Magical Lineage

The week ahead was looking to be very busy. Hermione worked with Charlie at the preserve all day. Then they joined Dam, Neville, Justine, Theo, Ginny and Luna for distribution. Bill would normally be there but with new baby Gideon not sleeping well, Fleur needs all the rest she can get. He will be here on the third night, for lock down.

Hermione checked people off as they drank their potion. When little Jaxson came up to the table and handed her is empty vial. She smiled at his sweet face. “Hello there handsome. How are you tonight?”

He smiled at her. His eyes so dark they were like two pools of ink. “I’m fine. Is Mr. Bill coming tonight?"

“Oh I’m sorry sweetheart he is with his wife tonight. He will be here for the full moon though. Is there a message you want me to pass along?”

“No Thank you.” Then thinking better of it he asked, “Does Mr. Bill have kids?”

“Yes sweetheart, he has two little girls and his wife just had a little boy. That’s why he couldn’t be here tonight.”

Jaxson looked sad, “Oh. I see. His little boy is very important to him. That’s good. Little boys should be important to their Daddies.” He turned to head back to the ministry representative that escorted him from the orphanage.

Before he could walk away, she pushed up from her chair and went to his side. Kneeling in front of him and looking right into his eyes she explained. “Mr. Bill’s wife is very tired, that’s why he is not here. The new baby doesn’t sleep very much and needs to be looked after. So, he is helping her tonight and tomorrow, but I promise he will be here on the full moon. And Yes. Jaxson, little boys and girls should be very important to their daddies. But some daddies are not good, and they don’t deserve to have sweet little ones. So the ministry helps those little ones find good mommies and daddies to live with and love them.”

Jaxson smiled and nodded his head. When she smiled back he wrapped his little arms around her neck and hugged her. Then he whispered in her ear. “Thank you. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

As she went back to her chair, she had a lump in her throat and felt the sting of tears in her eyes. Theo had watched and heard the entire conversation. If it were possible he thought that he fell even further in love with this wonderful woman.

When they got home, they heard voices coming from the game room. Hermione and Theo went in and saw Draco talking to Blaise Zabini. Theo crossed the room and hugged his friend. Hermione followed and Blaise smiled at her. “Hey there Granger.”

She smiled at him, “He Zabini.”

Draco and Theo picked up on a ‘connection’ or familiarity between the two. Before Draco could inquire further, he noticed Hermione blushing. What the actual FUCK!!! Why was she fucking blushing at Blaise? He wanted to file the question away to ask her later, but…

Theo, as subtle as a hippogriff on a weasel farm, crossed his arms and looked between the two. “Excuse me, what the fuck is that look for? Why are you smiling at her? And why are you blushing at him?”

Blaise nodded his head, “Granger and I are ‘friends’ from school.”

Theo’s voice was laced with skepticism. “No your not. And why did you say friends like ‘friends’?”

Hermione jumped in to answer that. “Blaise helped me when I was stuck and panicking while trying to learn something.”

Now it was Draco’s turn to cross his arms. “When did Blaise help you? Blaise never helped anyone.” Why did you need his help?”

Hermione bit her lip and Blaise just smiled. “Yes Princess. Why don’t you tell them what the Gryffindor Princess needed my help with.”

Hermione smiled, “It really was nothing. I was panicking over something that wound up being nothing.”

Theo’s brow quirked up, “Well if it was nothing then you should be able to tell us.”

Draco squinted his eyes, “When did he help you?”

Hermione huffed and ran her fingers through her hair. “Well, you see, it was the night of the Yule Ball and I was nervous about what Viktor was expecting of me. And I had no experience dating...”

Before she could finish her explanation Theo punched Blaise in the mouth. “YOU FUCKER.”

Then as if Draco realized something, he too punched Blaise in the mouth. “SON OF A BITCH”

Blaise bent over laughing. “I can’t believe it took you both this long to realize I was talking about Granger.”

Now it was Hermione’s turn to ask questions. “What the hell are you two doing? Why are you hitting your friend?” Then turning to Blaise, “Talking about Granger why?”

Theo said “We are punching a fucking snake.”

Draco added. “Oh He is SO NOT our friend.”

Blaise answered, “I may have teased them about that night and they are just now realizing it was you I was describing.”

