Theo floo’d into the manor and Narcissa was wringing her hands and pacing the hallway. “What happened? He came in here and went right out the back. He looked so upset. Did something bad happen at the Ministry?”

“Yes and no.” he said. Theo added. “Granger showed up with Potter and the girl Weasley. We were talking, then Ron Weasley showed up and made some very derogatory comments about our characters and Granger’s character. Wands were drawn. Lines were drawn. Decisions were made.”

“Please go after him. You know where he is.”

Theo ran out the back and headed across the grounds to the woods. Those damn creepy albino peacocks were all over the lawn. They were mean and aggressive. He hated them. They attacked him every chance they got. He would hex them all but he knew that Narcissa would hex him in retaliation of her birds. When he got to the edge of the grounds where the woods began, he could hear the explosions. Theo found Draco standing on a large bolder. Wand drawn and wood flying everywhere. He drew his wand and yelled, “Expelliarmus.”

Draco’s wand flew into his hands. Losing his wand only slowed him down a little. Using wandless magic, he was still able to destroy the trees, just now his explosions were not as big. Draco was a very talented wizard, wandless magic was just one of his gifts.

Theo yelled, “Draco. Draco please stop. Please. Why did you leave? Granger was on our side. She is willing to try.”

“NO!” he shouted. “NO. I will not be in a group with her. I will not force her to carry a child of mine. I will not fucking subject her to the horror of being attached to me.” The self-loathing evident in his tone. The wizard waived his hand, another sapling exploded.

Theo got mad and sent a hex to the other man’s leg. “You stupid bastard. You walked out of there and let her think she wasn’t worthy of you because of her blood status. She was willing to try. She was there to find out how the program worked not to argue about who she was being paired with.”

Draco fell to his knees. His expression pained and his voice distraught, “She thought…Oh gods. I don’t give a fuck about blood status.” Dropping his head into his hands. “I don’t give a fuck about blood status.”

Putting his hand on the other man’s shoulder. “I said as much to her before coming after you.”

“Theo, she has to understand. She must know that my not wanting her has nothing to do with her and everything to do with me. Fucking Gryffindors will accept any challenge to show their bravery. I didn’t want her to think she needed to be paired with me to prove her fucking fortitude.”

Theo bent down to look Draco in the eyes. “Well you can tell her all that yourself. I told her that we would owl her and set a meeting time and place to discuss how this will all work. You WILL be there. That witch is willing to try. You will put your pride aside and show her the respect she deserves.” Then chuckling, “Thank the gods for fucking Gryffindors. Do you know how brave she is for even addressing the possibility of being the mother to our heirs?”

Draco lowered his head, he had scratches on his face, neck and hands from all of the exploded trees. “I cannot ask her to carry my child. I can’t ask her to produce a child with my bloodline. After what my aunt and father did to her.” Then quietly he confessed, “That bastard ginger, I could have destroyed the fucking Weasel for how he spoke to her.”

Theo was still looking into his eyes, but this time he's searching. He finds what he’s looking for. Draco was scared. Scared that Hermione will reject him. But he is even more scared that she will accept him. He very clearly states, “We'll meet with her and the witch will say her peace. If she chooses to reject one or both of us, we'll stand there and let her make that decision. Right now, you need to come back to the manor. Narcissa is very worried about you.”

Theo then waived his wand and healed Draco’s scratches and cleaned him up. It would only upset Narcissa further if she saw what he had done to himself. They headed back to the manor. Draco lagging behind. “Where are we to meet her? What time?”

“We didn’t set a time or place. I'll send her an owl. Let's have her choose. This is all about her feeling comfortable and safe.”

On the way back to the manor, they stopped at the barn and sent the owl off to Hermione. An hour later they got their response. They couldn’t have been more surprised if Albus Dumbledore had risen from the tomb and told them her location and time.

Theo,

“If it is agreeable to the two of you, I will meet you at 8:00 this evening at Malfoy Manor. If this is acceptable, please make sure the floo network will accept me into any fireplace except the parlor.”

Hermione

“She is amazing. Truly a brave witch.” said Theo.

“She's bloody insane. Fucking Gryffindors.” was Draco’s only response.
____________

She met with the medi witch and Kingsley. In true Granger fashion she took notes, ten parchments over twelve inches each. She also asked for research reference books. If she was going to do this, if these wizards were willing to try, then she would make sure she knew as much as she could about the whole process.

As soon as she got home, there was a beautiful grey eagle owl waiting for her. She knew that was a Malfoy owl, it lifted its foot and she accepted the note. Before it could fly away, she asked if it could wait for a response. The owl nodded. While she read the note, and composed her response she gave the regal bird some chicken from the icebox. He accepted the note and flew away.

