Magical Lineage

All week, Draco and Theo talked about the scene they witnessed at the gates of the manor. Draco would ask, knowing Theo had no answer, “Why did she show up here if she didn’t want our help?”

Theo would counter with, “What upset her so much that she couldn’t go home?”

Draco walked into the game room and just blurted out, “Why did that Weasley show up? Are they together? Did he upset her?”

Only to be met with Theo’s wonder of, “What bloody clock?”

The plan was to owl Hermione on Wednesday, to ask if she was still interested in a date this coming weekend. Narcissa walked into Draco’s study and was met with a sea of balled up parchment. “Draco Darling, what in the world are you attempting to write?” She picked up one of the discarded balls and opened it. Reading out loud, “ ‘Dear Hermione’ ‘Granger’ ‘Hey G’ What exactly are you doing Draco?”

He responded without looking up, “I’m not sure how to word an invitation for a dinner date to Granger from Theo and I.”

“I’m very proud that you want to word it just right, but a little disheartened that you cannot find the words to simply say, ‘Would you like to accompany Theo and I to dinner this Friday evening?’ What did we pay all those private tutors for?”

“Mother, you don’t understand. We had an incident here Sunday afternoon, she showed up here, outside the gates, crying and upset. Now we’re not sure if she is available. She may be involved or even in love with a Weasley.”

“My Dragon, after spending last Saturday with that charming witch, I can tell you that she is interested in the repopulation program and she is interested in you and Theo.” Narcissa insisted.

“Ironic that you called me dragon, the Weasley in question is a very large dragon tamer. He was hugging and comforting her. Whatever had her upset, he was able to settle her and get her to stop crying. A few words from him and a kiss and she was ready to leave here without so much as a hint of an explanation.” Draco said. “Just an ‘Owl me if you want to go on a date.’ Bloody Exasperating.”

“Well if she were involved with this Weasley or if she were in love with this Weasley, would she be inquiring about a date? Would she not be grouped with him in the program?” Narcissa asked.

“Oh mother, you have no idea how dedicated to the rules this witch is. The Ministry told her who her program wizards are and she didn’t argue about our past history or our reputations. Just nodded and started researching.”

While Draco was venting and explain what had occurred Sunday, Narcissa had been writing. “Here darling, count this as the first and only time I have done your homework for you.” She handed him the parchment. Kissing him on the cheek, “I’ll be in the library reading.”

He looked at the parchment,

Dear Hermione,
Theo and I would like to invite you to dinner at Le Trios Bistro. Friday evening, 8:00. If it is acceptable to you, we would like to floo to your home and escort you to dinner.
Sincerely, D.

The large eagle owl flew away with the note. Three hours later a Ministry owl delivered her response. Theo came into his study just as Draco opened her letter.

Dear Draco and Theo,
I would love to join you for dinner Friday evening. Yes, please floo over around 7. We can have a drink and talk before dinner.
Sincerely H.

Theo read the note out loud for the third time. “I don’t understand. What the hell was Sunday about with that large Weasley? Do you think the ‘talk before we leave for dinner’ means she wants to call off our grouping?”

Draco just shook his head and said, “I don’t know. Maybe she’ll explain when we go over there before dinner.”

----------------

Hermione’s week was long. She had several projects that she was researching for several different departments. So she didn't leave for lunch all week, to be honest she hardly ate lunch all week. Both Ginny and Harry invited her, Harry on Monday and Ginny on Tuesday. She didn't feel like seeing anyone after the incident on Sunday, so she politely declined.

Even Charlie tried to get her out, he floo called her Tuesday evening to see if she wanted to meet him at the preserve Wednesday for dinner. Her response, “I would really love to see the preserve and hear all of your ideas for the dragons, but right now I am so busy with work, I can't see getting away. I promise I will come for a nice long visit and you can give me a complete tour.”

She knew that she let Ron get in her head. She was embarrassed about what he had said. What he had called her. By the time she received Draco’s note about dinner she’d been reconsidering her “date” with the two handsome wizards.