Hermione sighed. “I don’t know what any of you are talking about, The story is, I was pacing the halls the night of the ball. Worried about what Viktor may expect from me physically. Blaise saw me and he was sweet, he talked to me and explained that Viktor could expect whatever he wanted, but ultimately, he would only get what I deemed he deserved.” Then I told him that I was worried that he was going to kiss me and I didn’t have much experience. He offered to ‘teach me’ and so. He gently kissed me and then told me…”

Blaise jumped in to finish the story, “If Viktor Krum was lucky enough to receive a kiss from Hermione Granger than he would truly know what magic tasted like.”

Draco and Theo looked at their witch and saw her smiling her bright beautiful smile at fucking Blaise Zabini. Theo wanted to punch him again. Judging from Draco’s taught muscles, so did he. Hermione just shook her head and then to both of her wizard’s horror wrapped Blaise into a full body hug.

Both Draco and Theo threw their hand up in the air and yelled “Fucking Zabini.” When they looked back at their witch and their soon to be ex-friend he was smiling like a fucking nutter at them. “To be fair, I told you I helped a Gryffindor girl learn how to kiss her date. I also told you that she was a fucking angel.” Shaking his head, “I can’t help it that you didn’t figure out it was Granger until now.”

“Well your lucky we didn’t” Draco said.

Theo finished the thought, “We would have had to hide your body in the forbidden forest and hope that the wild beasts would have eaten you.”

Hermione stepped away from Blaise and walked to her wizards. “I’m exhausted. You two need to calm down. Be grateful to your friend, he was nice to me when I was scared and had no one to turn to. Remember Ron was a shit to me that night and Harry, well poor Harry was in his own dating hell that night. As far as Viktor was concerned, he only kissed my hand.” Standing in front of Draco, she went up on her toes and kissed him. “I love you. Good night.”

He kissed her back, deep and long. “I love you too. Good night.”

Then she stood on her toes in front of Theo, “I love you. Good night. “

He cupped her face and gave her a bruising kiss. “I love you too. Good night.” Then as if thinking better of it, “On second thought I’ll join you.”

Shaking her head, “No. You won’t. You will stay down here and have a drink with your friend. Then before he leaves you will apologize for hitting him.” She turned to Draco. “You too.” When they both looked properly scolded. She turned to leave the room. “Now I’m going to bed before someone pees on me.”

As she turned in the hallway she heard Theo, “You fucking kissed our witch.”

Blaise’s voice was slightly raised, “To be fair, I kissed Viktor Krum’s witch.”

Draco said, “Oh Fuck you.”

The last thing she heard was Blaise’s excited exclamation, “Hey, Hermione Granger loves you to pricks.”

Hermione laughed all the way to their room. She showered and crawled into bed.

______________

Hermione woke up early and headed to the Dragon Preserve, after a quick cup of coffee and catch up with Charlie, she headed to the nesting area. There were four eggs in the nest, two Romanian Long Horn which were found in the forests of Romania. It is presumed that the mother was an adolescent and didn’t know she needed to care for the eggs. One Norwegian Ridgeback, whose mother was killed by another female for dominance over territory. Finally, one Hungarian Horntail, whose mother laid five eggs but kicked two out of the nest. Which isn’t uncommon. Horntails are know for laying several eggs and only hatching three, but then killing all but the one they deem the strongest. The second egg was sent to another preserve in Ireland. The Romanian preserve will try to save the two unwanted hatchings before the mother can kill them.

Until she began working with Charlie, the only Dragon experience she had was when she was in her first year, and Hagrid had obtained an egg. Then when she met Charlie he was so passionate about dragons, he talked for hours, telling her every tiny detail of life on a preserve and all the different dragon breeds. Of course she studied the four types of dragons used in the Goblet of Fire tournament, but that was mostly to help keep Harry alive.

Oddly until she helped at the preserve, she hadn’t realized that all the eggs were so very different. Between Charlie’s vast knowledge and her constant need to research, she learned, size, shape, color, even texture was different. The Hungarian Horntail was round like a giant ball, but it was pink in color and if felt really hard, like marble. The Norwegian Ridgeback, was about the same size but shaped like a chicken’s egg, it was grey with black marbling. Its shell was like very thick leather, but it had a soft coat of fuzz over it, almost like velvet. The Romanian Long Horn was the largest of the eggs, yellowish white in color and also shaped like a chicken’s egg. It was also the most delicate of all the eggs, needing more care and attention. It was hard to break the shell, because it was after all a dragon’s egg but by those standards it was the easiest to crack.

Charlie took great care with the design of the nest. Explaining, “If the eggs all hatch about the same time, regardless of the species of dragon, the hatchlings can be raised as nest mates. Which will allow them to be mothered by one female. Most likely the a Long Horn at the preserve, she is the oldest and most experienced of the females. She was unable to have her own young, but over the years has been a surrogate mother to at least a dozen dragon babies.”

