Magical Lineage

Narcissa, dressed in beautiful black and white robes, was waiting at the front gate with Mopsy when the three of them showed up at 6:58. Theo and Draco kissed Narcissa’s cheek. Each bidding her “Good morning.”

Hermione was dressed in soft lavender robes. “Good morning Narcissa, you look beautiful.”

“Good morning Dear. Thank you. You look stunning in that color.”

“Thank you.”

Theo, Hermione and Draco were all eating Danish pastries. Draco had summoned them from the kitchen on the way out of the manor to meet his mother at the gate. “Mum did you have a chance to eat this morning?” he asked as he offered her the extra pastry he was holding.

Waving off his offer, “No thank you Dear. I had a light breakfast this morning. You know how portkey travel upsets my stomach.” Narcissa looked at both wizards, her gaze traveling up and down.

The three of them had come straight from bed. The men were in joggers and t-shirts. Both were barefoot.

Narcissa shaking her head, “Have we lost all our wealth? Can you two not afford shoes? Barefoot like common street urchins.”

The two wizards tried to cover their laughs. Hermione giggled as she finished her Danish.

Draco said, while shaking his head, “No mother, we still have more gold than Croesus. Especially when you add in the Nott fortune.” Vanishing what was left of his own sweet pastry, he stood behind Hermione. Wrapping his arms around her. Moving her hair aside, Draco leaned down and kissed her neck. She tipped her face up to him and he captured her lips. “Be safe. Have fun. If you need us, remember Mopsy can apparate internationally. Elf magic is different. She doesn’t need a portkey.”

Hermione smiled and patted his hand. “I know. I remember Paris.”

Theo pulled her into his arms. “I’ll miss you. Have fun, bond with mum. Or whatever she has planned.” Then he kissed her.

She stepped away from them and nearer to Narcissa. “You two are like two worried old crones. We will be fine. I don’t think your mother’s plans include international larceny. We are very capable witches. I will see you both in a couple days. Have fun and enjoy your time together.” She gave them a very Malfoy worthy smirk.

Narcissa smiled and winked at her, “How do you know I don't have international larceny planned. I am a daughter of the House of Black.”

Hermione shrugged, “Well then, I will learn from the best. I’m up for a little chaos and mayhem.” Mopsy laughed and grabbed Hermione’s hand and Hermione clasped hands with Narcissa. Narcissa smiled at the boys and just before activating the portkey said, “I’ll let you know where to send the solicitors and the gold for bail.” And they were gone.

Theo laughed, “Cheeky witches.”

Draco threw up his hands, “They’re corrupting the bloody elf.” Noting that Theo’s expression matched his. “Come on mate, let’s grab some real breakfast. Then start our day. There is so much to busy ourselves with, maybe we won’t notice she’s gone. Remember, we have to meet with the solicitors and the goblins regarding Nott Manor.”

Theo smiled “Oh Thanks for reminding me. I had forgotten.”

Draco continued, “That’s right before lunch, so I thought after our meeting we could have lunch on the terrace and then get in a little flying, until the dragon tamer gets here.”

“Draco, what dragon tamer is coming here?”

“I invited the large Weasley here for dinner. I thought we could discuss Hermione’s birthday present. Maybe we can even get a feel for what the hell is between the two of them.”

“Do you think that is such a good idea? I don’t want Hermione to think we were prying into her personal relationships.”

“Okay. Then how about I owl Potter too? See if he can join tonight?”

Theo seemed to relax, “I think that is a good idea.”

They went to breakfast then separated. Draco to the library to do research and Theo to the dungeon's to check his potions. After taking inventory of his on hand stores, he had to get to the apothecary for a few ingredients he was running low on.

Around ten, he went searching for Draco. Venturing into the library he didn’t see the blond so he called out, “Dra I will meet you at Gringotts, I have to pick up some ingredients first.”

From somewhere back in the stacks, Draco shouted, “I can’t hear you.”

Theo wound around the stacks and found him sitting on the floor with piles of books on either side. He leaned against a bookcase, smirking he noted, “You look like you're channeling a certain witch. What the hell are you doing?”

“I’m trying to find a way to break a specific curse. I know the thing is in place, but there doesn’t seem to be a counter curse. If I can’t find a way to break it, our gift will be a meaningless gesture.”

