Magical Lineage

The next morning, Mopsy woke Hermione and laid out her clothes. While she dressed she told her that Mistress would meet her in the dining room for breakfast and that there would be more meetings today. Curious, she ask the elf, “How did Mistress sleep last night?”

“She slept peacefully. Mistress is hungry today. Miss not tell Tipsy, Mistress always eats well when Rosa cooks.” The elf smiled.

“Good. I am happy to hear she had a good night.” As soon as Hermione was presentable, and her hair was under control she followed the little elf down to the dining room.

“Good morning Dear.” Narcissa greeted.

Rosa was at the buffet making a plate of food. By the time Hermione reached the seat across from Narcissa, a smiling Rosa placed a full plate in front of her. “Thank you Rosa. This looks lovely.”

“You’re welcome Miss.” The woman turned and left the room.

As she poured her tea, she turned to Narcissa, “Good morning. Did you sleep well?”

The older witch smiled, “Yes dear. I always sleep well when I’m here. And you, did you have a pleasant night?”

“Yes. thank you.” Hermione smiled and took a sip of her tea.

“You missed the boys didn’t you?”

Looking down at her plate, the younger witch sighed. “Yes. That bed seemed a little too big.”

Narcissa smiled, “Well you’ll not hear me say I’m sad to hear that.” and she patted Hermione’s hand. “Now my Dear I require your presence for my meetings this morning and then we will be going into town.”

She wondered why the witch needed her in the meetings. Yesterday, she had wandered the grounds and explored while Narcissa met with whomever she had met with.

Right after breakfast the two witches went into the library where an older gentleman waited. The first thing Hermione noticed was his suite, he wore a muggle suite rather than wizard robes. She also noted his smile, and how it reached his eyes. The man was a complete contrast to the goblin sitting next to him. The goblin was scowling and looking at his watch.

Narcissa, ignored the scowling goblin as she entered the room with all the grace and confidence that was Narcissa Black Malfoy. “Good morning gentlemen. Miss Granger and I are so happy you were able to meet with us on such short notice,” Turning to me she said, “I would like you to meet Mr. Santini, he is the head of the muggle bank here in Tuscany.” The man stood and extended his hand. Hermione took it into hers and shook. Noting he was actually heavier set and shorter than she originally thought.

Narcissa then turned to the elf, “Miss Granger this is Belsford, Head Elf at Gringotts Tuscany branch.” The elf did not stand, nor did he address either witch with niceties, only saying, “My time is money Mrs. Malfoy. I’m due back at the branch in thirty minutes.”

Not bothered by his brisk demeanor, Narcissa sat behind her desk and indicated that the other witch was to sit in the chair next to her. Still not sure why she was here, Hermione decided to be quiet and just listen. Once she knew she had the attention of the room Narcissa began. “Gentlemen, I have decided to adjust my will. I have talked to my solicitors. All the necessary adjustments and amendments have been made. This property is the last thing to be addressed.”

“As I’m sure you are aware of the repopulation program in Britain. My son Draco has been placed into a group. With any luck we will have an heir to both the Malfoy and Black lines. But for the purposes of this meeting, The Black line is our only concern.”

Both men nodded in acknowledgement. She went on, “Miss Granger is the witch assigned to my son and is set to become the mother of any future heirs, both male and female. Since this property and the vaults connected to them are tied only to the female heir, and I currently do not have one, neither does my sister Andromeda, I have arranged to have all of my wills, testimonies, trusts, wards and magical guidelines adjusted to acknowledge Hermione Jean Granger as my female heir. Should she legally join with Draco at any point either through marriage and or a bonding ceremony, all titles will change her name to Hermione Jean Granger Black Malfoy Nott.”

The small witch’s head snapped in her direction. But before she could say anything Narcissa added, “Until such time as a true female Black blood heir is born. If no female heir is born or produced in the union between Hermione Granger and Draco Black Malfoy, or Edward Remus Lupin, then the property will be hers until her death, at which time it will be warded and become dormant until a Black blood lined witch is born.”