As she entered her kitchen, she saw a note on the table. It was in Luna’s wispy writing.

Dear Hermione

“I found the snarfle, he is just a baby, I fed him and moved him to a lower cupboard. We don’t want the little one to fall.”

Merlin, she loved Luna. That witch was one in a million. Harry was going to have his hands full with Ginny and Luna.

After getting herself a cup of tea, she went upstairs to get ready for her meeting. Hermione wasn’t sure if she would have been brave enough to agree to this particular group, had Ron not angered her. Draco Malfoy and Theodore Nott were two wizards she never thought could be a part of her life, and yet fate may have found a way to join them. It was very impressive how both wizards jumped to her defense. There really was something very exciting about what they did. How fast they drew their wands. Something deep in her, something very primal reacted to their actions. That made her want to explore the possibilities of the group.

Hermione showered, taking her time, she used the honeysuckle soap and shampoo that was her favorite. Using her wand she dried her hair with a charm, allowing her curls to fall in ringlets down her back. She was so grateful that the length of her hair added weight which helped to tame it so that it was no longer frizzy. After applying a little eye liner and lip gloss she dressed in her muggle clothes. She was chosen because of her muggle born status. Might as well present a muggle appearance. She chose her comfortable jeans, and her Gryffindor red blouse. She put on a pair of grey ankle boots and grabbed the bag with her research and her wand.

Grabbing a handful of floo powder, at precisely 8:00 she tossed it in the fireplace and very clearly said, “Malfoy Manor”.

Stepping out of the fireplace in the foyer of Malfoy Manor, Hermione used her wand to do a quick cleaning charm in case she had soot on her clothes. She heard a very soft voice and looked down to see a house elf. Great, this evening wasn’t going to be emotional enough, now she has to deal with enslaved elves.
“Welcome. Will Miss please follow me? Masters Draco and Theo are waiting in the game room.”

“No. I’m sorry I will not follow you to your MASTERS. If they want me to join them they can bloody well get me themselves.” Hermione said. As soon as she said those words she regretted them.

The little elf started to cry. She covered her face as tears started streaming out of her big eyes. “Mopsy is not a good elf. Miss hates her. Miss doesn’t want to follow her.”

It was then that Hermione noticed the elf was dressed in a beautiful little orange sweater dress. She had shoes on her feet. Hermione bent down and asked her, “Are you a slave or a free elf?”

“Mopsy is a free elf. Mopsy has been with Mistress for over twenty years. A gift on her wedding day. After the war, the young Master said Mopsy is free and said I did not have to stay and work anymore. Mopsy cried and cried until Master said I could stay. He makes Mopsy take money for working. So, he pays me and he feels good. Mopsy buys lots of clothes and shoes to make the master happy.”

Hermione shook her head, laughing she said, “Please show me to the game room.”

Mopsy led Hermione through the manor. The little elf’s shoes clicked and clacked on the marble floor. The witch noticed all the beautiful paintings and upholstered chairs and furnishings.

She stopped herself from looking at the doors on the right. She didn’t remember much from the last time she was here but she did remember the double doors that she was dragged through by Fenrir Greyback. The main parlor. The source of one of her scars, her occasional tremors (a lovely side effect of the cruciatus curse) and that room was the setting of her most terrifying nightmares. What the hell was she thinking when she decided to muster up her courage and come back to this place.

Before she could have a complete panic attack, she took two deep breaths and focused on the tiny elf in front of her. Mopsy stopped in front of a closed door. Turning, she smiled sweetly at Hermione and said, “Masters are in the game room. Miss will go in. Would you like tea?”

“Tea would be lovely. Thank you.”

The little elf popped out and Hermione was left with her bag of books, research papers and her courage. Talking to herself, “Well into the snake pit jumps the lion.”

She knocked on the door, not waiting for someone to open it or to be invited in, she opened the door. Two heads turned toward her and the silence was so deafening you could hear a butterfly's wings flapping. Then as if both wizards were hit with a stinging hex they jumped up and greeted her.

Theo said, “Granger. Hello. Glad you could make it, Well of course you could make it. You set the time and the place.”

Draco just lowered his head, “Please come in and join us. I thought we would be more comfortable in the game room. Or if you like, we could go to my study...or the den...or mother’s sitting room…

She smiled, actually relieved that they seemed as nervous as she was. “This is fine. Thank you.”

“Please come in and have a seat. Can I get you anything to drink?” Just as Draco asked the question, Mopsy popped into the room with a tea tray. Placing it on the table the little elf smiled at her and then disappeared again with a loud pop.

Theo showed her to an oversized chair and poured her a cup of tea. Draco asked if he could take her bag. She handed it to him, he placed it next to the end table by her chair.