“Can’t we get a curse breaker to do it?” Theo asked.

Draco looked up at him. “We could. The problem is, the fucking curse is old, and very strong. I had someone out to look at it and they assessed it would take a lot of hours, and that was if they could find the right counter. It could take days if not weeks to find the counter and then they will have to peel away the curse in layers. Not to mention it will magically drain the breaker. It doesn’t matter, all of the breakers that would be able to do it are either working for the Ministry, breaking confiscated death eater reparations or in Egypt dealing with the recently discovered subterranean chambers found under the pyramids. If we wanted one of them to come here and do what needs to be done before her birthday, we needed to put a request in two months ago. But that doesn’t matter, they’re backlogged anyway.” He tossed the book he was looking through aside. “I thought if I could find the counter, that would at least entice a breaker to attempt to clean the property.”

“Couldn’t we just pay someone or build something or donated to some cause? What is the point of being rich if you can’t pay someone off.” Theo asked.

“Well, clearly I tried that.” Draco sounded exasperated. “Unfortunately, there are only a few breakers skilled enough to break something so old. I even tried to entice a few to come out of retirement, but they refused. So here I sit.”

“Do you want me to help you look. I can pick up my ingredients after our meeting.” Theo asked.

“That would be great. With any luck, after our meeting and your shopping we could have a fly before dinner to clear our heads and relax.”

After an hour of sitting on the floor and searching through dusty old tomes. Theo stood to stretch. Draco looked up and noted that Theo’s trouser zip was right in his face. “Theo? What do you think about what we did for Hermione last night?”

“That witch is going to be the death of me. I wasn’t surprised, she has been very curious about you and I. Last week while I was sucking on her clit and had two fingers deep in that loveley ass of hers, she casually asked ‘Theo, would you ever fancy fucking me, while you suck Draco off? We have done it so many times with me sucking him off while you fuck me. Maybe we could try it.’ I actually thought I had finally passed out between her legs from lack of oxygen.”

Draco closed his eyes and swallowed, almost choking on his spit, “What did you say?”

Theo looked embarrassed, “I’m sorry to say, instead of answering her, I bit her clit and stuck a finger in her cunt. Combined with the two in her ass, she was bucking my face and fucking my fingers.” After her third orgasm, she either forgot she’d asked me a question or her brain was disoriented from lack of blood. Either way I think it only put off the inevitable.”

Draco laughed, “I think we have unleashed her inner Slytherin sex addict. If you aren’t eating or fucking her, I am. Or both of us are. I can’t get enough of her. The other day she brushed past me in the dressing room and the next thing you know she was spread open before me and I’m balls deep in her ass with three fingers in her cunt and she’s shouting my name.”

Theo asked, “Should we wait until she asks us to touch each other again?

Draco smiled, reached a hand up and began to unzip Theo’s trousers, “I don’t see why we have to wait? You're right here in front of me. My mouth is watering just thinking about your cock.” Draco reached into Theo’s trousers through his open placket and pulled down the front of his undershorts only. He wrapped his hand around the man’s very large shaft and cupped his balls. Without pause, he guided both through the opening of his trousers, leaving Theo completely dressed otherwise.

He braced his feet and reached over Draco’s head holding onto the shelf. Feeling warm breath on the sensitive skin of his balls, and a warm wet tongue licking and sucking under his sack. Sparks shot through his body. He looked down and watched Draco’s tongue coat his balls in warm saliva and then suck them into his mouth, while his hand stroked upwards on his shaft. Uncontrolled a guttural moan escaped him. Their eyes locked. Draco dragged his tongue up the underside of his dick and opened his mouth. Blue eyes watched as his length disappeared into the other man’s mouth. Hot wet suction engulfed every nerve in his cock. Theo’s grip on the bookshelf was so tight, his knuckles were white. “Fuck Draco. Oh Baby. Oh my gods.”

He worked Theo’s cock all the way into his mouth and down his throat. Roughly tugging on his balls and dripping saliva over them. Several times Theo bucked forward, wanting to take over control and fuck deep into his throat.

Finally, the second time Draco had edged him too close to release, only to stop and deny him, Theo growled and grabbed Draco’s head. “Stop fucking playing with me.”