Luna stopped by during her lunch Wednesday. “Hermione, could you help me find information on Bluebell Pixies. I believe the Ministry has a record of a small colony that had settled near Wiltshire, just outside of Britain, back in 1886. I think Harry has one living in Grimmauld Place.”

“Luna, I never heard of Bluebell Pixies” Hermione said. But Luna was right, there was a small colony of them that settled near Wiltshire. After two hours of research they discovered the entire colony was wiped out due to a case of Pixie Pox.

Hermione was used to Luna’s quick subject changes. One minute they were talking about the pixies the next her friend was talking about Hogwarts. “I heard from Neville, who heard from Professor Sprout that you still hold the record for most N.E.W.T.S. in Gryffindor House.” She paused to write something down. “Malfoy still holds the record for Slytherin.”

She couldn’t help smiling, “Your point?”

Her friend just sighed, “Hmm, No point, just curious.”

“I’m not sure what that has to do with any-…”

Luna smiled and in her singsong voice said, “Oh no reason to bring it up, just that you are the smartest person, most of us know. You should always trust your instincts and feelings.” Then in true Luna fashion, the subject changed to, “I am so happy I was paired with Harry and Ginny, we complement each other perfectly. Magic really knows what to do when pairing witches and wizards.”

“Luna, I don’t see what that has to…” Hermione stammered.

“Oh well, I must be going. Maybe it wasn’t a Bluebell Pixie after all. Thank you for your help.” Then the small blonde witch hugged her and glided out the door.

Hermione sat at her desk and thought about what her friend had said. Thought about what Ron had said. Ron was very good at manipulation; he could make her feel bad for him and think whatever was upsetting him was her fault. Ironically it was Fred who brought this to light.

After the Yule Ball, Ron’s treatment of her had changed. He had intimated that Viktor was only interested in her because she was a sexual challenge. All the other girls were willing to ‘give it up’. “Mione, he only wants to get into your knickers. As soon as he does, well, you will be just like all the other girls. ‘Used’.”

Fred had heard what his little brother had said and after a good ear-pop to the side of Ron’s head, he said, “Don’t you listen to him. Viktor, or any wizard for that matter, that is interested in you and wants to be with you would be because you are smart, kind and beautiful. Any wizard would be honored to have you by his side. I know I would.” Hermione was pretty sure that was the second that she had started to fall for Fred Weasley.

While she was thinking about how her feelings for Fred developed, She remembered Draco’s note about their dinner date. Smiling she thought of her friend, ‘Luna, you intuitive, cheeky witch.’ So in true Gryffindor fashion she found her courage and sent her response to the wizards and also added an invitation to join her at her home for drinks.

Before she left work, she sent an inter-office memo to her department manager, requesting Thursday and Friday off. She didn’t have anything nice enough to wear so Thursday she would go shopping. Plus she didn’t want to rush home after work on Friday and try to get ready and make sure the house was straight.

Dear Ms. Drumfeld,
I know it is short notice but I would like to have tomorrow, Thursday and this Friday off. I will be using two of my vacation days. I hope this is not a problem, I am all caught up on my work and have no open files. That will leave me with 158 vacation days still to use. Thank you.
Sincerely
Hermione J. Granger
Research Witch, Department of Research & Resources

She watched the memo float off after casting a delivery charm on it. Clearing her desk, putting away the research books that she and Luna had used. When everything was tidy, she grabbed her purse and walked out of the department. On her way to the Ministry floo network, she ran into Harry. “Could you tell Ginny I have tomorrow and Friday off. I would like to go shopping if she has the time. I need another witch's opinion?”

“Who are you and what have you done with my best friend?” Harry had a look of shock on his face.

Hermione just rolled her eyes, “Yes. Yes. You’re very funny. I know I never take time off. This is a special occasion and I need to get a new outfit. So, if you are done being a dumb arse, could you have Ginny floo me tonight?”

Looking properly scolded Harry said, “Yes Hermione, Love. I will.”

“Oh and Harry, Luna is a wonderful witch. She really will fit in nicely with you and Ginny.” She hugged him and walked away.