Mr. Santini and Belsford both nodded their agreement and understanding. She continued, “Both Draco L. Malfoy and Theodore Nott are to be given access to this property. Their access can be revoked by Miss Granger at anytime. They are to have no say in the management, care, upkeep or financial standing of the property. The property will remain resistant to dark magic.” She turned to Hermione, “I know my boys would never do anything untoward with this property or its vaults but, as I said yesterday, it is all in the wording. If I allow or indicate male participation or ruling of this property now it could open the door to a future loophole.”

Hermione had no knowledge of property, inheritance, vaults laws or guidelines. So she just nodded her head and planned on asking A LOT of questions later. She did turn to the older witch and ask, “Will I have to sign anything with an unbreakable vow?”

Smiling, Narcissa just chuckled, “No Dear. That would only be for blood born Blacks.”

All of the papers were signed and witnessed. Mr. Santini and Belsford left promptly afterwards. Narcissa seemed delighted to have this checked off her to do list. But Hermione had a million questions. “Excuse me Narcissa, what if I am not able to have or carry an heir to the Black family line?” Am I keeping this whole trip and everything from Draco? I’m really not comfortable with secrets. Especially if the three of us are trying to build a future together. What about-“

Narcissa cut her off. “You really are a chatty witch. Let’s see. I’m not worried about you producing an heir. I have every confidence in my son and you. But on the off chance that there is no heir, there is always Teddy. If he doesn’t produce one, the whole estate will be warded and set to slumber. If no female heir is produced within two hundred years, every single thing will be distributed to various charities. As for telling Draco, I have no problem with you telling him. I just didn’t want to reveal my plans before, because I would have gotten a lecture on scaring ‘their witch” off. Now, no more questions. The rest of the afternoon will be set aside for fun.”

Hermione looked gobsmacked. “Fun? What type of Fun?”

The older witch laughed, “Go change into clothes appropriate for flying.”

“Excuse me, did you say flying? Um… Narcissa, I don’t fly.” Hermione felt all the blood drain from her face.

“Of course you do you silly witch. Everyone flies. I know they taught it at Hogwarts. Now meet me on the back terrace in thirty minutes. I’ll have Joseph get the brooms out.” Then she turned and strode out of the room.

“Mopsy.” Hermione shouted for the elf. When she popped into the library, Hermione frantically spoke, “You have to apperate me back to the manor. After I’m gone you need to tell, Mistress I had an emergency.”

Through her panicked babbling she noticed the elf was tapping her little foot and examining her fingers. Then she looked right at Hermione and yawned. “Mopsy are you listening. I have to leave. I have an emergency that requires me to be back at the manor.”

Another bored yawn and a quiet. “No.”

“Excuse me?” the witch said.

“Mopsy says, ‘No’. Mistress said you are not to leave before the flying. She said Mopsy is not to apparate Miss anywhere.”

“But Mopsy, I can’t fly. I have to leave. Mistress doesn’t know how scared I am of flying. She doesn’t know I really am horrible. I could actually die.”

Mopsy grabbed her midsection and began to laugh, “Miss…Miss…You are so funny. Mistress said you would say that. She said to tell you, ‘Put your big girl knickers on. You will learn to fly. No heirs to the house of Black/Malfoy and Nott will have a mother that is afraid of flying.’ Then she said to tell you ‘Masters Draco and Theo love flying and would be so impressed with her new found bravery and skill.’”

Before she could say anything else the little elf popped out of the room. As Hermione made her way to her rooms, she muttered to herself, “Well shit. I guess if I’m going to fall to my death there couldn’t be a more beautiful countryside to do it in.” Then a thought occurred to her, even though she was scared and stressed she didn’t have any tremors. Making a mental note to mention it to Dam when she got home. If she didn’t die learning how to fly.

After changing into the appropriate clothes, and securing her hair into a plait, she met Narcissa on the back terrace. The witch was beaming. “You look lovely Dear. But you need to wipe that worried look off your face.”