Theo handed her the cup of tea and sat to her right. Draco took the chair to her left. They were sitting in a triangle configuration around a round table. Now that they were all seated, and not sure how to start this conversation, she put one sugar and a splash of milk in her tea and sat there sipping it.

Hermione looked around the room. There was a beautiful mahogany bar along one wall and a billiard table in front of the French doors. A large round table with chairs for playing cards and off in a corner was a table set up with a wizard’s chess set. There were a couple different dart boards around the room. She knew there were several different types of wizard darts, though she had never played any version of them.

Draco broke the silence, in a low quiet voice, “I need to apologize for so rudely leaving the Minister’s office today. My actions had nothing to do with you. When I said I couldn’t do this with you, I didn’t mean because of you or your blood status. I meant I couldn’t expect or force you to have anything to do with me or my fucked up family lineage. So if you would like to reconsider my involvement in our group, I completely understand.” He lowered his voice and his eyes when he said his last statement.

She thought about his words for a moment. Then she looked at his face. Draco Malfoy had grown into his features. He was not the same pointy faced boy with slicked back platinum hair and a snarky sneer. Yes, his face still had sharp angles, but they were now filled out with the jaw and brow of a man. His hair was still platinum but it was no longer slicked back, it was longer and looked very soft, with his fringe slightly falling over his forehead. As far as his snarky sneer, that too was gone. His lips were pink and looked very soft. Instead of a sneer, there was a frown, the type you would expect to see from someone who was worried. No, this most definitely was not the same Draco from her school days.

“First, I wanted to thank both of you for defending me today. It was very chivalrous. Ronald Weasley would never have hurt me physically, insulting me and calling me names would have been the extent of it.” Hermione said.

Theo said, “I thought you and he were friends? Actually, more than friends. I had heard a rumor of you two possibly getting married.”

“He and I have not been close for over a year. That is a whole sordid tale that I will not bore you with. I apologize for his words and his actions.” Hermione said.

Theo quickly stated, “You don’t have to apologize for his crude words or actions. He was more disrespectful toward you than he was to us.”

“Well I’m still grateful. Now that that is said, Malfoy, I realized your comment had nothing to do with my blood. I am however relieved that you didn’t object to me as a person.”

“Bloody hell Granger,” Theo said, “who in their right mind would object to you as the mother of their child. You are one of the brightest, talented and bravest witches I have ever heard of. And…since we are addressing positive attributes, yours are lovely. I must say you are quite attractive.” He then wiggled his eyebrow at her.

Once again a wand was drawn without her notice, Draco sent a mild stinging hex at Theo’s leg. Hermione and Draco laughed as Theo let out a very surprised Yelp.

Hermione quietly took in the scene and thought, these two wizards were going to be a handful.

“I wanted you both to know that after you left Kingsley’s office I met with him and the medi-witch about the specifics of the program. I brought some notes and research books.”

“I would be surprised if you didn’t bring homework.” Draco said. Theo snickered.

“I just wanted to make sure that we were all informed of what was expected of us and what the process entailed.” Just then her stomach growled very loudly and very unladylike.

Theo smiled, “Either you’re hungry or you Gryffindors really do have an inner lion.”

Draco called out to Mopsy, the little elf popped in. “Master is needing something?”

“Yes. Mopsy, could you please get Miss Granger something to eat?” Turning toward her he asked if she had a taste for anything specific.

“Oh you don’t have to do that. Please don’t go to any trouble. I’m fine. I just missed dinner. I can get something later.”

“You are not going to be sitting here with your stomach rumbling while we go over what is sure to be many, many, many notes.” Draco then looked at Mopsy and instructed her to have Tipsy put together some snack plates for them. They may be working late.

The little elf left and promised to not only bring the food but also refresh the tea. Taking out her wand, Hermione tapped the stack of parchment notes two times. As she said their names with each tap an identical copy appeared before them.

“Shall we begin? Please read my notes and then we can go over the specifics when you’re finished. I also have several books that will help with the explanation of the process.” She then handed out self inking quills and blank parchment paper to each wizard. “Please read through everything and write your questions down. This way you can get through all of my notes and I can answer any of your questions or we can look the answers up together.”

Draco and Theo read Hermione’s notes. While they did that, she opened one of the reference books that she brought with her. Theo could not resist, “Do you always travel with your own library?”

She laughed and both Draco and Theo quickly adjusted their seating. Feeling a sudden unexpected tightening in their slacks. “Not usually, but I thought it was better to be safe rather than sorry. I brought a couple books that the Ministry’s Healers used while putting together the proposal for the repopulation program. Also I stopped at the Little Book Nook and picked up a few books on magical pregnancies and multiple birth pregnancies. Lastly, I stopped at a muggle book store and bought a couple books on baby development and care during multiple birth pregnancies.”