_____________

Ginny was at Hermione’s house Thursday morning at 8:00. She was very excited to go shopping. When she had floo’d her friend and explained that she needed her help shopping for a nice outfit for Friday. “What is Friday? Do you have a work function? Harry didn’t say anything.”

“No. I have a dinner with Malfoy and Nott”

Ginny’s face disappeared from the floo. Then her face popped back and she squealed, “About fucking time you had a date. We are going to make you look so hot. Those wizards won’t know what hit them.” After that it was all Hermione could do to keep the witch from sleeping over.

She was brushing her teeth when she heard someone knocking on the back door. Since the yard is enclosed and only accessible by the back door or apparition, her wards told her that it was Ginny. With a wave of her wand the back door opened. When she felt Ginny pass through the wards, she yelled to her that she would be down in a minute. In true Ginevra Weasley fashion, she didn’t wait for Hermione to come down. When Hermion came out of the loo her friend was going through her closet.

“Ginny. You scared the shit out of me” Hermione yelped.

With a wave of her hand, “Really Hermione, your wardrobe is atrocious. You only have clothes for work. And I’m not even sure what you have has even been in style for the past three years. Did you get wardrobe advice from McGonagall?”

“That's rude. You know that I’ve always felt that sensible and practical was the best option for work. And you know I haven’t had many opportunities to dress up. Except the occasional work function or party. Which again I would not want to wear anything too revealing.” she responded.

“Do you have anything that would show me what your style is? Something that was for, Oh…I don’t know, go on a date and then get laid after that date?” Ginny had no shame.

“I don’t usually pick my clothes that way.” Hermione stammered.

“Okay. Let’s try this another way. What do you wear if you just want a wizard to look at your tits and then hike your skirt up and fuck you into a wall?” No Shame.

“GINNY!!!!”

“Well at least show me your lingerie. Show me what that wizard is going to find under these ‘I’m practicing to be a spinster-witch’ clothes. Please tell me there are Veela panties under them.” Ginny started searching through her dresser drawers.

Hermione closed the drawers and said, “I don’t have very much in the way of sexy lingerie. That’s why you are here. I need help. The kind of help that a witch with ‘No Shame’ could give me.”

“Well after seeing what you have and realizing that it is truly NOTHING that you want any wizard with eyesight in even dim lighting to see. We have our work cut out for us. I say we hit not only Wicked Intimates, but also the new boutique that is right next door. It’s owned by the same Veela.”

Oh good Godrick. She only wanted an outfit, new undergarments were not going to be required. Nothing was going to happen, it was just dinner and drinks. “Ginny, I only need a nice outfit. No one is going to see my knickers.”

“Well you can never be too sure. Things may progress quickly. What if you decide that after dinner you want to skip the ‘getting to know you’ stage of the program and get right to the ‘practice fucking my brains out’ stage.” Ginny had a sparkle in her eye that made Hermione fear not only for herself but for Harry. That poor wizard definitely has his hands full.

“Let’s just go. We can stop at the Pastry Shop and have a quick light breakfast before we start my day of awkward shopping and decision making.”

Ginny laughed and grabbed Hermione’s arm and then went into the backyard and apparated straight to the Pastry Shop in Diagon Alley.

---------------

Narcissa found Draco and Theo sitting in the study. Each with a glass of firewisky in their hands. “I believe Ms. Granger is going to have all heads turning toward her tonight with such handsome wizards on her arms.”

Draco sneared, “Oh I’m sure every head will be turning, trying to figure out how a Death Eater is out with The Golden Girl.”

Theo chimed in, “ Or how a Slytherin is with the Griffyndor Princess.”

Narcissa sighed, “Well, I can see that I’m about three or four glasses too late. Mopsy.”

The little elf appeared, “Yes Mistress.”

“Please get the two sober up potions from the cabinet in my room. The bright green ones. Those will work faster and not leave them nauseous.” The little elf popped out and was back in less than ten seconds. Neither wizard could look at the witch for those ten seconds. “Thank you.”