She tried to smile, “I don’t think I can. I’m pretty sure I’ll not survive this trip to town. I don’t think you realize how horrible I am at flying. I feel bad you went through all the trouble of doing all that paperwork this morning and I’m most assuredly going to crash or fall to my death this afternoon.”

Narcissa laughed. Not chuckled. Not giggled. Laughed. “Silly witch, you aren’t going to die.” Taking the younger witch’s arm she smiled, “ I assure you I know all about your flying skills. Draco was very descriptive when he told me about your flying attempts back during his school days. That boy was so worried that you were going to die. Theo then confirmed that out of the entire grade, all four houses you received the absolutely lowest score possible.”

Hermione covered her face with her hands. “Professor Hooch only passed me based on the fact I could ‘summon’ my broom. But I had to promise not to try to fly a broom by myself during my time at Hogwarts.”

Seeing the younger witch’s worry, Narcissa patted her hand consolingly, “Well, her laziness in teaching one of the smartest and gifted witches is unacceptable. Your lack of confidence and inability to fly ends today. Come Dear.”

“Narcissa are you sure we should be doing this? I mean I’m horrible at this and I don’t know if Draco would want you to put yourself at risk.”

Joseph, who had been listening to the conversation and waiting patiently with the brooms, laughed. “Miss Granger, have you ever seen Mistress Black fly?”

“No.” she admitted. But honestly, not admitting it out loud, Narcissa was a noble witch, why would she need to fly a broom?

“Then Miss is in for a special surprise. Mistress Black is a very gifted flyer. Before the war in Britain, Mistress would come every summer to make sure the house and grounds were in order. She would see to the distribution of the orchards and gardens. Most importantly, she would coordinate the fundraisers for the charities that she sponsors. Mistress holds the record for most valley broom races won. Not to mention, she is the best seeker during the charity quidditch games.”

Hermione was pretty sure she had been knocked unconscious and was now hallucinating. She could not have heard right. Narcissa Black Malfoy, pureblood, witch and one of the heirs to the ancient house of Black, was a gifted flyer, record holder and quidditch seeker. There was no more arguments to be had. Hermione decided to give up and just go with it. Putting her hand out, “Accio Broom” smiling brightly she said, “Teach me.”

_______________

Draco received an owl from Bill Weasley,

D. Malfoy,

“Charlie told me about your secret gift to Hermione. I think it is brilliant. The witch is going to be over the moon. Well done Malfoy. I will of course help, if I can. I am available today, floo call me at Shell Cottage with a time that is good for you. I am just sitting and staring at my wife. Honestly, she is sick of looking at me.

Bill Weasley

Draco called him right away. The green flames outlined Bill’s face, “Hey Malfoy. Charlie said you are having trouble with breaking a particularly nasty warding curse.”

“Yes. Thank you for getting back to me. Hermione is out of town with my mother and will be back tomorrow. I was hoping you would be able to look at the property and assess the various curses, especially the one we are having trouble with. I’ve tried to get a breaker from Egypt, but it seems there is a backlog and not enough breakers.”

“Ginny is here with my wife now, If you are available I can come over now and see what we are dealing with. Give me five minutes.”

“That would be great. I can open the floo in the main entry.”

Draco opened the warding to the floo and headed to the entry. Theo was just about to come into his study. “Where are you off to Love?”

Draco leaned in and kissed him, “The entry floo. Bill Weasley is coming over to look at the property and the curses we need to break.”

“Do we have to go to the property?” Theo inquired.

“I don’t know I was going to explain what we need and let him decide our next move. Do you want to go with us if we have to?”

“Do I want to? No. Will I? Yes.”

Just as they approached the floo it flared to life and a ginger haired man, with a very gruesome facial scar stepped through. The disfigurement running the length of the left side of his face, down his neck, disappearing into his shirt. Draco knew the man had been attacked by Fenrir Greyback, not bitten, but mauled. Yet he still took pause when he saw the scars. He felt Theo stiffen next to him.

The other man didn’t seem to take offense, lightening the tension, “Yep. Pretty gnarly isn’t it. And yet I still was handsome enough to win the heart of a Veela.”

