Magical Lineage

Hermione entered the parlor and was greeted by a smiling Narcissa, “Good afternoon Dear. I am so glad you could join me. I know it must have been hard to drag yourself away from my boys. I do appreciate you taking this time with me. I will try not to keep you too long.”

“Narcissa, I am all yours. I am looking forward to some time just us witches and us getting to know each other better. We don't have to rush, the boys are busy planning something and I really could use some girl time.” Hermione was really looking forward to talking and visiting with the older witch. After all, if everything worked out, this would be her children’s grandmother.

“My Dear you look lovely. That dress is simply beautiful and the colors compliment you wonderfully.” Narcissa commented.

Hermione felt herself blush. She was worried, since she opted for muggle clothes instead of robes. “Thank you. You are too kind. Mopsy was a great help in getting my hair under control. I must learn her routine. It only took a fraction of the time I normally take and it looks so much better.”

“She is a treasure. I remember her being such a help when I was younger.” As if summoned, the little elf appeared, along with a tray of tea and sandwiches.

Hermione didn’t realize how hungry she was until she saw the tea tray. Then she felt her stomach and actually worried that it would grumble.

“Come, sit. You look famished. Did the boys not feed you this morning?”

She felt herself blush again. “Well we kind of had a lie-in. So by the time I got up it was time to get ready for our tea.”

Smiling and patting Hermione’s hand, “Oh. I see. Yes those boys can be distracting. They will take all your time and not be ashamed to ask for more. You really are in for a treat with two Slytherins. They are different from Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw wizards.”

Hermione must have had a puzzled look on her face because Narcissa went on to clarify her statement. “When I was in school, I definitely had my fun with wizards and a few witches. I did experiment with other houses. Each have their very own traits, talents and specialties.”

Hermione felt her jaw hit the ground. “I’m sorry did you just say, that you, Narcissa Black Malfoy, sexually experimented with other houses while at Hogwarts?”

“Of course love. How else is a witch to learn what she likes?” Narcissa chuckled.

“I thought Slytherin only stayed with Slytherin.” She said.

“No, we do experiment with other houses. We just needed to stay within the pure blood families.” She stated boldly, “I honestly did not follow strictly to that rule. I wanted to know what it was like to be with a half blood and a muggle born. There really wasn’t a difference.”

Hermione thought, If a Hippogriff flew into the room right now and started singing the British national anthem, it wouldn’t surprise her more than what she just heard from Narcissa.

The blonde witch was pouring tea and making a small plate of sandwiches. “I better eat while I have an appetite,' she said. “Otherwise Mopsy will report to the nurse who will report to Draco who will then hover like a mother peacock.”

Filing away Narcissa’s sexual history comments, she cleared her throat, and began to pour her tea and set her small plate. Since she had mentioned ‘the nurse’ Hermione felt there was an opening to ask, “Narcissa, may I ask what the doctors have said.” The worried look in the older witch’s eyes stung Hermione’s heart. So she continued, “Please don’t feel like you need to hide anything from me, I would never judge or treat anyone differently due to a medial issue. You never have to worry that you would not be allowed with any children I may have with Draco or Theo. You will be a wonderful grandmother and I would be so honored to have my children learn from you.”

Narcissa dabbed a tear from her eye. “You are so kind, especially after your history with this family, and this home.” She paused, sipping her tea, “For the longest time, I didn’t think I would see Draco or Theo grow into men. So I didn’t dare to dream of ever see them become fathers. Now I would like to just be able to be a small part of their children’s lives.” Clearing her throat, and smiling at the younger woman, “Well never mind. This afternoon is for you and I to get to know each other and look to the future. So I will just say, thank you. I can’t tell you what it means to me that you want to include me.

“You will be more than a small part. You are going to be their only grandparent, so no more talk of not being around to see them grow.” Hermione felt her voice catch in her throat and knew that her emotions were about to show. So she changed the subject. Summoning all her bravery she said, “Draco mentioned you may have knowledge of different types of magical interactions. I think the phrase is ‘compatible magics’?”

Narcissa’s smiled, “Oh yes. I know quite a bit about the different types of magics. There are several types of ‘compatible magic’. What are you interested in knowing?” She took a bite of her sandwich and waited for Hermione to clarify.