The blonde braced himself and held onto Theo’s thighs and waited for the rough face fuck he anticipated was coming. He knew that edging Theo and denying him would drive the wizard mad and push him to take over control. He was not disappointed. Theo tipped the blonde’s head back a little, burying his fingers in the hair at the back of his head with one hand and just under his jaw with the other then began to thrust mercilessly.

“Keep your eyes open Drake. You teased me. Now I want to see you while I fuck your throat.” Draco complied. He knew the other wizard needed this. Needed to feel in control. Needed to forget how much he missed Hermione. Truthfully this let Draco focus on the other man’s needs and forget for a little while how much he too missed her.

Theo held tight and pushed in and out, fast then slow. Then Draco felt the flared head hit and push just a little deeper and hold there. Feeling warm cum shoot down his throat. Theo held him like that just long enough that Draco saw light flashes at the edge of his vision. When he pulled out he gasped for breath and licked his lips.

After tucking himself back in and straightening his clothing, he reached down and offered Draco a hand. The blonde rose to stand in front of him and Theo captured his mouth, kissing him deeply. Embracing Draco to him and gently stroking the sharp angle of his jaw. Their tongues slowly stroked and twined together. Theo pulled away and whispered, “Thank you.”

The blonde leaned in kissing and nibbling on the other man’s jaw and neck. Finding Theo’s pulse he licked softly with his tongue, “You are very welcome. It was my pleasure.”

Theo reached down to stroke Draco, but the other man stepped back. “We don’t have time to continue this.” Grabbing the other mans hand they headed to the floo.

They had their meeting at Gringotts. The solicitors completed the paperwork with the goblins. After giving Draco and Theo the paperwork that needed to be signed, witnessed and filed with the bank and the ministry. When all of their banking and legal business was complete, they stopped at three stores to get the ingredients that Theo needed. Finally heading home, to clean up and get ready for their dinner guests. There would be no time to fly over the grounds.

Draco felt the wards at the front gate, Potter was the first to arrive. As they walked down to let him in, Charlie appeared next to him. Draco took in their appearances and thought the two men could not be more opposite.

Theo waved and greeted their guests, “Hey Potter, Weasley. Glad, you could join us.”

Weasley nodded, and Potter waved, “I will say I was surprised to get your invitation.”

When they got back into the manor, Draco turned and said, “Hermione lives here now, you are always welcome. All of her friends are welcome.”

Theo added, “We only want her to be happy.”

They made their way to the game room. While Theo got everyone a glass of fire whiskey Draco said, “I thought we could relax and have dinner, discuss Hermione’s gift and maybe play some games.”

Their guests were startled when Tipsy popped into the room. “Excuse me Masters, where are wizards eating dinner?”

Draco smiled at the little elf. She usually wears her white chef jacket, but after Mopsy had left she came into his study to confirm the dinner menu and she was worrying her ears raw. When he inquired as to what was bothering her, she said with tears in her eyes and pulling both ears, “Tipsy is not a serving elf. Tipsy is a cooking elf. Master will be embarrassed if Tipsy makes a mistake.”

Draco had assured the elf that she would not make a mistake. Even if she did, he would not be upset or embarrassed.

Now she stood before them in a pink pant suite. Draco had to bite his lip to stop from smiling. “Tipsy you look lovely.”

She smiled and wrung her hands together, “Thank you Master Draco.” then turning to the other men in the room. She waited. Theo bowed and said, “You look stunning in that outfit Tipsy. I may try to steal a kiss tonight.”

“Master Theo is a flirt. Master knows that Tipsy is seeing Hippy. Hippy is not a sharing elf. Master Theo should give his attention to Miss Granger.” She looked pointedly at him and added, “Tipsy will not tell Hippy that Master Theo was flirting with his elf.”

Theo nodded his head, “Thank you Tipsy. I appreciate your discretion and for reminding me of my place.”

She turned to Potter and Weasley, “Tipsy has dinner for wizards. I will serve in five minutes, if guests would like to clean up. Or maybe guests would like to tell Tipsy how lovely she looks.”

Both wizards were stunned at the little elf’s boldness, but they recovered quickly. Potter said, “You are the loveliest house elf I have ever seen.”

Weasley smiled and said, “Pink is my favorite color and if Hippy doesn’t appreciate you, please have Master Draco let me know, I’ll have a talk with him.”

She nodded, as if to say. “That’s better.” and popped out of the room.