She took the potion vials and handed one to each of the wizards. Then she took their glasses away. “Do you really think Ms. Granger wants to be escorted by two handsome, well dressed, drunk, self-pitying wizards? Before either of you says a word. I am disappointed in you both. How dare you get drunk before a dinner engagement? I taught you both better than that. And, how dare you speak so poorly of two men that I love so very much.”

Theo spoke in a quiet tone, “Mum do you really think someone as good as Hermione Granger should be seen out with the likes of us?”

Before she could answer, laughed and rolled his eyes. “This is so fucked up.”

Narcissa’s eyes flashed and a crackle of magic sparked from her, “You may be Lucious Malfoy and Theon Nott’s sons. Both of whom are notoriously known for their horrible deeds. BUT...you are forgetting that you are also MY sons. I know the good in both of you. I know your hearts. Miss Granger must see that also or I doubt she would have agreed to dinner. Let alone consider carrying your children.”

Both Draco and Theo lowered their heads and apologized, “Sorry Mum.”

“Now, drink your potions and raise your heads high and go show that witch what wonderful, fun and debonair gentlemen she is spending the evening with.”

They drank their sober up potions and headed to the fireplace. It was 6:58.

_______

Hermione had spent the day tidying up her house, nervously baking, and getting scolded by Ginny. “You need to take the entire day and pamper yourself. Take a leisurely bath, relax, and have a glass of wine. I will come over at three and we can work on your hair, make-up and clothes.”

“Ginny, I’m not sure about the outfit you picked. It really isn’t me. I like the one I picked out. It is less ‘revealing’ and I feel like I am not as ‘on display’. Plus it’s May, the weather is still too cold for the style you picked out. I may freeze.” She didn’t have to see the witch’s face in her fireplace to know that she was aggravated. She could definitely hear it in her voice.

“Hermione. You’re going out with two of the wizarding worlds most handsome, talented and richest men. You really think that Le Trios Bistro is the type of restaurant where witches just wander in wearing a pair of muggle joggers and ‘flip flops’. No. As far as freezing, you have a wand. You have magic. Use a warming charm”

Not being able to argue any of her reasoning, she apologized, “I’m sorry. I did ask you for your help. I trust your experience in this situation. Thank you for taking the time to help me. It’s just this is such an unnatural situation. I have never been good in social situations.” Hermione thought of the few Ministry events she had to attend after the war and cringed. That was why she was happy she lived in a muggle neighborhood. Nobody but a few of her neighbors even knew her name, and that was just to say hi.

The witch smiled, “I know. Please trust me. When I’m done with you, those men won’t know what hit them. Now go soak in the tub and pour in the relaxing potion I gave you. I had Justin, scent it with honeysuckle, just the way you like. Also, use the honey shampoo and conditioner. Leave that conditioner in for 20 minutes. Then wrap your hair in the satin scarf that sales clerk suggested yesterday. I will see you at 3:00.”

If there was one thing Hermione was good at, it was following instructions. After arranging the various sweet treats on the table, she cleaned up the pans and mixing bowls and put all the ingredients away. Then headed upstairs to begin her ‘pampering’.

She soaked and washed and magically shaved. After washing and conditioning her hair, she used the silk hair wrap, then she put on her satin robe and layed down in her bed. She really did feel relaxed, so relaxed she fell asleep. Ginny woke her at 3:00. “Well, I’m glad that you took the time to not only pamper yourself but get some rest too. You never know what you're going to need energy for later.” Then the witch waggled her eyebrows at Hermione.

“I can’t believe I took a nap. I never nap. That bath was so soothing. I guess you were right, by taking the time to actually enjoy the bath, rather than rushing through, it really feels wonderful.”

“I’m glad you’re rested. Now let’s get you ready for your date. Hair and makeup first.” That took about an hour and a half and two glasses of wine for Ginny and one for her. Ginny had Luna bring snacks over so that they had something in their stomachs to absorb the alcohol. Since all Hermione had prepared were desserts, the sugar would only add to the alcohol's effects.