“Well, Draco, Theo and I have been spending a fair amount of time together recently and I see how their magic reacts and intermingles with each other. The three of us have noticed that with adding my magic into the group…well it seems to be reacting.” Hermione stopped talking. Hoping that the older witch would get what she was saying and asking.

Narcissa took a sip of her tea and nodded her head. “Magic intermingles and reacts to others all the time. There are several relationships that elicit stronger reactions than others. Family relationships, mothers and father magic mixes with their children, which helps in teaching and guiding the younger ones. Husbands and wives magic CAN mix and react in a positive way. This is not always the case. Married magics are not always necessarily compatible. In which case the couple just lives their life as a married couple whose magics play well together but never fully merges.”

Hermione thought about this, “I thought when the marriage bond was sealed that magic automatically merged.”

“It does and it doesn’t. It merges because of the bond. It just doesn’t have to meld and become one with each other. The marriage bond allows the witches and wizards to grow stronger because there is another magic attached to them. But it doesn’t mean the core of their magic has become one.” Narcissa explained.

“Does it ever become one? Is there a type of magic that fully merges with another?” Hermione asked.

“Yes Dear. There are a few types of compatible magic that merge. ‘Attracted magic’, pulls towards each other. When the couple gets together their magic automatically draws together. A lot of married or bonded couples have this type of magic. It merges to a point and makes the individuals stronger. There is ‘Companionable magic’, which aids and enhances each other. When a couple with companionable gets together, their magic strums together like a melody. Folding in and mixing to blend peacefully. Allowing the individuals to harmoniously share the benefits of combined magics.” She thought for a moment, “There is also ‘Fated magic’. This type of magic is destined to be together. They will find a way no matter the situation. As if magic itself rearranges 'life' to draw the individuals together. Couples with this type of magic are rare.” She pauses, a smile forming, then thoughtfully adds, “Triads that have ‘fated magic are extraordinarily strong. Fated magic is very old and powerful. Is there a reason you are asking?”

Hermione felt her face flush, “Well Draco, Theo and I felt something when the three of us were together this morning. After discussing it, we realized that we have felt that same sensation on a few occasions since choosing to be together.”

Smiling in a very knowing way, “Well when you add sex into a situation that may have already been touched by any type of compatible magic’...”

Hermione began choking on her tea. She coughed and dabbed at her lips, “Excuse me?”

“Sex Dear. Once you add sex into a situation that may be touched by a compatible magic, the magical response could be physical.”

“Why would you assume sex was involved?” Hermione knew her question was silly. She had no reason to be embarrassed, other than she was talking to the mother of the men that she had had sex with. But she also realized that she had no other mother figure to discuss this with. Molly was not an option, and Narcissa was a Slytherin.

“My sweet girl, one thing my boys have never been and that is discreet. They never remember to cast silencing charms and they never remember their surroundings. Plus earlier today the manor literally rippled with what could only be a magical aftershock. I had assumed the three of you were engaged in physical relations.”

Hermione was completely flummoxed. So drawing on her inner lion, she pushing forward she said, “Yes. The three of us felt a warmth and physical pull in our chests along with a pull in our magic.” Biting her lip, realizing Narcissa may have some answers. “Is that normal. The rippling, is that normal?”

Narcissa smiled and clapped her hands together. “Oh Hermione. Magic rippling the physical surroundings of a magical couple, or in your case, magical triad, is most definitely not a normal response to sex. I would keep an eye on you three, but it is my opinion that fated magic is at work and will only grow stronger as your relationship develops. I will get some books together from our library for the three of you to read. A ‘fated magical triad’ has not been around for quite some time. At least not hear in Britain. This is wonderful news.”

Grateful the older witch was knowledgeable in the topic of magical bonds. “Thank you Narcissa. I look forward to reading whatever books you are able to provide to help explain this type of magic.”

As they ate their sandwiches and sipped their tea they continued to talk and get to know each other. Then Hermione remembered her promise to Damocles, “Did Draco mention that I work with Damocles Belby. We are both involved in the werewolf sanctuary. Dam said he went to school with you.”