The wizards just stared at her. Bloody hell it was like being back at Hogwarts, it was as if they could read each other's thoughts. This witch made them both hard just by fucking talking about research. Not wanting her to notice their predicament, and unsure how to respond, they began reading from the notes. Within a few seconds they both started furiously writing on their parchment paper.

After twenty minutes of complete silence, save for the scratching of quill on paper, Mospy popped in with Tipsy, who was dressed in a full chef outfit, to deliver ‘snacks’. There were trays of various cheeses, meats, crackers, breads, fruits and spreads. Then more trays of muffins and scones with creamy butter and honey. A beautiful tea service was set up, charmed to continually provide fresh strong tea.

As they started making small plates to nibble on, Hermione looked at the wizards in front of her, she couldn’t help wondering what their children would look like if she was their mother.

Already noting Draco’s physical features, he was very handsome but he was also very tall and thin but not in a skinny sort of way. More in a lean seeker way. His blonde hair was straight and looked so soft, she wanted to reach out and touch it. When he looked at her she saw that his eyes were gray, like storm clouds.

Theo vanished her cold tea in her cup and poured her fresh. He then put one sugar in and a splash of milk. He was definitely observant, that was exactly how she took it. She watched him move, he was as tall as Draco, but broader in the shoulder. His features were soft and beautiful. Pale skin, blue eyes, full lips. Theo’s hair was dark and wavy, he wore it long-ish just touching his shoulders. Where Draco’s eyes seemed to have a hint of caution in his gaze, Theo’s looked more like mischief, like he was ready at a moment's notice to get into trouble.

They ate as they worked. Hermione continued to read the muggle books, she hoped her facial expressions were not as obvious as the men’s. As they read the detailed notes, both wizards looked like they were going to be sick. Theo looked as if he was being confronted by a boggart. Draco just kept looking at her and shaking his head. Not wanting to see their reactions, at some point she stopped looking at them.

After a while, her eyes were growing tired so she waved her wand and whispered “Tempus”. Just above her wand, ghost numbers appeared, the time came into view, not sure she was seeing the time correctly she whispered, “Is it really 1:30 in the morning?”

Looking up at the men, Hermione smiled, they were leaned back in their chairs and had both fallen asleep. They looked like little boys who had stayed up too late studying for an exam. Not wanting to bother them, the chairs really were comfortable, she stood and quietly stretched and rolled her neck. Grabbing her quill and a small piece of parchment, she wrote a quick note,

Before she moved she put up a silencing charm so she wouldn’t disturb them. Pointing her wand, she whispered a modification charm, which gently leaned the oversized chairs the boys were in to recline back and then she transfigured their robes into blankets and covered them. Since she used a featherweight charm to lay the blankets on them, they didn’t even stir. With a nod of her head and a last glance at the boys, she headed to the hall floo and went home.

________

Draco opened his eyes to the extremely bright sunlight shining on his face and his mother’s soft words of, “Good morning gentlemen.”

Theo asked, “What time is it?...Sorry. Good morning.”

Narcissa answered, “Well after seven.” Looking around Narcissa added, “It looks like you boys are back in school and studying for your N.E.W.T.S. What is going on in here? Why has the gameroom been turned into the library?”

With her words finally triggering their memories, both wizards sat up and said, “Granger.”

Narcissa smiled and handed Draco the note that she had found on the table. “So that explains who H is. I will see you both at breakfast. I look forward to hearing all about your evening with my prospective grand-babies’ mother.” Smiling, she left the room.

Theo asked in a worried tone, “Where did she go? When did she go? What does the note say? Was she mad that we fell asleep?”
“If you would shut up, I’ll read her note.” Draco said.

“D. & T.

You looked so comfortable; I didn’t want to wake you. Thank you for a lovely evening. I know you were overwhelmed with my notes, books and research but as the true gentlemen you both are, you put up with it. Floo me later, 20 West Floral Drive, Hampstead Gardens, it is Saturday, so I will be at the Farmer’s market in the morning.

Good night & Good morning

H.

After he read the note, Draco asked, “What is a farmer’s market?”

Theo looked confused, “I don’t know. It must be a muggle thing. Do you think muggles have to pick and harvest their own food? Draco, some of your investments and businesses are in the muggle world. How do they get their food?”

“How in the hell would I know? I’m not even totally sure how we get our food. I know that Mopsy goes to some sort of market. And Hippy and Jack grow some stuff here in a garden and we have some fruit trees on the grounds. I never studied agriculture.”

Still looking confused, Theo said, “I just know that they do everything the hard way. I could not imagine living without magic, or elves, or magic.” he responded.