Theo laughed, “You must be one talented wizard Weasley.”

“Not to sound conceited but I am.” A smart ass smirk crossing his lips.” In so many fucking ways. Magic. Curse Breaking. Wizards’ chess. Not to mention my wife is about to give birth to our third little one.” Bill laughed loudly.

Theo shook his head, ‘Third. Shit Weasley are you trying to repopulate magical Britain with gingers all by yourself?”

Still chuckling, “Well as you pointed out, I am a very talented wizard.”

Draco cleared his throat, “I hope you are talented enough to help us out. We of course will compensate you for your time and skill.”

Shaking his head Bill responded, “First let’s see what we are dealing with. I have to make sure it’s a curse that can be broken. I’ve come across several cursed object that were confiscated after the war, that were not able to be cleaned.”

Theo looked horror struck, “What the hell? How were they created? What did you do with them?”

Bill’s expression and tone turned serious, “They were usually created with a violent blood sacrifice of innocent lives. Most likely muggle or muggle borns. The ritual and incantation would also play into the severity and strength of the actual curse. I’ve come across some fucked up shit since the end of the war. There are actually curses that can only be broken by fiendfyre. Which is a whole other level of magic.”

Shaking his head Theo inquired, “Are you trained to handle fiendfyre?”

“Yes. I studied under a master breaker in Egypt. Man was brilliant. Crazy, scarred and obsessed, but probably the best most talented master breaker of the century.” Shaking his head, “He was killed while trying to clean a cursed object that had several hidden traps, which activated all at once. He and a younger, very talented breaker were working together. When he noticed the trap it was already too late. The only thing he could do was cast a protective spell over the younger wizard and take the brunt of the curse himself.” Shaking his head, “To control and kill the traps, it took three wizards and focused controlled fiendfyre. Unfortunately, it took the Master four days to die. The medical wizards controlled his pain magically every minute of those four days.” Noticing the expressions on the two wizards faces, “Lots of bad, dark magic out there.”

The three were quiet for a minute as if to pay respect to the master and his plight. Draco broke the silence, “Think you will be going back to Egypt?”

Shaking his head, “I get offers everyday to go back, but with my wife due soon and my kids so young I really don’t want to be away from them. Add in that Fleur doesn’t want to leave our families or Britain. Not to mention, the real possibility of leaving for work and not surviving the days assignment. Fleur made me promise that once we started having children, I would try to do a job that allowed me to see them grow up. So I work for Gringotts and take on the odd job here and there.”

Draco laughed, “I bet those goblins keep you quite busy, especially with all the cursed objects that were confiscated after the war.”

“You have no idea mate. As I said, some of that shit is fucking scary.”

Draco extended his hand, “Well then lets get a move on. Don’t want to keep you away from your family too long.”

Theo cleared his throat, “Do you need to see the property?”

“Yes, but do you know what we are dealing with?”

They headed to the front door. “We have to apparate there. Not sure how the property will react to a-“ he didn’t know how to finish that statement without offending the other man.

So, the ginger finished for him. With a laugh, “blood traitor”.

Shaking his head and looking embarrassed, the blonde said, “Yes.”

Theo apologized. “Sorry. My family were blood purists.”

Draco, seeing Theo’s pain cut in, “I have a few ideas, but no one has been able to narrow it down. The one curse expert that was able to assess it, said it was an ‘ardeat in aeternum’ curse. They said it loosely translates to ‘burn for eternity’.”

They reached the main gates. Bill stopped, “Fuck. Who the fuck… Why would you cast such an evil…” Catching himself. He cleared his throat. “That’s no easy curse to cast let alone break. Were they sure?”

Theo spoke quietly, shame in his voice and on his face. “Yes. Well my ancestors were sick fucks who all deserved to die very horrible deaths. But to answer your question, yes. it works. I witnessed it when I was a boy. My father brought a muggle onto the property, and it took him a month to finally die. He burned for a month. So not quite an eternity but I’m sure to him it was.”