While her friend continued to poke, prod, pinch and play dress up with Hermione, Luna visited and checked on the baby Snarfle in her kitchen cabinet. By 6:45 she stood in front of the two witches and the red head exclaimed, “Well I’ve done everything I set out to do. You look beautiful and completely fuckable.”

Luna smiled and said, “Hermione, Malfoy and Nott are not going to know what hit them.” Then as usual, “You will take their breath away and they in turn will leave you breathless by the nights end.” Both witches hugged her and as they stepped through the floo at 6:55 Ginny said, “I expect all the sordid and hopefully lecherous details tomorrow.”

Hermione went into the kitchen to get a drink of water, her throat was dry, she was extremely nervous. After drinking down the cool water, she heard the floo in the front room. Squaring her shoulders she walked around the corner into the sitting room just as both wizards stepped through. Her only thought was, ‘bloody hell they are too handsome.’

Draco said looked at the witch, “Sweet Salazar. Granger you’re bloody beautiful.”

Theo’s voice was deep and husky, “Fuck me! You are gorgeous.”

She stood in front of them dressed in a black strapless heart shaped corset with bone spines and silver stitching, black sheer detached sleeves that cinched at her biceps and flowed to just above her wrists. Four very sheer skirts, layered in color, black, charcoal, grey and silver. In the right light you could see right through and make out the shape and outline of her legs. Black ankle boots with three inch heels and with silver laces. Her chestnut golden hair was completely tamed and her curls were flowing down her back and around her shoulders. Hermione felt her cheeks heat up but also felt something stir down in the lower part of her body that was, thanks to Ginny, currently hidden by some very naughty lingerie. Remembering her friend’s words, ‘Even if they don’t see them, you will feel sexy and confident in them.’

Draco cleared his throat and said. “I’m not sure that I want to take you out where other wizards can see you. Some wizard is going to try to take you from us.”

Theo puffed up his chest and balled his fists at his sides. “I’d like to see someone try to take her away from us. I dare them.”

Hermione knew what Theo meant. She was pretty sure that she would scratch any witch's eyes out if they tried to turn Draco’s or Theo’s head. There was a possessive pull from the center of her chest toward the two men standing in front of her. What she didn’t realize was Draco and Theo both felt the same pull in their chests, right at the core of their magic.

Draco couldn’t believe the vision before him. He stammered and said, “Granger, is this what you’ve been hiding under those school uniforms, work clothes and Ministry robes?”

Chuckling, Theo just looked at her then at Draco and shrugged his shoulders, “Who the hell knew?”

She giggled and knew that she was blushing. So, to divert the attention from herself, she said, “Well you two always did clean up nice. Both men were in black suits with white dress shirts, muggle style. Theo had on a black tie and Draco had on a grey tie. Both men had white handkerchiefs in their breast pockets. Black dress robes over their arms.

Not answering either of their obviously rhetorical questions, she said, “Would you like a drink? I have firewhiskey, wine, lemonade, and pumpkin juice. I do have some muggle alcohol, rum, vodka and beer.

Theo enthusiastically said, “Oh beer. I’ve always wanted to try it.” Draco smiled and put up two fingers, indicating that he would also try a beer. Hermione told them to take a seat and she left to get the drinks.

After she had left the room, Theo’s voice cracked, “Draco, I don’t think I can look at that witch and keep my fantasies or my cock under control.” I am picturing Snape naked right now, just so it doesn't spring out of my pants.

Shaking his head, Draco said, “Filch. I’m picturing Filch.”

She returned with two bottles of beer, it was in the house because Harry liked it. She had an iced lemonade sweetened with honey. Both men were sitting in the chairs on either side of the loveseat. The sitting room was decorated in varying shades of cream. There were pictures on the walls and mantle of Hermione’s parents. She had reversed the spell that erased her from some of the photographs, so in some of them there was a familiar bushy haired girl. It was hard to look around and see pictures of her family. A family that would never be whole again, because of her.

Draco cleared his throat, “So Granger, is this a typical muggle house?”

“Yes. It’s actually the home I grew up in. My parents were very successful dentists so it’s considered a little larger than most.” Seeing the look on his face she added, “I know it is not the Manor, but it is home.