While she was going about her duties, Charlie entered the nest. He watched as she made sure the Norwegian and the Hungarian eggs were submerged in warm water, for at least two hours. She cast a tempus alarm. He then watched her begin to rotate the Hungarian eggs. He startled her as she was rotating the last one, “Have you tapped yet?” His ‘little sister’ was lost in thought.

“No. I was just about to.” She had to tap each egg continuously for three minutes every hour. Her brow drawn tight,

Not wanting to pry he figured if she wanted to talk she would. So, trying to lighten her mood, “Ginny and Luna had helped the first part of the week.” He laughed loudly shaking his head, “Luna cuddled up with the eggs and sang songs of flying and fire breathing and really anything that came into her mind. Ginny had a heck of a time convincing her to go home.”

Hermione laughed, “Yep that’s our Luna.” She became quiet again, while she tapped on one of the eggs.

Charlie began to tap on the other and waited. She looked up concern in her eyes. “Charlie until the team gets here, who tends to the eggs at night?”

The nest team is made up of six attendants. They each take four hour shifts to care for the eggs. Unfortunately, they were still in Romania. Some sort of mix-up in paperwork had their starting date pushed back by a week. Shrugging his shoulders, “Until the staff gets here, we will unfortunately have to depend on magic in the evening.” Her expression must have mirrored her confusion. He went on to explain. “Magic is great, but when we have to use it to put the egg in a hold stasis, it then becomes a question of proper development of the baby.”

“Oh no Charlie, we should find volunteers to help at night. I can…”

Her rushed worried words had him hurrying to explain. “No. No. Don’t worry Love. The eggs will be fine. We just don’t like to hold them in magical stasis for too long. Dragon eggs take a very long time to hatch. They need a tremendous amount of care, to be in magical stasis for a week is nothing. They would be fine if they were in statis for a couple months. We just don’t like to go any longer than that.” He tipped her chin up, so he could look into her eyes. “Besides, these eggs are only like that in the evening, and only when I’m away. Otherwise, I will attend to them at night. But, as soon as the team gets here next week, they will have round the clock human attention.”

When they were done for the day, they apparated to help with the Wolfsbane potion distribution. Theo once again showed up to help. She noted that everyone was there, and she had checked them off the list. Except for little Jaxson. Theo noted concern in Hermione’s tone while she was talking to Dam. He couldn’t hear what she was saying but her tone was one of worry. He moved closer as the little witch grabbed a vile and stalked off, then very quickly apparated away.

By the time Theo reached Dam, the older man was shaking his head. “I don’t want to ever be on the receiving end of that witches temper.”

Anxiety building in his chest Theo ask, “What the hell was that about and where did she go?”

Still shaking his head he explained, “Well, it seems there wasn’t a ministry chaperone available to bring little Jaxson here for his potion. Which means if he misses it, he will not be allowed into the sanctuary tomorrow night. Instead, he’ll have to be restrained somewhere during the full moon.”

Theo’s anxiety ramped up, “So where did Hermione go?”

“She went to the orphanage to make sure Jaxson receives his potion, Then she mumbled something about seeing Shacklebolt. Godric, help that man, he is about to get an earful of her righteous anger.”

Theo spun around heading to apparate. “FUCK. Send word to Draco to grab some gold and meet me at the ministry.”

Dam shouted, “Where at the ministry?”

“Tell him to first try the Minister’s office and if not there then the MLE department. Tell him to bring a lot of gold.” One more shout of “FUCK” and he was gone.

Dam turned to Charlie, who was laughing. “Those snakes are finally going to see the lion in that girl.”

Dam clapped him on the back. “Good thing there are two of them.” He headed into the shop to floo call Draco.”

___________

Theo went to the orphanage first, by the time he found the administrators office the woman was in tears. “Um excuse me, Miss Jennara?” When the woman looked up, she quickly wiped her tears away. “I’m sorry to bother you, but have you maybe seen a witch, about this tall” indicating with his hand next to him. “Long honey color hair. She would have been looking for a little boy named Jaxson.” Judging by the look on Ms. Jennara’s face, she had indeed seen Hermione. So he pressed on. “You wouldn’t happen to know where she went would you?”

Sniffling, “That witch barged in here with little Jaxson in hand, silenced him from hearing what she was saying to me. Then she said she was going to the Minister and if I was lucky I would only lose my job. But if she had her way I would be in Azkaban.” Then the woman began crying all over again.