All four wizards laughed. Potter said, “I will admit, I did not expect such an independent elf in Malfoy Manor.”

Draco chuckled, “Yes, Tipsy and Mopsy are definitely outspoken.”

Theo laughed, “If they were not paid employees and already outspoken, Hermione would have had us free them, negotiated their salary and had us buy them full wardrobes.”

Harry laughed, “You’re not wrong there Mate.”

Theo transfigured the table, enlarging it and raising the height. Now it resembled an appropriate dinner table. Dinner plates appeared and the wizards sat down to eat.

____________________

Hermione stood in front of a beautiful villa at the end of a long stone walkway. The grounds and landscaping were beautifully maintained. She didn’t ask where they were, she would be patient and let Narcissa explain in her own way and time.

The older witch turned to Mopsy, “Go prepare the house. Hermione and I will take a walk around the grounds.”

“Yes Mistress.” and the little elf disappeared.

Narcissa took Hermione’s arm and gently nudged her to walk up the path toward the three-story villa. It was the color of sandstone and had so many windows, it looked like the front was a wall of them. “This home has been in my family for over 500 years. It can only be inherited by the women in the Black family. Even though Andromeda and I are the last two Black women, she was disowned and therefore erased from the family line.”

She was quiet for a while then said, “When we were children we came here quite a bit. Father had no claim to it because he was male. Aunt Walburga was the only female Black heir, but she only had boys, Sirius and Regulus. She had no interest in a home that could not be used for her dark needs. Ancient wards and protections will not allow the practice of dark magics here.

Narcissa paused and sighed. “My family line is so twisted and tied up with pureblood family lines. It was very confusing as to who had the right to manage this property. Father had his solicitors look into it. Finally, it came down to just my sisters and I. Then Dromeda met Ted Tonks, a muggle born wizard. Well, you know how that ended. Bella of course would have had a claim on it but just like aunt Walburga she was not interested in anything that she could not give to or impress you know who with. Then of course in the end Bella…”

Hermione didn’t know what to say, so she said nothing. She was not sorry that Bellatrix was dead. She knew that Draco felt the same way. She had hurt, humiliated and tortured her own sister. But, she was still her sister, so she wasn’t sure how Narcissa felt about it. The older witch cleared that up right away.

“I’m glad that Bella isn’t here. She was not a pleasant person to be around. Even as a child she was mean. When I married Lucious. I begged my mother and father to give this property to me. I knew they would never consider giving it to Dromeda because of Ted. Bella never liked this place. My parents were overjoyed that I married Lucious, they were so proud that he was in good with Vold…you know.”

Hermione noticed it was hard for the witch to say the name. She felt her small hand tighten around her arm. She didn’t want the witch to feel uncomfortable, so she wrapped her other hand around Narcissa’s to reassure her that it was alright for her to continue.

“They trusted me to be the obedient daughter and they signed the papers without reading them. Agreeing to all the terms outlined. Not knowing there was a hidden unbreakable vow. Had they read the inheritance contract before, I’m certain one of them would have imperioused me. My father may have even killed me. But they were too arrogant. They just signed. After all, I was the good girl. I was the witch that did as she was told. I tied my life and magic without question. But mother forgot that I was also a Black and a Slytherin.”

The two witches reached the front of the villa and followed the path to the left. Lining the path on both sides were the most beautiful roses Hermione had ever seen. The colors were so deep and vibrant, purples, reds, yellows, oranges. Every color you could think of was there and if she were correct, even a few that may not even exist in the muggle world.

Narcissa continued. “Oh mother was fit to be tied, when she realized I had tricked them. Not only did they give me the property but also the vault of gold that had no tie to my inheritance or wedding dowry. You see it is all in the wording of the gift. The wording tied my parent’s tongues. They couldn’t revoke the gift, nor could it be revealed to anyone that it even existed. The property, vaults and ownership was protected in such a way that were they to reveal it or discuss it with anyone, me included, they would ensure they would immediately draw their last breath.” Narcissa was quiet for a few moments then cleared her throat. “I really didn’t like them very much. So putting death in the stipulations of the inheritance was acceptable to me.” Shaking her head she smirked, Draco’s smirk, “The solicitor that drew it up, was after all a former beau of mine, a very bright, gifted Ravenclaw. Oh that wizard was gifted and talented in more than his legal wording of a contract.” She sighed, “They really should have read the inheritance specifications.”