Mopsy popped in and cleared their trays, leaving behind a fresh pot of tea and a tray of, what could only be described as ‘decadent’ chocolate truffles.

Smiling at the younger witch, she motioned for her to indulge herself. Hermione did. “Yes, Draco did mention that to me. He said that you help at the sanctuary and you also help distribute the potion to the afflicted every month. Very good work indeed. Yes, I did go to school with Damocles. He was a year ahead of me, but a year behind Lucious.”

Hermione could swear she saw a slight blush cross Narcissa’s cheeks. But then it was gone. She thought she would test the witches' response again, “He said he remembers you fondly and that you were ‘always the prettiest witch in the room.’ His exact words.” Yep blush.

Sipping her tea and not making eye contact, “Well that was very sweet of him to remember me.” Then an abrupt subject change. “How is your tea? How are the truffles?”

“It is wonderful. They are delicious.” Then after a moment of quiet, Hermione’s voice, softly and with a hint of sadness. “When I was little, my mother and I would have tea every Sunday.” Hermione felt the sadness wash over her and a tightening in her chest. “Then when I started to have more frequent bouts of uncontrolled magic, we didn’t have our dates as often. Mother didn’t understand why strange things happened when I was around.”

She took a sip of her tea and smiled at Narcissa, but the smile was sad, “One day Professor McGonagall came and told us that I was a witch. After that neither of my parents knew how to act around me. Mum became a little afraid of me. I don’t really blame her and I’m not mad at her. After all in her world it was acceptable, even desired to have a child that was ‘normal or average’ not one you had to make up stories to explain their differences.” But anyway, after Professor McGonagall’s visit we stopped having our tea dates.”

Narcissa looked sad, “I never thought about how muggle parents would react to uncontrolled magic bursts. I imagine it would be scary.”

“It really upset me to find out that the Ministry knows at birth all the muggle children that are magical. I think they should at least let the families know that their child is different. I think that muggle born witches and wizards should be introduced to the world of magic before they turn eleven years old. I struggled in muggle primary school because I was different. Then when I found out I was a witch and would be going to a school with others that were like me, I was so excited that I would finally fit in. Sadly, I was just as out of place. Most everyone there was either pure blood or half blood and had been raised around magic and already knew so much. So I was playing catch up. I’m sure you heard stories when Draco was in school of the ‘know it all swot’ he went to school with.”

Narcissa put her cup down and leaned over, “Actually all I ever heard from him was that there was this ‘Granger girl who did this, or that, or was wearing this, or that. Or scored this much higher in charms or ruins.’ Then I got a letter informing me, ‘Granger broke my nose. I deserved it.’ So you see he has always been infatuated with you.”

Hermione laughed, “I can assure you, his reactions to me never led me to believe he was infatuated. But he has since explained that he had to keep up the appearance for the benefit of others.”

Narcissa knew she meant Lucius so another subject change, “What would you do to change the system. To fix it for muggle born children and their families?”

This was a subject that Hermione felt very passionate about and she had put quite a bit of thought into it. “Well, I would have the parents contacted when the child is born. Let them know that they have a witch or wizard in the family. Let them know that unexplained things are going to happen and it is completely normal. Then I would assign a magical liaison that they can contact with any questions they may have regarding the child or magic. Also, I don’t think that they should wait until eleven to start school with others of their kind. Right now pure bloods and half bloods are taught at home before attending Hogwarts. I think there should be a magical primary school that all witches and wizards should attend. I’m not saying they should be leaving their parents and living at school at five years old, but they could benefit from attending a daily magical primary school that may lay the foundation of their future education. It would also allow them to interact with others.”

Narcissa clasped her hands together and said, “Well Hermione if anyone could evoke change in our world, I believe you could. I would love to help in any way possible. I am quite gifted at fundraising and getting very wealthy witches and wizards to part with their gold. Let me know what you will need.”

Feeling her chest tighten and heart race, “Oh I wasn't saying I was able to take on such a large, intricate, political, important project.” Hermione heard the panic in her own voice, but saw that it was not registering to Narcissa.