Theo began backing out of the room. “I’m sorry. She is a little strong headed. I’m sure you won’t wind up in Azkaban.”

The woman looked at him with worry, “But you think I will lose my job?”

He didn’t want to lie to her, so he didn’t say anything. As he turned to leave she began crying again. His next stop was the Ministry. Using the floo in the orphanage’s lobby he stepped out into the main reception area at the Ministry. Just has he began heading to the lift to go to Shacklebolt’s office, he heard Draco call his name from behind him.

When Draco had gotten the call from Dam he rushed to his safe and grabbed the bag of gold there. The man was too vague in his explanation of what was happening and why he needed to get gold. Just saying, “Theo wanted you to know that Jaxson was unable to be escorted to receive his potion. Hermione was pissed beyond words. She was delivering the potion personally and she was then going to the Ministry.” Dam went on to tell him, “Theo said to get gold and meet him in the Minister’s office.” When he had inquired why he needed gold Dam just said, “I assume bail.”

With those three words Draco broke off the call. Grabbed the gold. As he stepped through the floo to the ministry he was in full panic mode. Seeing Theo had slowed his heart rate a little. “Theo” he shouted. The raven-haired man stopped and waited for him to catch up. “What the hell is going on? Why do you need gold? Where is Hermione?”

Theo grabbed Draco’s hand and continued to the lifts. “Our witch is on a tear. We may need it for bail, for her. As far as where she is, well I’m hoping with Shacklebolt, but she may already be in custody.”

They entered the lift. Draco’s angry expression scared anyone else from getting on with them. “Explain.” By the time they reached the Minister’s office Potter was in the doorway and Hermione was shouting from inside. Little Jaxson was looking at an enchanted children’s book. Oblivious to the shouting. Evidently, she still had a silencing charm cast over him.

Potter turned to them. “Hey.” He seemed to be unaffected to the witch’s yelling.

Shacklebolt’s voice was defensive. “I am aware…”

Hermione cut him off, her voice was full of anger, “Oh I’m so glad you are aware. That doesn’t change the fact that that little boy was going to miss his dose and have to endure not only a very painful transformation, but also be locked up alone.”

“Hermione I know. We just didn’t have anyone…”

“Kings, this is not a matter of someone being inconvenienced because there are not enough people to deliver lunch. Or maintenance can’t figure out why the water won’t shut off in the bathrooms. This is a little boy. A little boy that depends on others to make sure he gets the potion he needs to endure a change that he has no control over. A little boy that… that…”

Draco and Theo waited, then they heard something that had them both rushing forward, their witch began to cry. Not cry, it was more heartbreaking. She began to sob. Potter stepped back and they entered the office, Hermione was bent over, holding her middle and crying. Shacklebolt looked helpless. “Hermione I’m sorry there was no one to escort the little boy. I will make sure that never happens again.” He nodded to the two wizards as they reached her. He stepped out of his office and closed the door. Giving them the privacy they needed.

Theo scooped her up into his arms. She startled but then realized it was him. Looking around she caught sight of Draco. “What? What are you two doing here?” Then as if remembering where she was and why she was here, she tried to push away from Theo’s embrace, “Jaxson. He is out in the waiting area. I need—”

Draco cut her off. “Potter’s got him.”

Theo carried her to the sofa. He sat, with her cradled in his arms. She cried soft little sobs, while he stroked her hair. Draco sat next to them and leaned into her back, whispering consoling words into her ear. “Shh Sweetheart. Everything will be okay. Everything will work out.”

When her crying finally stopped, Theo kissed her forehead and chuckled, “You know witch you move fast. I think Miss Jennara is permanently traumatized.”

Finding her voice. “That stupid bint. When she told me there was no one to bring Jaxson for his potion, and I asked why she couldn’t? She had the nerve to say, ‘That’s not my job.’ Well I’m going to make it my personal mission to make sure that she no longer has a job.”

Draco kissed the back of her head, “That’s our little lion.”

“That sweet little boy out there is dependent upon adults to help him. His own family gave him away because of his affliction. Now the people he was given to, to make sure he was cared for were going to allow him to suffer through a full moon change because ‘IT’S NOT THEIR JOB’. Well fuck that. She stood from Theo’s lap and marched to the door.

Draco as if sensing her needing their support, “Whatever you do we are behind you one hundred percent.” Turning she kissed both of them “Thank you.”

Theo laughed, “We also brought gold. You know for bail or bribery.” He smiled at her.

She flung the door open. Startling a very tired looking Minister. “Kings I want that useless bureaucratic witch Miss Jennara fired. She doesn’t have the heart to work with children. Someone without the compassion needed to understand a little boy like Jaxson should not be working with children.”