They turned right, heading down another path that led to the back of the house. Hermione stopped and took in the view. The beautifully maintained grounds had not only every type of flower you could think of, but also sculpted bushes, flowering trees and what Hermione could only guess was a fruit orchard off in the distance. She realized from the view, they were in a valley. There were green hills in the distance that outlined the property.

“So when I married Lucious, I had hidden this property from him. From everyone. Due to the 500 year old magical trust of only Black women inheriting and the papers my parents signed, he had no claim to it. No right to it. He took my inheritance, my obedience, my magic and used it for his own gain. When Draco was born, I had difficulty with the pregnancy, I was told that I would likely never be able to have another child. Lucious was fine with that, he had an heir. He didn't care that I had wanted a big family, more children, siblings for Draco. He only cared about himself, what he could have, the power he could wield. Looking back, I thought we were happy when we first married, but I believe that everything he did was solely for himself. It was not for me, not for Draco, but for himself.” Pausing for a moment. “He wasn’t always unkind or selfish, but I do believe it was in his true pure blood upbringing to take from everyone and look down on those he considered lesser. Me included.”

They turned again to the back of the villa, still following the stone path. There was a large veranda at the back of the house, which overlooked a Grecian style pool and gazebo.

Narcissa continued, “I wanted one thing that could be protected. One thing that was mine. So after my parents unwittingly gave this to me, but before I married Lucius, I had a team of curse breakers clean the property and the villa, for any hidden curses aimed at male ownership. I had solicitors draw up papers and file them in secrete, This property was to be given to Draco upon my death, but only if Lucious was dead at the time. There is a magical trust that locks this house solely to my child or children and his heirs.”

The witches sat on a stone bench. They took in the view quietly for a few minutes. Then Hermione broke the silence. “Narcissa, does Draco know about this place?”

“No.”

“Why am I here?” she asked.

“Well, as I said I had hoped to have a daughter. That was not meant to be. Then I thought neither Draco or I would live through the war. When we both survived and Lucious died. I hoped Draco would have a daughter, but then he showed no interest or desire to have children.”

Hermione spoke up, “Then the Repopulation Program forced him to have at least one child. Your hope for a granddaughter returned.”

The older woman smiled. “Yes. The magical world is not always fair to females. Even though MAGIC is equal, it does not distinguish between male and female. That is only done by the Ministry. The Ministry in Britain is very biased towards wizards, at least as far as purebloods are concerned. Changes have been made, but not enough, and not in a timely manner.”

Hermione nodded. “I agree. Witches are still fighting to have the same freedoms and rights as wizards. I can only imagine it is even more stifling for pureblood witches.”

Narcissa nodded in agreement. “So you see Hermione. Not only will your child with Draco be the Malfoy heir, but they will also be the Black heir. If it is a daughter, she will get this home. If you choose to have more than one child with Draco, any daughters will share this place. With the understanding that the trust outlines it can NEVER be transferred, sold, given to any man marrying into this family. If there is more than one female heir, it will be shared and enjoyed by all.”

“Since Dromeda and I have reconnected. I wanted her to be added to the inheritance of the property, but she doesn’t want any part of it. She has however come here twice with me to see to its maintenance and management. I have had Mopsy pop in once a month to see to its care and upkeep. The keepers work through her for their needs and I handle their pay through the private vault.”

Hermione smiled, still not comfortable with the thought of house elves, “How many elves do you employ here?”

The witch smiled and stood. “Come my dear and meet the staff.”

They walked around the back of the villa, heading to the front completing the circuit around the structure. Entering through the front door, the entrance was breathtaking. Everything was creams, tans and light olive color. There was a beautiful entrance foyer that was two stories high, with double staircases leading to a balcony which expanded in three directions to the rest of the second floor. To the right she could see a beautiful sitting room and to the left what she assumed was either a study or library.

Hermione felt Narcissa touch her lower back to guide her under the archway of the staircase. Stepping into a breathtaking parlour, with a wall of windows. Standing just in front of the windows were five people, humans not elves. Along with Mopsy. Narcissa walked up to the waiting staff.

A tall thin woman with a lovely smile, black hair done in an updo greeted them. “Mistress. We were so happy to hear that you were coming. The villa is ready. Lucy has made sure your rooms and Miss Granger’s rooms have been prepared. Your luggage is already unpacked. Mopsy has given us your schedule and Rosa had prepared a light snack before your first meeting. Would you like to freshen up before or after you eat?”