“My Dear, you are brilliant. I could not imagine any other witch who would be more dedicated and passionate about this project. I will call my solicitors this week and have them set you up with an assistant or two that can help you get the research going. Also, we will need to look up magical laws regarding underage wizards and witches, along with laws guiding muggle awareness of our world. Well I'll tell you what, I will have my solicitor put together a team for you to delegate and manage the project.” The witch seemed to be beaming.

“Narcissa, I’m starting my job this fall at Hogwarts. Not to mention I am in the repopulation program with Draco and Theo. I’m just not sure I am the right witch for this job.” Hermione was near a full blown panic attack and felt her hands begin to shake. Well fuck, now was not the time for her fucking tremors to start.

Narcissa said in a loud voice, “Mopsy”, the elf appeared. “Please inform Draco I need to speak to him immediately.” POP The elf was off to accomplish her task.

Hermione could only think, ‘Shit. Shit. Shit.’ but what she said was, “Draco? Why do you need to see him?”

“Well Dear, I need him to make sure I am contacting the right people. He may have an opinion on who would be better to help research this project for you.”

Her panic was continuing to grow. It took all her control to keep it out of her voice. “Narcissa, I don’t think I am going to have time to get this going. Maybe we could talk about finding someone else.”

She smiled at Hermione, “Nonsense. I will help, I know my sister Andromeda would love to be involved. I’m sure you have many friends who would love to help you get this program off the ground.”

Before she could say anything, Draco came into the room rather in a rush. “Mum, is everything okay? Mopsy said you ordered her to get me right away. Do you need your nurse or a potion? What’s wrong?”

Smiling up at Draco, Narcissa said, “Nothing is wrong my love. I just need your help. Hermione and I are thinking of starting a foundation to help muggle born children and their families adjust and be educated about the magical world. I’m very excited about this and would like your help and input on which solicitors would help with researching the creation of a charity, foundation and primary school.”

Draco looked at Hermione and saw pure panic in the witch’s face. He also saw happiness on his mother’s face, a light that he had not seen in years. “Mum, why don’t you explain what it is you want. Then I should be able to ascertain what may be needed.”

Draco sat down next to Hermione and reached for the witch’s hand. He noticed that she had both of them pinned between her knees, so he gently pried one of them out and held it. He looked at her curiously when he felt them shaking. Trying to lock eyes with her, she looked down away from him. Refusing to make eye contact.

Narcissa was going on in her excitement about the need for a primary school, especially with the soon to be population boom. “In the creation of this new school, young muggle born children and their families would be introduced into the magical world in a more controlled fashion. This way there would not be such a shock to them and their lives.”

Draco nodded and felt the excitement that was literally vibrating off of his mother. Unfortunately, he also felt the panic and worry that was coming from the witch next to him that seemed to be shrinking into herself. “Mum, Hermione has a job commitment at Hogwarts this fall. She plans on running the library there. This has been a dream of hers. I don’t think she is going to be able to create and run a foundation for a new school. Not to mention she is very involved in the werewolf sanctuary and planning on being the mother to two pureblood heirs.”

Hermione finally looked up. She still would not look Draco in the eyes but she smiled and said, “I really am interested in the program. I just don’t see how I am going to be able to fit it in. I do know that Andromeda believes a magical primary school is important. Maybe you can talk to her and the two of you could see what it would take to get the project off the ground. I will help however and as often as I can. I promise.”

Narcissa smiled and said, “That is a wonderful idea. I do hope I didn’t pressure you. I know it will be a great undertaking and I didn’t take into account all that is currently on your plate. Of course Dromeda would help. I am planning to see her tonight. Draco, please leave the list of solicitors on my desk. I will look it over this week.”

“I will. Did you two have a nice visit? If you wouldn’t mind I would love to steal her away. Theo and I have dinner plans that we are hoping Hermione will join us for.” He looked at her and noticed that she was more relaxed, but still not making eye contact with him. Her hands were still shaking and she was still trying to gently pull them away from him.

Narcissa stood, “Of course dear. I had a wonderful tea and visit. I hope I was able to help you with your earlier subject about magic. Please excuse my excitement regarding a magical primary school. It has just been many years since I have felt so strongly about a need for a charity or foundation. I would of course welcome any and all suggestions you may have, and if you don’t mind I may need to consult with you regarding muggle topics.”