Both men took a sip of their drinks. She could tell right away that Theo liked beer and Draco did not. She offered to get him a firewhiskey but he very politely declined saying something about his mother and a promise. So she offered, “Would you like to taste mine?”

His signature smirk on that handsome face, “I would love to taste yours Granger.” She watched as he raised her glass to his lips and sipped. Her eyes glued to his mouth and those perfect lips. She watched as he licked them, his tongue sliding over his bottom lip, imagining it was her lip he was licking. Looking up, she saw his storm grey eyes, watching her intently. Swallowing, because for some gods only knew reason, her mouth was full of saliva.

“You like it.” Not a question. She made to get up to get another one for him.

He asked, “Is it alright if we just share?”

Hermione could only nod her head. For some reason hearing the word share in Draco’s deep timber made her clench her thighs, her knickers feeling damp. Finally regaining her composure, she looked away. Unfortunately she looked right at Theo. Blue eyes were staring at her, as if he could read every thought going through her head. The smile that slowly grew on his handsome face made her naughty knickers even more wet.

The air in her sitting room felt charged. The three quiet. After a few awkward moments she broke the spell. Clearing her head and focusing on why she asked them over early. Time to address the obvious hippogriff in the room. “I want to apologize for my behavior on Sunday. I don’t know why I ended up at the Manor. I was upset, embarrassed and hurt, I wanted to be somewhere that I would feel safe and protected. The next thing I knew I was outside of the gates.”

“I’m not going to lie. You did have us both worried. What had you so upset?” Draco inquired.

“I was at a celebration, and someone did not find my presence there a welcome. Nor did they agree with current life choices I’ve made.” She said in a quiet voice.

Theo’s eyes flashed with anger, “Did that large Weasley say or do something to you because of us?”

“Large Weasley? Oh. You mean Charlie. No. No. Charlie would never hurt me. He… “ she paused. “He was the reason for the celebration. Charlie Weasley has always supported me. Always been kind and caring. He would never in a million years hurt me. I love him and he loves me.”

What. The. Fuck. Draco thought. If she’s in love with another wizard, why is she not arguing our grouping? Why wasn’t he arguing the group? “Granger, why was he outside the gates soothing you?”

“As I said, I was upset about something that happened and he wanted to make sure that I was okay.”

Theo asked, “How did he know you were at the manor?”

“The bloody clock always knows where and what state I’m in.” As she saw looks of complete confusion on their faces, she clarified. “Before the war, Mrs. Weasley had a clock that showed what state of care her children were in. ‘Happy/Content, Sad, Mortal Danger, etc.’. After the war, after Fred was killed, the clock showed his status as DEAD. So, Mr. Weasley tried to help her by re-charming the clock. He was going to have Fred removed from it. Molly wouldn’t hear of it. So they kept him on the clock and changed it to show her children’s status and their location. Plus, she added Fleur, since she and Bill were married, and since we were ‘like’ her children, Harry and I were included. So now, Fred’s status is ‘Ghostly at Hogwarts’. Anyway, that’s how Charlie knew how to find me.”

Theo and Draco were not sure how much that explanation cleared up. Theo laughed, “Great Granger, you used a lot of words to clear up absolutely nothing.”

Shaking her head she looked at the mantel and its clock. “Oh, look at the time. We should go if you made reservations for 8:00. Let me grab my robes. Are we apparating?”

“Yes.” Draco smiled.

“Well follow me, my apparition point is in the backyard.” They got up and followed her, she stopped in the small hallway and grabbed her black dress robes. Then they went through to the kitchen. Draco and Theo stopped and looked at all the desserts on the table. Theo whistled.

Hermione laughed, “I was a little anxious about tonight. Baking is my nervous habit. It helps calm me.”

Theo said, “We are coming back here for dessert.”

Hermione smiled, “That would be lovely.?” The three of them stepped out onto her patio. Draco offered his right arm, she held tight. Theo grabbed her other hand. They allowed Draco to direct the apparition. A moment later, they were standing just outside of Le Trios Bistro.