Narcissa smiled and nodded to the woman. “Thank you Angelina. Miss Granger and I will eat, then freshen up.” Turning to Hermione she said, “I would like you to meet, Angeline, she manages the villa. Rosa,” Hermione noted was a short stout woman with a very beautiful smile and large happy eyes. “is the cook, kitchen manager, shopper. All the delicious foods you will eat are prepared by her very gifted hands. Lucy,” a young olive skinned woman with large brown eyes, “is the maid. She will see to any needs of a personal nature you may need.” Joseph and Jonathan,” twins with sandy brown hair and facial hair, “they maintain the grounds.”

Hermione smiled at the men and women in front of her, “It is a pleasure to meet you.” Then she turned to Lucy, “Thank you for taking care of preparing our rooms.”

The woman nodded her head, “You are most welcome Miss. We are always excited when Mistress is here.”

Rosa cleared her throat, “Where would you like to eat?”

Narcissa turned to Hermione, “Do you mind if we eat in the kitchen? I just love to catch up with Rosa and the smells in there are just wonderful.”

Hermione nodded and followed Narcissa and Rosa into the kitchen. “It does smell wonderful in here. What are you making?”

“Mistress loves Mushroom Carbonara, with wild mushrooms.” The woman smiled and directed them to the breakfast counter. There were two plates and a platter of various breads, cheeses, meats olives and fruits. Narcissa began filling her plate. Hermione was happy that the witch had her appetite. After she herself had made a plate, Rosa placed a lemonade with mint and honey in front of them and went about her kitchen duties.

“I was very surprised that you don’t have elves working here.” Hermione said matter of factly.

Narcissa smiled, I had elves, but when mother realized that I had tricked her, she recalled them to Britain. When I asked if I could buy them from her, the vindictive witch said yes, and mailed me their heads along with a bill.”

Hermione gasped. “Why would she do that? How many elves were there?”

She did it because she could and as far as how many, there were twelve. Five of which came from the same family line as Mopsy and Tipsy.” Rather than find new elves and indenture them to me or the property, I found witches and wizards that needed work and after the curse breakers cleaned the house and grounds Angelina was the first hired and she helped fill the other positions. Lucy is her daughter.” Narcissa sipped her lemonade and added, “The Italian Ministry is very different than the British. They allow witches and wizards to work as domestic help. British law does not.”

Well Hermione thought, that answered the questions as to what country they were in. “Where in Italy?”

“Tuscany.” Narcissa answered.

“How big is the property?”

Narcissa chewed her bite of bread and cheese. “This property is over 500 hundred acres. I’ll let Joseph and Jonathan tell you everything they grow here. Suffice it to say, There are more than enough fruits and vegetables grown on the property. We actually supply to the little village down the road and donate produce to the orphanage. That was something else my mother had issue with. She would rather it rot or be thrown away before it be given to a muggle orphanage.

“Muggle?” Hermione almost choked on her grape. She grabbed her drink and sipped until her throat cleared. “Did you say muggle orphanage?”

“Yes dear. The staff here is all muggle born. Angelina’s husband, Lucy’s father is a muggle. Rosa’s mother was a muggle, her father is a wizard. He actually works in the ministry.

Hermione just smiled and shook her head. “I’m sorry and I mean no offence, but I never would have believed that Narcissa Malfoy Black would hire muggle borns. Let alone help a muggle orphanage with their food supply.”

Narcissa just smiled and said, “Well dear, we all rebel and help in our own way. I couldn’t fight Lucious and his Dark Lord, but I could find satisfaction with every muggle or muggle born child that filled their belly with our food.”

Rosa laughed. Narcissa winked at the witch kneading bread dough. “Yes Rosa, do you want to add something to the conversation?”

“Mistress snuck me into fundraisers. I was to cook all the food that was to raise money to enslave muggle born witches.” Shaking her head and looking at her Mistress, “You got such satisfaction when you had me cook for those pureblood asses and had Mopsy and Tipsy serve it to them. They all praised how delicious it was and how only pureblood homes could create and offer such delicious food.”

Hermione gasped, “You really served purebloods food prepared by muggles and muggle born witches?”