Hermione stood, “Of course. I had a lovely visit. As I said, I will definitely help in anyway. Also, thank you for your help earlier. I look forward to reading any books you are able to provide regarding magic.”

Narcissa leaned down and gave Draco a kiss on the cheek. Then in a surprise movement, did the same to Hermione. With a wave she left the parlor. Draco turned to her and said, “I’m not sure what magic you seem to have over Malfoy Manor but, I have not seen my mother this excited about anything in a long while. She actually is glowing with excitement. ”Hermione smiled sweetly at him and he felt his heart tighten.

She still felt the tremors in her hand, but she also knew that her panic attack and anxiety was slowly evaporating. Her concern for the older witch began to creep in. “Draco, do you think your mother’s excitement will be followed by a negative emotional crash due to her condition?”

He knew what she was asking and yes he was concerned. When someone with his mother’s condition gets so worked up whether positive or negative, there is usually an emotional and physical crash. “I am worried, but I’ll let the nurse know and we will try to be prepared. Unfortunately we will be away tonight, but I will keep an emergency portkey with me.”

Hermione looked into his eyes, “Where will you be? Would you like me to stay, just in case?”

“While that is a very generous offer, you will hopefully be with us. I’ll just keep everyone ready and make sure I can be reached at all times. Hopefully she will not have an episode, and if she does, maybe it won’t be this soon.”

Hermione was still a little on edge from the panic attack and wasn’t sure if Draco had noticed her tremors. “I think I would like to lie down for a bit. I am a little tired and if we have plans tonight I think I should rest a bit.”

Draco was concerned, but he didn’t want her to worry about what he was thinking. He wanted to talk to Theo about their plans and what had happened with mum today. “I’ll walk you to your room. You go ahead and rest. We are not leaving until seven tonight, so you have a few hours to rest. Then Mopsy will help you pack and prepare.”

“Where are we going?”

“That is a surprise. Now let's get you tucked into bed.” Holding her hand he led her out of the parlor and up to her room. He tucked her in and kissed her gently. Then he was off to find Theo.

_______________________

Draco found Theo in the dungeons, in his potions lab. As he entered Theo saw a look of concern on his face. “What’s wrong? Is mum okay?”

“Yes, mum is fine. Actually she is great. She and Hermione had a lovely tea, They decided to start a new charity and a foundation for magical muggle born children. Oh and they are planning on starting a magical primary school.” He saw Theo stop his movements and looked at the him. “I am serious. Those two witches together can come up with some crazy shit. Now mum is riding high, getting excited about this new endeavor. Any thoughts of reigning her in is just a fucking dream. So of course I’m now worried about the crash that will inevitably hit.”

“Do you want to cancel our dinner plans. We can reschedule for next week.” Theo suggested.

“I don’t know. I already told Hermione that we had made plans for tonight. But…” Draco’s voice drifted and he stopped right in the middle of his thought.

Theo watch his expression go from concern to full blown confusion and worry. “Dray, what’s wrong? Does she not want to go with us? Why do you look worried? Is it just mum or is something else bothering you?”

As if talking about his mother’s symptoms and recalling his observations of Hermione were merging. Panic and dread began to tighten his chest and he felt his stomach roil. His grey eyes shot up and locked to blue. “Theo, have you noticed Hermione’s hands? Have you noticed anything unusual? Like a nervous shake or tremor?” Draco hands were fisting at his sides, opening and clenching over and over.

“Drake, what are you talking about? Why would I have noticed ‘tremors’ in her hands? Are you talking about the same tremors as mum?” Theo waited. When Draco didn't answer he took a more stern tone, “Drake. Answer. Me. Now.”

Draco closed his eyes, his voice was so quiet, Theo struggled to hear it, “Theo. I saw them and I felt them. At the time I thought it was just nerves. But..Now… I think she has the same fucking tremors. I think she has them because of me.” Then he slipped down the wall and crumbled to his knees. “What if she is damaged because of me? Because I didn’t help her. I didn’t stop them.”