To their surprise, the Minister nodded his head. “You’re correct. I just spoke to the director of the orphanage and he has had several complaints about her but has been slow in replacing her.”

Theo was the first to ask, “Why?”

Shaking his head, “Well it seems her uncle, Robolo Tragger, runs the department that handles budgets for ministry run charities. He handles funds for the orphanage. So if she is fired he was worried that their funding would be cut.”

Draco narrowed his eyes, “Is that type of corruption common?”

Shaklebolt shook his head. “Not as common as with previous administrations. I’ve cleaned up quite a few departments. Got rid of a lot of the wizards that used their positions of power to their advantage. But that is one department I have not been able to purge.”

Draco inquired, “How long has he been in charge of that department?”

Using his wand he cast a charm and Mr. Tragger’s employment information appeared before them. “He has been in charge of that department for twenty two years.”

It was Theo’s turn to question. “Tragger? That name sounds familiar.”

Draco nodded. “It does sound familiar. Why? I have never worked with anyone in that department. I never had a need to work with anyone in Ministry charity budgets.”

Theo slammed his hand down onto the secretary’s desk. “Call him up here . Call him up but don’t tell him Draco and I are here. Also call the MLE, have them wait until he comes in and then have them guard the door.” When it looked like he was going to question why, Theo added, “Please just to it.”

Theo, Hermione and Draco stepped into Shaklebolt’s office and waited. Hermione and Draco both looked questioningly at Theo. But the wizard was tightlipped. After a few minutes, they heard Kingsley address someone. “Hello Tragger. Thank you for coming up and meeting with me.”

“Minister. I was going to try to get a meeting with you tomorrow anyway. My niece floo’d me a little while ago. She was in hysterics. She is under the impression some witch is going to try to get her fired. I assured her that would not happen.” There was a moment of silence then Tragger added, “She has done so much hard work in obtaining budget funding for the orphanage. You know it’s hard to allocate good wizard gold to be used on mostly muggle born, and half bread children. She told me there is even a werewolf child there.” Whatever Kingsley’s expression was it had the man backtracking his tone and words. “Not that that matters to the Ministry, but it is hard to argue funding when there are still those with prejudices.”

Shaklebolt’s voice, deep and commanding, “Really? Who are these witches and wizards that still hold prejudices and would discriminate against orphaned children? Who are the people that would use the distribution of gold to control how a ministry funded institution is run?”

Tragger was flustered now, he coughed and cleared his throat. “I’m sorry it’s late and you caught me on my way out, What was it that you needed?”

Just then Theo, Draco and Hermione stepped out of the Minister’s office. Tragger, was in his fifties, he was tall but not taller than Draco, he had a rather round middle and he was balding. “I’m sorry Minister, I didn’t know you had people here, I can just come back in the morning.” With that he turned, but before he made it to the door. Theo’s voice stopped him.

“I know you.”

The man, didn’t turn around, he just shrugged, “No. I don’t think you do. I don’t think I have ever met you sir.”

Theo’s voice was like ice. “Turn around. I didn’t know your name but I know who you are.”

“Sir. I’m sure you must have me mistaken for someone else. I have one of those faces.”

Theo wasn’t deterred from his request. “Turn the fuck around.”

Finally, Tragger turned and faced the trio. “See I don’t know you and you don’t know me.”

Just then Draco squinted his eyes. “Yes. I too think I know you. But you look different. Something is wrong…off with your appearance.”

Nervously the wizard began to back up to the door. “I’m sorry, I don’t know what type of game you are playing but I don’t have time for it. I need to get home.”

When Theo stepped forward, Tragger drew his wand. Pointing it at him. “I have to go. I don’t have time. I thought this was going to be a quick meeting with the Minister. I have to go.” He reached behind him and opened the door.

Had he been looking he would have seen the MLE Auror behind him. The Auror had his wand drawn, he placed it behind Tragger’s ear. “Going somewhere sir?”

Tragger dropped his wand. “I don’t understand what is going on. I was called up to you. Now you are holding me at wand point with the threat of the MLE? I have done nothing. If you look into me, you’ll find I’m an exemplary employee. I run a tight department.”

Theo, wandlessly raised his hand in front of Tragger’s face, “Revelio”. The man hid his face with both hands. So Theo grabbed his arms and forced them down. “I do know you.”

Draco shouted, “I know you too. You met with our fathers, in my home. You worked for the Death Eaters.”