With a mischievous sparkle in her eyes she said, “I absolutely did. At every party to rally and raise money to rid the world of muggle borns, I served them food prepared by one of the best muggle born cooks. What was my only request Rosa?”

“Mistress is so bad. A true Black. Mistress said, any sauce or gravy I make I was to taste with the same spoon I was stirring with.”

At that comment Hermione lost her hold on her self control. She burst out laughing, holding her stomach. Tears began to stream down her face. Narcissa laughed as well. Rosa just shook her head and went about her duties.

After their lunch, Narcissa had paperwork to gather together for her meetings. Lucy led Hermione to her rooms and drew a bath and laid out her clothes. “Does Miss need anything else?”

“No. Thank you Lucy.” Hermione sank into the tub and relaxed in the smell of honey lavender. Going over all she had learned today, The most surprising thing was that Voldemort's General and most loyal follower had a wife that was a muggle sympathizer. Hermione chuckled to herself and said outloud, “Who the fuck would have ever thought that pureblood Narcissa Malfoy Black would help muggles and muggle borns.”

__________________

After dinner, and the discussion about Hermione’s birthday gift. Charlie and Draco were playing billiards when he came up with a solution to Draco’s problem. “My brother Bill is a very talented curse breaker. He used to work in Egypt but, since marrying Fleur, they live here now. He does the odd job for various solicitors and of course works for Gringotts. But for the most part he stays close to home, since Fleur is expecting their third child.”

Draco was excited, “Do you think he could help with the property?”

Charlie chucked, “Bill would do anything for Hermione. He loves her as much as I do. She would be family now if the war hadn’t happened.” Charlie almost missed Draco’s eyes flash and Theo’s breath catch.

“Well, if you wouldn’t mind letting him know I would like to use his services. I would greatly appreciate it.” Draco said.

Across the room, Theo and Potter were playing wizard’s chess. Theo was distracted listening to Draco’s conversion with Charlie, so he made a stupid move and Potter took out his last knight. Potter would check in three moves.

Harry asked Theo, “Hermione is adapting well to living at the Manor?”

“Yes, she seems to be. Her favorite room of course is the library.” Theo said.

Harry laughed. “I’m sure it is. That witch would live in Hogwarts library when we were back at school.” She even had her own table, I don’t think anyone realized that the table under the west window was officially - unofficially Hermione Granger’s. I think she put a notice me not charm on the table so no one would ever sit there and she could have it all to herself.”

“I knew where that table was. I also knew that it was her favorite spot in the whole library. She would sit there and revise for hours. Until Madam Pince kicked her out right before curfew.”

Harry looked at the wizard confused, “How would you have known that? Slytherins didn’t usually use the library when Gryffindor’s did.”

“Not all Slytherins hated the other houses Potter. Some of us were lumped in with the others. Some of us had to keep up appearances for our own survival.”

Harry thought about that and after seeing the other wizard’s reaction he said, “Did you care about her then too?”

Theo looked down at the chess board and nodded his head, “Draco and I always cared about her. Unfortunately had anyone realized it or figured it out, she would have been targeted even more than she was. So, we played our pureblood parts and let everyone believe we thought we were better than her.”

Harry sat back. “I figured Draco’s feelings for her were blurred, when he helped us escape the manor. That was when I figured out that he was doing more than his duty as a spy for the order.” Harry was quiet for a few minutes then he shook his head, “He killed Lucious, and saved Hermione that day. I will never be able to truly convey my gratitude. She’s my family, my sister.”

Theo’s look was one of pain. “I was looking right into her eyes when Lucious was about to cast the killing curse. I was frozen. I couldn’t do anything but watch. To this day, I have nightmares that Draco wasn’t quick enough and that I watched her die. If that had happened, I would have welcomed death.”

Harry picked up his drink and said, “Well here is to Malfoy’s speed and aim.”

Theo picked up his own drink and toasted. Then said, “How are your witches? She Weasley and Lovegood getting along.”

Harry’s face turned bright red and he choked on his drink. “Mate, you have no idea. Those two are going to kill me.”

Just then Draco and Charlie joined them. The chess game forgotten. “Who is going to be the death of you Potter?”

Theo laughed, “It seems dark wizards, death eaters and a corrupt ministry couldn’t do what two little witches are accomplishing.”