As Theo walked around the potions table, before he could get to him, Draco slammed his fist into the stone wall. The sound was definitely the sound of bone breaking and skin splitting. Three punches before Theo could grab his arm to stop the fourth from making contact. The damage was already done. The blonde's hand was in need of medical attention.

Holding his hand and pulling him into his arms, “What are you talking about? What tremors? If she does have any damage, why would you think it is your fault?”

Draco buried his face into Theo’s chest and sobbed. Not from the pain to his hand, he didn’t even feel that. He felt the hopelessness of the woman he was beginning to truly care for being damaged because of his inaction or his families quest for power. Draco couldn’t hear Theo’s reassuring words, He couldn’t feel the wizard’s arm around him or his hand rubbing soothing circles on his back. All he felt was the guilt and self loathing.

Draco wasn’t sure how long he had sat on the floor in Theo’s arms. He had been trapped in his memories of watching a small witch with chestnut and honey colored hair laying motionless on the floor of his parlor. The copper smell of blood and the acrid odor of urine. Her quiet sobs had ceased. Her movements had ceased. She just laid there on her side. Draco was fairly certain she was dead…

“Draco. Draco, Love come back to me. Come on. Do you hear me?” Theo’s voice broke through the memories. He could hear him and feel his embrace. When he opened his eyes, he was looking into cobalt blue and the beautiful, but worried face of the man that had stayed by his side through it all. He felt a tingle in his right hand and knew that Theo was casting a spell on him, probably a healing spell, since he also felt an ache in the same hand. The ache was dull, and that was when he saw the vials on the floor next to them, pain numbing potions. Two vials, he must have broken more than a couple bones.

Still looking deep into his eyes, Theo cupped his jaw. “There you are Love. I see you now. Thank you for coming back to me.” He gently kissed Draco. The soft, reassuring graze of his lips. Even though worry still etched Theo’s face he smiled, “Don’t scare me like that again. I don’t know what happened or what has you so worked up, but I’m sure between the two of us or the three of us we can work it out.”

Tears fell from storm grey eyes. “Belle tortured her harder than I had ever witnessed. I had been ordered to take Potter and Weasley down to the dungeons, Then, father hit me with a petrificus totalus as soon as I entered the room. I think he knew that I would try to attack Belle when I saw her torturing Hermione. Hours. Belle tortured her for hours. Cutting her arm. Casting the imperious and ordering her to hurt herself. Then over and over the cruciatus. Her screams echoed off the walls, until she had no voice.” Draco’s voice trailed off.

“My love there was nothing you could have done to stop that crazy bitch. She likely would have killed you. She was terrified that Potter and his group had gotten into Gringotts. That they had stolen the fucking horcrux. This all came out in testimony, during your trial.” Theo recounted, trying to keep the blonde with him in the present. Desperately trying to not lose him again to his memories.

Draco leaned his head back against Theo’s shoulder, his back was securely tucked into the broader man’s chest. Strong arms had encircled him in a loving protective embrace, while he continued to cast the healing charms. “Everyone knows now that I knew it was Potter. He was our best hope at defeating that megalomaniac. He was safe, hidden in our dungeons But I would have handed him over in a heartbeat, if it would have stopped Hermione’s torture. I would have given my life to stop that insane cunt from hurting that beautiful witch.”

“Drake there really was nothing you could do. You kept Potter’s identity a secret. You informed him that you were on his side and that you would help them escape if you could. Your father knew that you had lied about Potter. He thought it was to rob Bellatrix of turning Potter in and help him get back into Snakeface’s good graces. He thought you were weak and would give in and confess that it was Potter in the dungeons when you saw a schoolmate being tortured. So he bound you. You were unable to help her. Unable to give your life for hers.” Theo just sat and held him. Hoping his words would sink in and once again reassure his love that he had done everything possible in that fucked up situation.

Sometime later, Draco fully came back to the present and let Theo help him up. His hand was sore, but the healing spell Theo had used, had mended his split skin and what had surely been a few fractured bones. There was still dried blood smeared across his knuckles, and a dull ache throughout, but a oral pain potion should take care of that.

“I’m sorry Theo.” That was all he could say, he had no other words, excuses or explanations to give.