The man pulled up his sleaves, “I am not a Death Eater.”

Theo shook his head, “No he didn’t say you are a Death Eater. He said you worked for them.”

“I did not. I don’t know who you men are, but you are sorely mistaken.” Tragger tried to sound superior, but his voice wavered with nerves.

Draco smiled, “Oh no not a Death Eater. Not good enough for the dark lord.”

In an instant the man’s demeanor changed, he slammed the door behind him, knocking the Aurora back causing him to loose his wand. He then lunged, but not for Draco or Theo, he grabbed Hermione. Gripping her throat, as if he meant to rip it open. “I was good enough. He just wouldn’t mark me. Said I needed to stay out of the line of suspicion. He needed me to work and root out muggle borns and blood traitors.”

Theo and Draco had fear in their eyes. Their witch was in the hands of a crazy man. Draco spoke first. “Let her go. Let her go and we’ll make sure you get away.”

He laughed at Draco’s suggestion. “Oh I’m going to get away, but this filthy mudblood will be joining me.”

Hermione felt him tightening his grip. The pressure hurt and made it hard to take a full breath but, she remained calm. She had felt Draco and Theo’s fear and sent out calm feelings in return. He was moving around the room, backing her into Kingsley’s office. Smiling at both her wizards she was able to convey her need to center and draw from them. This was the advantage of the triad bond. Both of her men evened their breathing and channeled their magic to her.

Before Tragger could reach the fireplace, Hermione grabbed the arm that held her in place and sent a wandless stunning charm through the wizard.

Theo, Draco, Kingsley and three MLE Auroras witnessed what could only be described as a lightening bolt shooting out of Hermione into Tragger. He collapsed in a heap on the floor. The Auroras ran to him with their wands drawn, Draco and Theo were at her side, pulling her close to them. Kingsley didn’t know what to do, so he joined her with her wizards. “Are you okay? Did he hurt you? What the hell did you do to him?”

Not wanting to explain the triad connection she said, “I’m fine. No, he didn’t hurt me. I don’t know, it was a defensive charm, meant to just shock him, but I think my fear magnified it somehow.”

Two of the Auroras directed a unconscious floating Tragger out of the office, to be taken to a holding cell. The lead Aurora joined the group, “Well hell if you could recreate it, we should teach it to everyone in the MLE. That would come in handy during hostage situations.”

Hermione just nodded. “I’m sorry I really don’t know what I did. I don’t think I could do it again.”

He then turned to Kingsley. “Minister, I will take him down to a holding cell. We’ll be waiting for further instructions and charges.”

“Very good.” Kingsley shook the man’s hand. “Let me finish up here and I’ll be down shortly.” After the man left he turned on the trio. “I don’t know what you three are up to but I know that was no ‘accidental fear fueled’ defense charm. But I’m too tired to deal with this. I have to go down and deal with a fucking Death Eater slash dark lord worshiper. Shit, I don’t even know what I’m saying. I’m just throwing words together and hope they make sense.” He narrowed his eyes on the witch. “I’m not going to ask again. I’ll put in the report exactly what happened, and we’ll call it a one in a million accidental spell.” You three need to come in tomorrow and give your statements. I will take care of Miss Jennara. She will be unemployed before she goes to bed tonight.” Kingsley shook his head, “Now you three need to get out of my office and I would appreciate not seeing you here again. I’ve held this position for three years and honestly have only had wands drawn twice in here. Guess who was present both times.”

Hermione covered her mouth to hide the smile. As did Draco and Theo. “Sorry Kings” she really was sorry.

“Good night you three.” Looking at the time, “On top of this Jacob was making my favorite dinner and now I’ll be late.” As he walked out of the office he shouted over his shoulder, “I’ll see you at Potter’s party Saturday.”

As soon as he was gone, both of her wizards held her tighter and took turns kissing her. Both spoke at the same time. She didn’t know who was saying what. “Are you really okay?” “I was so fucking scared.” I’m going to make sure that fucker rots in Azkaban.” Then they both said. “I was ready to kill that son of a bitch.”

Theo kissed her, “Kitten I felt you. I felt you pull magic from me. I don’t know how I knew you needed it but I just did.”

Draco stole her lips from Theo. “Me too, It wasn’t like I heard what you needed, but I KNEW what you needed. My core just opened and I felt you pull me in.”

She caught her breath, “I wasn’t lying when I told Kingsley I don’t know what I did. I just felt you both. First you were scared and then you were both so angry. Then, I don’t know, my magic began to calm me. It felt like it knew I needed ‘extra’ and it played with yours.”