Charlie laughed, “I warned you Harry, my sister is a handful, and she has no shame. I really believe she got into Gryffindor purely on her red hair and temper. She should have been in Slytherin.”

Harry just shook his head, “I know, and the weird thing is, I don’t know if Luna was this way before Ginny or if Ginny corrupted her. But that witch has no shame either.”

Draco laughed, “I think that bloody sorting had is fucked. I’m convinced Hermione was mis-sorted and should have been in Slytherin.”

All four wizards laughed. Potter added, “I think you may be right about that Malfoy.”

The four wizards had a few more drinks and then Charlie and Harry called it a night. Charlie was going to Grimmauld for the night, Ginny was going to the preserve with him the next day to help organize the new dragon eggs that were arriving. He was still short staffed; the other tamers weren’t showing up until next week. “Harry you go first. I’ll apparate outside the front door. Make sure everyone is clothed and ready for company.”

After the two wizards left, Theo and Draco retired to their room. “Theo, just to remind you, construction starts tomorrow. I promised Hermione a shower. So for two days we will need to wash in her rooms. It should be done by the time she comes back.”

When they were washed and in bed reading. Draco looked over at Theo and laughed, “Did you notice we have a small witch space between us?”

Theo laughed and moved closer to the blond. “Tonight went well. The curse breaking Weasley will hopefully be able to help.”

Draco closed his book, “Yes, because apparently Hermione was going to be family had the war not broken out. She told us about Fred. I know her heart was broken, she seems to have adapted and worked through her grief. I’m just not sure how this dragon tamer fits into her life. Are there feelings that need to be addressed? Is their relationship ‘more’ than friends? I wish I would have asked.”

Theo thought, “Maybe that is their connection. Maybe the three of them Fred, Charlie and Hermione were in the process of getting together and planning their lives but the war diverted them. The loss of the twin stalled their plans and then maybe she didn’t want to go to Romania to be a tamers wife.”

“I don’t know. I want to ask her but I feel she will tell us when she is ready. Right?” Draco yawned. Let’s get through her leaving to start her job and then her birthday. Right now I miss her and hopefully she has a good night. Wish I knew where mum took her. Then he sat up, “Mopsy.”

The little elf took a moment before appearing, “Yes Master Draco.” She looked wary.

“I won’t ask where you all are. I just want to ask, are mum and Hermione okay?” Draco inquired.

“Yes, Mistress and Miss are fine. They both has eaten. They had a lovely day. They are both retired for the night. Reading in their beds.”

Theo sighed, “Thank you Mopsy.”

Draco added, “Please let them know we miss them. Tell them both good night from us.”

The little elf nodded her head and popped out.

Theo sighed and flicked his wand to extinguish the lights. Laying only in the light of the moon he said, “Dra, move over here and hold me…and light the bloody fire. Little witch got me used to the soft light.”

Draco chuckled and lit the fire, light only no heat and then he slid over and pulled Theo’s head to his chest. Holding the wizard close.

Theo said, “Well you bloody well better kiss me goodnight. That witch will know we broke routine and hex our bullocks off.” Draco did as he was told. And they fell asleep in each others arms, missing a small witch that seemed to complete them.

________________________

Hermione was trying to read her book, but couldn’t stop thinking about all she had seen and learned today. Narcissa was definitely one powerful, beautiful talented, cunning, and shrewd witch. She had told her that she wanted to show Hermione the property and that they would be meeting with the goblins and solicitors and a ministry representative tomorrow. Just then Mopsy popped into the room, startling her. “Miss, Mopsy is sorry to disturb you.”

“Is everything okay. Is Mistress okay? Does she need me?” Hermione began to sit up.

“No Miss. Mistress is already asleep. She took all her potions and is resting peacefully. Mopsy will be returning to her shortly.”

Hermione was confused, “Then what can I do for you Mopsy?”

“Masters Draco and Theo wanted me to say goodnight from them.” The little elf said in a quiet voice. “They’s said to tell you they miss you.”

Hermione smiled. “Thank you Mopsy. Goodnight.”

The elf popped out.

Hermione flicked her wand and extinguished the candles, Laying in the glow of the fireplace she felt lonely. So using her wand she transfigured two pillows into Draco and Theo size and put one pillow behind her back and one pillow in front of her and whispered, “Draco kiss Theo goodnight.”