“There are no apologies necessary. You are entitled to your feelings and worries.” He took Draco’s hand and led him to the chairs that were by his desk. “Now calmly tell me, where is Hermione?”

“Resting in her room.”, he responded.

“What happened?” Theo probed.

Draco told Theo everything that had happened and what he had witnessed when he was called by Mopsy to join Hermione and his mother.

“Well you knew that if we put those two witches together and they got along, they would be a force that no one would be able to rein in.” Theo said.

“Yes, I do get that.” Draco said in a most irate voice. “I just didn’t realize they were going to plan the creation of a new foundation, try to establish a new charity and form a wizarding primary school over one tea. Fucking exasperating witches.”

“Did you really think being paired with Hermione Granger meant we would wind up with a quiet, demur, introverted witch?” Theo cocked an inquisitive eyebrow at him.

Draco couldn't help but laugh, “No. I guess not.”

Taking his hand, Theo led Draco out of the lab. “Please stop worrying. If something is wrong, I’m sure she will tell us. You are the one that has been stressing that I have to be more positive and open and not worry. So you need to take some of your own advice. Come on let’s go wake our witch.”

____________________

Hermione woke with a start, Mopsy was holding her hand and whispering to her, “Miss will be alright. Mopsy is here. Miss is safe. Masters will protect you.” The little elf was repeating the comforting words over and over again.

“Mopsy. What…? Where…? Why are you…?”

The elf looked concerned. She lowered her eyes and said, “Mopsy came to see if Miss needed anything. Came to help Miss get ready for night out with Masters.” She paused. “I heard you crying and mumbling.”

Hermione felt her heart skip a beat. She had had an episode. Oh no, did the whole house hear her? “Mospy, did Draco or Theo hear me?” Did anyone else hear me?”

The elf was still holding her hand and began to shake her head. “No. Only Mospy. I came up early to help you. Master Draco is in the dungeon with Master Theo. Mistress has gone to her sister’s home for dinner. Only Mopsy heard you crying.”

Relief began to settle over her. “Mopsy, please don’t mention this to Draco or Theo. Please don’t mention my crying or my mumblings to anyone. Can you keep this secret between you and I?”

The elf finally looked at her, “Miss wants me to keep a secret?”

Guilt hit Hermione. She felt bad asking the elf to keep a secret, but she couldn’t risk anyone finding out. She really cared for Draco, Theo and Narcissa. If they found out about her condition, they may feel she is unfit to be in the program. She felt a lump form in the back of her throat. Panic began to grip her chest. For the first time she truly could imagine being happy. Draco and Theo really like her. They want to be with her. Not to mention their magic is compatible.

“I’m sorry Mopsy. I really am sorry to ask you to keep a secret, but I really don’t want anyone to know about this.” Hermione pleaded.

Mopsy straightened her back and squared her little shoulders and said, “Mopsy will not tell anyone your secret. Mopsy will guard your privacy. BUT, Mopsy will not lie. If Mistress or Masters ask me. Mopsy will tell them. Miss should trust Masters, they will not judge. They are good boys and care very much for Miss.”

Hermione was so relieved, she didn’t give any thought to what else the elf had said. “Thank you Mopsy. Thank you so much.” Then she hugged the little elf.

Draco opened the door to a rather strange scene. Hermione was sitting on the edge of her bed, leaning down and hugging Mopsy. The elf, to her credit, was hugging her back, but looked truly confused.

“Well, you’re awake. Is everything okay.?” Draco inquired.

Before the little elf could speak, Hermione said, “Mopsy was just going to help me get ready for whatever you have planned for this evening. I was letting her know how grateful I am for her help.”

Draco smiled at her and in a cheeky tone said, “Well, we just usually say ‘Thank you.’ but if you wish to hug her and she’s okay with it. Go right ahead.”

Mopsy was visibly uncomfortable with the situation so she pulled out of the witch's embrace and slowly backed away toward the bathroom. “Mopsy will draw a bath for Miss.”, then the elf disappeared into the bathroom.

Draco seemed uneasy so she said. “Is something wrong? I feel bad intruding on your plans with Theo tonight. If you would rather it just be you two I can return home. I have research and proposals to put together for Headmistress McGonagall.”