Both men looked at her, “Yes. Played.”

She suddenly pulled out of their embrace, “Where is Jaxson?” Her question had them looking around the empty room.

Theo took her hand, “He was with Potter. Let’s go see if they are in the lobby.” As they headed to the lift, the doors opened. Out stepped Harry. He was holding Jaxson’s hand and they were both eating ice cream cones.”

Hermione smiled at them. “Hmmm. Where have you two been?”

Jaxson smiled, “Mr. Harry took me outside and we went to a muggle treat shop.”

Shaking her head at them both. “You know you shouldn’t have ice cream before dinner.”

Harry licked his cone. “Not even if we brought some for you three?” Just then three ice cream cones floated around Harry’s back. “Strawberry for Nott. Sour apple sherbet for Malfoy and for Granger…”

Jaxson jumped up and down, “Rocky Road. Just like me.”

Winking at her best friend, She squatted down in front of the little boy and tapped his nose. “How did you know I love rocky road ice cream?”

He was licking his own cone, it was dripping over his hand and onto the floor. “Mr. Harry said so. I tried it and now it is my favorite too.”

Shaking her head, she looked at the three grown wizards, they were eating their ice cream and smiling like little boys. They were all furiously licking to stop them from dripping. Rolling her eyes she passed her hand over their cones and cast a soft glacious charm, to stop them from melting. Three grown wizard and one little werewolf wizard made grunting noises.

The witch shook her head, “Your welcome.”

Although Draco was enjoying his ice cream he was curious, “Potter how did you know that I would like this flavor?”

Harry looked at Hermione and laughed, “Well second year, Hermione started watching you two closely, I thought she was trying to prove you or Nott were the heir to Slytherin. So she was constantly talked about what you were doing, who you were with, even what you ate.” Harry shrugged. “I remembered you ate a lot of apple stuff and he ate a lot of strawberry stuff.”

Hermione sighed, “You remembered what their favorite foods were, but you couldn’t remember the charm to fix your broken glasses?”

Harry smiled at his best friend, “The mind is a wonderous thing Hermione.”

By the time they reached the lobby floo network, everyone had finished their cones. Hermione cast a cleaning charm on the little boy and Harry. Kissing her best friend on the cheek she whispered. “Thank you for taking care of him.”

He just smiled at her, “Anything for you. Are you okay? I heard some Auroras talking. Do I need to go and throw my ‘Savior of the Wizarding World’ title around?”

She laughed. “No. But thank you.”

Harry then turned to Jaxson and shook his tiny hand. “It was very nice to meet you Jaxson. Thank you for getting ice cream with me.”

The little boy looked up at Hermione, making sure he was responding correctly, When she smiled at him, he shook Harry’s hand and smiled, “Thank you Mr. Harry.” Then he slipped his little hand into Hermione’s.

Grey eyes locked to blue and they nodded to each other. Draco went down on his haunches, “Hey Jaxson would you like to stay the night at our house? We have a very big yard and so many rooms to play in. Plus we have a house elf that would just love to spoil you.”

The little boy threw his arms around Draco’s neck. “Oh yes. I would love that Mr… Mr.”.

Mirroring Draco’s position, Theo went down to Jaxson’s level. “Jaxson, he is Draco and I am Theo. We are very good friend with Hermione.”

Hermione felt the tears escape as she watch the little boy hug Theo next. Harry leaned into her and whispered, “Pretty awesome guys for snakes.” Then he kissed her cheek and stepped into the floo.

________________

As he stepped through the floo into the manor’s main entry, Draco called, “Mopsy”.

The little elf popped in. “Yes, Master.” But before Draco could say anything. She threw her little hands up in the air and shouted. “Master has brought Mopsy a child. Master has brought. Mopsy an adorable...little…wizard…werewolf?” She looked up at them. Confusion written all over her face.

Theo couldn't help but laugh. “Yes, Mopsy. We have brought you a little wizard werewolf.”

Jaxson’s attention was drawn to a magical sculpture that kept changing shape and color. He wandered over to it.

Mopsy asked, “Okaaaaay. Do I gets’ to keep him?”

Draco smiled at her. “For tonight you do. Tomorrow he will be at the werewolf sanctuary. And then. Well, then we will have to see.” He saw his witch smile at him and he couldn’t help but realize he would do just about anything to keep her smiling like that.

Mopsy turned and went to stand with Jaxson.

Hermione kissed him softly, “Thank you.” Then as if worried he would be angry, “I promise it will be just tonight. After the full moon, I will get him settled back in the orphanage. I just want to make sure he get’s his potion and has a painless transformation.”