Bill didn’t say anything. What could he possibly say. Theo had witnessed that when he was eight. His father made him sit every day and watch the man’s suffering.

They apparated at the gate.

An hour later, they were back at the manor and Bill Weasley was prepared to floo home. “It is a horrible curse and will not be easy to break, but, I can do it. I can start tomorrow.”

Theo was excited. “Thank you. You have no idea how much I want to get this done and be able to give our witch this gift.”

“Well she is going to love it.”

Draco cut in, “How long will it take to break?”

“I’m thinking a good twelve to sixteen hours should break the curse. I will most likely be completely drained. Give me a few days to recoup and get my strength back. Then another week of scourging the wards and the property should do it.” Shaking his head, “Layers mate. We will have to do this whole property in layers.

Theo spoke up, “I don’t want you at the property by yourself. Ever. I don’t know if there are any hidden traps.” The raven haired wizard turned and said, “Jack” and the little elf popped into sight.

“Yes Master Theo” Jack said.

Theo watched Draco nod his head in understanding. “Jack I want you to make yourself available to accompany Mr. Weasley to Nott manor at his convenience and stay with him the whole time he is there.”

The little elf nodded his understanding. Then turned to Bill, “Master Weasley will let Jack know when you need him.”

Bill nodded. “Unless my wife decides to have the baby tomorrow, we can meet here at the gate tomorrow morning at seven. Jack plan on at lease twelve maybe sixteen hours tomorrow.”

“Yes Sir.” And then he popped out of sight.

Draco and Theo shook his hand, “Thank you Weasley.”

“Don’t thank me yet Malfoy. If there are buried triggers or wards underneath, I might not be able to accomplish this task. I should know after six hours. Just make sure that elf shows up with lots of coffee.”

Theo looked confused, “Coffee? Why Coffee?”

Bill laughed and headed to the floo. “I found that if I mix it with a pepper up potion it gives me the extra energy to help keep me going.”

After their guest left, Theo and Draco agreed to finish their respective tasks and meet by the shed for a fly. Theo wondered, “Hey Dray, do you think Hermione would let me eat her pussy while flying?”

“You’re crazy mate. The only way you will get that witch on a broom is if you stupefy her first. Don’t you remember Hooch making her promise to never fly.” You’ll never get that witch on a broom. Not even with the promise of your talented tongue.”

“Of course I remember. Best bloody thing Hooch ever did. I thought she was going to fall to her death every fucking class.”

Draco nodded his agreement, “Had nightmares about that the whole term.”

Theo smiled, “Well she’ll be home tomorrow so I will get my talented tongue into her pretty pussy. I don’t care if it is on a broom, a chair, a bed, a table, the stairs, my lab, your desk, the fucking rafters. Wherever she is my head will be between her legs.” Turning and winking at the blonde, “You can have her mouth or her ass, but I get her pussy.”

Draco laughed, “Our witch better be well rested, Between you and I she isn’t going to be getting any sleep.”

__________________

After visiting the town, the orphanage and several small shops, Narcissa and Hermione flew around the grounds. Hermione was so excited. Once she had gotten over her fear of flying, aided by Narcissa teaching her a few spells that would keep her bum firmly on the broom. She realized she quite liked flying. She was not great at it, but felt that she wouldn’t be opposed to practicing and honing this particular skill.

When the witches landed on the back terrace, she couldn’t help but hug Narcissa. “Thank you. Thank you so much for teaching me and helping me to overcome my fear.”

The witch hugged her back. “My Dear. It was my pleasure. Won’t those cheeky wizards be excited to see their witch fly?”

Hermione couldn’t help but laugh. “They certainly will. But, I want to get better before I show them. Could we keep this between us for now?”

“Absolutely Darling. Witches honor.” Then leading the way into the house, “let’s get cleaned up and eat. I like to have everyone eat together on my last night.”

Narcissa and Hermione along with the staff gathered in the dining room for a feast to celebrate their last night there.

Hermione went to bed, exhausted but excited because she knew she would be back with her wizards in the morning.