Draco felt his chest tighten. “Do you not want to join us? Theo and I have been looking forward to tonight. But if you would rather not…”

“I would rather join you both tonight. I just don’t want to interfere.” She tried to clarify.

As he walked over to her side of the bed. “Hermione, you are not ‘interfering’. You are invited. What we are doing tonight and where we are going was planned with the three of us in mind.” I promise. “We will be gone the whole night and return tomorrow. Tipsy has promised to stock your kitchen for the week, since you will be missing your weekly farmers market trip. When we get home tomorrow you are welcome to stay and work here preparing your information for McGonagall.” Draco smiled that devilish grin at her.

“I just don’t want…” she started.

In both an exasperated and stern tone, “If you are planning to finish that statement with ‘...to be in the way’, I swear to Circe that I will take you over my knee and spank you until your bottom is hot and rosy red. Then I will let Theo spank you.”

Just then Theo walked into the room, “I’m not sure what game we are playing now but “YES” lets spank her. Sweet Salazar, I’m hard just thinking about it. I’ll move our reservation.”

Draco rolled his eyes and said, “I was not suggesting we spank her now. I was warning her that if she doesn’t start realizing that we WANT to be with her then her punishment will be a good sound spanking.”

Theo seemed to think about that for a moment, “Well punishment or not a spanking can be fun for all of us.”

Hermione stood and said, “I don’t need a spanking. Well at least not now. I don’t think I do. I just am not used to other people being concerned about including me. I know that most times I’m invited to things as an afterthought. ‘Oh did anyone call Hermione?’ or ‘Should we call Hermione?’ or ‘She is probably busy’. It’s okay. I know my friends care about me, but they have their own lives, interests and relationships.”

They watched as she worried her bottom lip and looked down. Theo walked to her and lifted her chin until her eyes met his. “Beautiful witch, you will never have to worry about being included with us. We would never want to do anything that did not include you.” He then dipped his head down to kiss her. His tongue slipping into her mouth and began playing with her own.

She didn’t need to see that Draco was behind her, she felt his presence before she felt his lips on her neck. Whispering in her ear, “Never a fucking afterthought.”

After a few breathless moments they separated. Draco saying, “We have to get ready, or we will have to move our reservation.”

Theo looked thoughtful. “Sooooo. I don’t get to spank Hermione’s beautiful round ass?”

She blushed and said, “No.”

Draco laughed as he headed toward the door. “Not right now, later tonight we can both take turns making her delicious bum red.” He heard her breath hitch and Theo’s deep chuckle.

It took her about an hour to get ready, and Mopsy would not divulge where the men were taking her. Just that “Miss will have a good time.”

She was dressed in a blue and silver dress that was cut very low in front. She made sure the concealment charm was in place to hide her scar. Mopsy straightened her hair and somehow it was beautiful, straight, shiny and there was absolutely no friz. Without a curl or wave anywhere, it was so much longer, brushing the top of her bum.

Mopsy had just finished her hair when Draco and Theo entered her room. They both just stared at her, speechless. Draco said, “This fucking reservation is going to need to be moved.”

Mopsy spoke up. “Master’s and Miss’ luggage has been sent ahead to the house. You will take Miss to dinner and not “muss” her hair or clothes. Bad wizard boys.”

Looking truly shamed for their desire to “muss” her up, Draco said, “Yes Mopsy. We will be gentlemen and take Miss to dinner and show her a great evening.”

Then Theo said in a low voice, “But then, we are going to “muss” her up so good.”

The elf just shook her head and looked at Hermione as if to say, “Good luck.” and she popped out of the room.

“Our portkey is in my office, I will grab it and meet you both at the front gate.

Theo took her arm and they headed down. “Theo, we need a portkey to get to where we are going?”

“Yes Love, and before you start asking again, where, please do keep your beautiful ass in mind. Tonight’s itinerary has been modified to include a sound spanking,”

She bit her lip, Theo laughed, and they headed toward the gate. Draco joined them just a few minutes later and they activated the portkey. Hermione felt Draco’s arm around her lower back and Theo’s hand holding her left arm. As she held onto the key. She felt a strong pull and when she opened her eyes she was looking at the Eiffel Tower.