He kissed her back and then ran his thumb over her lips, “Sweetheart, this is your home too and if you want Jaxson to be our guest, that’s fine. Mopsy is over the moon to have a child to take care of.” Everyone watched as the little elf held the boy’s hand.

She cleared her throat and called the little wizard over. Hermione bent down and cupped Jaxson’s face, “You be a good boy and go with Mopsy. She is a wonderful elf and she loves children very much.” Turning to the elf. “Where will you put him.”

As if feeling her nerves, the elf smiled, “Would Miss like Mopsy to put Little Master into her room?”

Looking to Draco for guidance, he just shrugged, “Your house too Princess.”

She turned to Theo, he kissed her and whispered, “Your rooms are fine.” Smirking, he winked at her, “As long as its’ not with us. We all sleep naked.”

She nodded to Mopsy. “Could you set him up in my room?” The elf nodded and started to turn. Hermione added, “Mopsy could you make sure he is not alone. That’s an awful big room for such a little boy.”

Nodding again. “Yes Miss. Master Jaxson will not be alone. I will stay with him.”

Draco added, “We haven’t eaten and I’m sure he hasn’t either. Could you make sure he gets dinner and we will take care of ourselves.”

Just then Jaxson yawned. “Little Mopsy I’m tired.”

The elf took his hand and led him up the stairs. “Well Little Master let’s get you in a bath and then some food in your belly.”

“But I don’t want to take a bath.” He whined. Hermione cleared her throat rather loudly. Without looking back at her Jaxson said, “I would love to take a bath. Can I have bubbles?”

After she ate dinner, Hermione kissed both wizards and headed to bed. “I’m exhausted, I need to take a bath. Oh bloody hell, I need to get a message to Charlie, with Jaxson here, I’m not going to be able to go help at the Preserve.

Theo wrapped his arms around her and lowered his mouth to her neck. Kissing and licking her pulse point. “You go to the Preserve. I don’t have anything major happening tomorrow. Jaxson can spend the day with me. Then I’ll bring him to the Sanctuary when Dra and I come to help distribute.”

“Hmmmm. Oh. Theo I can’t ask you to do that.” She tipped her head so he could lick and suck the other side of her neck.

Loving the taste of her skin, his voice deepened, “You didn’t ask Baby, I offered.”

Turning her head again, this time lining their lips together. “Thank you.”

_________________

Draco and Theo wandered into the game room. Their intention was to play a few games of magical darts, but after they each got a glass of firewhiskey they sat down. “That witch is a force of nature.” Draco stated.

Staring at his love Theo grunted, “That is the biggest understatement I’ve ever heard.” Sipping his drink. “I thought she was going to wind up in jail. When she left with the potion for Jaxson, her hair was sparking and it felt like she was drawing my magic. I was so fucking worried about her.”

Draco nodded, “Only our witch would go on a tear over a little boys wolfsbane potion and wind up exposing departmental corruption, nepotism and a hidden death eater worshiper. Life with that little witch is never going to be boring.”

Theo laughed loudly, “I never thought it would be. It’s going to be like flying a broom that doesn’t listen, hold on tight and enjoy the ride.”

Draco tossed the pouch of gold onto the table between them, “Oh don’t forget the bail money for when said ride lands us in jail.”

Lost to their own thoughts for a while, Theo voice was low, “She’s going to be a great mum. That witch was ready to take on anyone who hurt that little boy upstairs and he’s not even her child.”

“I was thinking the same thing. She is especially sensitive to any injustices against children. From what she has said, her own childhood was hard. Then she was drawn into the magical world, labeled ‘wrong’, treated poorly by everyone, sometimes even by her own friends. Then being drafted as a child to fight a war.” He growled. “I understand why she would fight for Jaxson.”

Theo smiled, “That little boy has no idea the chaos that surrounded him tonight. She not only fought for him but she also protected him from witnessing everything.” Theo chewed his lip for a minute, “Dra, um, about Jaxson.”

Draco drank down the rest of his firewhiskey, stood and refilled his glass. “I don’t know Theo. I just know that I would do anything to make that witch happy. I love her. You love her. Fuck I think that little wizard wolf upstairs loves her.” Without taking a sip of his freshly poured drink, he put his glass down. Walked over to his wizard and put his hand out, “Come on let’s go hold our witch and we can figure everything else out tomorrow.”

Hermione was sleeping when they climbed into bed. Each wizard kissed her gently and wrapped their arms around her. She stirred and sleepily whispered “Good night.”