the meals every day. Every student left their dirty laundry out to be collected by the House prefects and brought to Hermione and Lizzie to be cleaned. The same prefects had created a cleaning schedule and the Head Boy and Head Girl created House schedules for the rest of the cleaning in the castle. Everything had seemed to work itself out, but it was no secret that everyone hoped the meeting today would go well.
“Hello, Snuffles,” Remus stated politely as he and Minerva sat with the elf. A room at the Three Broomsticks had been procured and Madam Rosmerta had been kind enough to provide them with food and drink.
“Hello, Mr. Moony and Miss Kitty,” Snuffles stated, her bright violet eyes staring at them as her floppy ears twitched. She seemed to be wearing a tiny suit in periwinkle, causing Remus to think that perhaps Sirius had more to do with this than he was letting on. “Shall we begin?”
“Yes,” Remus nodded, a small smirk playing at his lips as the little elf unrolled the large parchment that had been signed by all of the Hogwarts house elves.
“I, Snuffles, free elf, have been asked to represent the elves of Hogwarts,” the elf continued. “Do you agree to support the demands of the elves? Including vacation days and payment?”
“We are prepared to support the needs and requests, yes,” Minerva nodded stoically.
“On one condition,” Remus interrupted, causing Minerva to look at him with wide eyes. Chuckling under his breath, Remus steepled his fingers, looking Snuffles directly in the eyes. “Snuffles, who elected you to represent the Hogwarts house elves hmm?”
“The elves,” the little elf stated, her eyes narrowing.
“And who suggested to the House Elves that perhaps they should look into the benefits of being a free elf with vacation days and payment for nice, shiny things and new fabric? Was it perhaps a black dog that we both know?”
A stare-off between the wolf and elf went on for what felt like hours to Minerva. This was their one chance to get the elves back in the school and everything set back to rights. Whatever game Remus was playing, she was about to put a stop to when the tiny elf began to speak again.
“Missy Mione’s dog cares about Missy Mione very much. Her dog may have said this would make Missy Mione very happy,” Snuffles stated, her little nose pointing to the sky haughtily, reminding Remus of his wife. It almost caused him to laugh out loud. “And he was right.”
“We accept your terms and conditions Snuffles,” Remus smirked, signing the parchment and then handing the quill to Minerva to sign. “If you or the elves need anything further, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I believe you know where to find me right, Snuffles?”
“Yes, Mr. Moony!” Snuffles smiled, snapping her fingers, banishing the parchment as soon as both signatures were done. “The elves will have a feast prepared for dinner tonight. Now, Snuffles must return to her babies. They will miss me if I’m gone too long.”
“Of course,” Remus snorted. “Have a wonderful day.
With a nod, both professors watched as the little elf popped out of the room with a snap of her fingers, leaving behind a copy of the signed proclamation of the end of the House Elf Strike of 2017.
“Mr. Lupin, am I to believe that Mr. Black coerced a House Elf to start a rebellion all in the name of making Mrs. Black smile?” Minerva asked, a brow raising.
“I think that is a distinct possibility,” Remus chuckled as he stood from his chair. He always knew that when Sirius Black loved, he loved with everything in him. It was never a secret, to either him or James, that it would take someone special to take on Sirius Black and keep him in line without taming him. The man deserved everything good in this world and Hermione was a witch smart enough and strong enough to handle him without changing him.
Walking back to the castle with a smile on his face, he looked to where he knew the home of his two friends lay, smoke billowing from the fire that was no doubt crackling in the hearth while Sirius played the piano and Hermione rocked their newborn daughter. He had never questioned the love his friend held for the witch. The animagus had shown it in grand gestures and small moments. But it was perhaps this one in particular that pulled at the heartstrings of Remus the most. He knew how ridiculed Hermione had been during her school years. He had witnessed time after time when wizards tried to tame her beliefs and extinguish that resilient fire of hers. For Sirius to take something so small from her school years, something that was once a point of contention in her formative years, and turn it into an actual tangible reality, well it just proved Sirius’ all-consuming love for Hermione. He gave her a gift, one that he would never take credit for, but one that he knew would make her smile nonetheless. Closing his eyes, he let his hearing take over, allowing himself a moment to listen in on his friends.
“Sirius Black you rascal!”
“Come on kitten, you know you love me.”
“Perhaps I like you. Sometimes.”
“Well, I happen to like you at all times. Inexplicably, completely adore you.”
With one last laugh, Remus turned his attention from the home, walking back toward the castle. He had a wife whom he needed to show how much he loved, even if he wasn’t as performative as his friend. And apparently, a new child to bond with. Life was good. It was really good.
&&&
“You look smashing, Snuffles,” Sirius smirked, squatting in front of the little elf, gently touching the S.P.E.W. badge that the elf had taken the time to sew into the periwinkle pantsuit. It was an ember of his wife’s fire, one that he was determined to never let dim again. “Did they sign?”
“Yes, Mr. Siri!” Snuffles squeaked proudly, her ears quivering in excitement. “Mr. Moony and Miss Kitty signed. The elves are back in the castle preparing for the feast. Snuffles made sure to tell them to make Little Regulus’s favorite.”
“Well done, Snuffles,” he beamed, shaking the hand of the little elf. “We make a great team. Now, remember our little secret.”
“I solemnly swear that I am up to no good!” Snuffles vowed.
“Sirius? I have to head to the castle for dinner!” he heard his wife call from upstairs.
“One second, kitten. I’ll come with you. See what the elves have up their sleeves tonight,” Sirius called back, winking at Snuffles.
“Mischief Managed,” the little elf whispered.
“Mischief Managed,” Sirius murmured back.