Magical Lineage

Draco quietly left the bedroom and stepped into the sitting room. “Mopsy.” The little elf appeared. “Mum is at Dromeda’s, I need you to take this to her.” He handed her the note he had written, explaining what had transpired after she left.

“Yes Sir.” She paused as if she wanted to say something. After a few moments, finally, “Is Master Theo alright?”

“You know?”

She bowed her head, “Yes Sir. I saw him packing. He asked Mopsy to watch over you and Miss.”

Anger flared through him. He waited a moment before speaking, not wanting to yell at the elf. “Why didn’t you get me? Why didn’t you stop him?” Draco took several deep breaths to try to reign in his temper. “I could have helped him. I could have stopped him.” He ground his teeth so hard he thoutht hey would crack. “Mopsy…Why didn’t you tell me?”

The elf had tears streaming down her face. “Master, Please. Mopsy is sorry.” She pulled at her ears, her large eyes pleading for understanding. “Master Theo asked Mopsy not to. Told Mopsy to keep the secret, so he could be better for Master and Miss and… and… the babies.” She sniffed. “Master said he wanted to be a good father.” She fell to her knees, “Said he wanted to love his baby.” She was crying so hard he could barely make out her words, “He told Mopsy to help you and Miss. To get him if there is emergency.”

Realization dawned. Not only did she witness his leaving, but - “Mospy do you know where he is?”

The elf wouldn’t make eye contact. “Yes.”

“Where?” His voice a deadly low growl.

“Mopsy cannot say. Master made Mopsy vow. Mopsy is to report to him if you need him.” Shaking her head and crying, “Master Theo made Mopsy speak the vow, promising to watch over Miss and if he is needed Mopsy is to go to him. Get him.”

Draco thought about her words, “Theo made you take a vow to keep his whereabouts a secret?”

The little elf just nodded. “He promised he would let you know soon.”

He dropped to his knees in front of the little elf. “He made you vow to betray me. Betray this family.” He grabbed her little arms, not caring that she was so much smaller than him. “Mopsy, Miss is suffering. She needs him.”

The little elf just cried harder. “I told Master. I begged him.” Shaking her head, “I said Miss would need him. But he said she had you. He will make himself better and then come back. He promised.”

Anger bubbled in his chest. He stood to his full height. His voice hard and his words cold. “Go. Bring mother that note. Tell her how you betrayed your Master. Tell her how you hurt Miss.”

She threw herself at his feet. “Sirrrrr?”

“Go. I don’t want to see you. You are NOT to return.” His voice was deep and hard. When she made no move to go, he growled, “GO. LEAVE NOW.”

The little elf left.

He stood rooted to his spot. Anger coursing through his body. A cry broke the silence “Draco. Draco. Where are you?” Panic in Hermione’s voice.

Turning, he rushed back into the bedroom. “I’m right here Sweetheart. Sshhh. I’m here.” He hurried to the bed. When he sat, she wrapped herself around him, holding tight. “Shhh. Baby.”

Sobbing into his chest. Her body shaking. “I thought you left me too. I thought I made you leave.”

While his own heart was broken that his wizard had left. He understood why. He could rationalize why. He knew it wasn’t meant to hurt them. Theo had overheard he and mum’s conversation. Heard them talking about how it might help him to deal with his past and accept that he is worthy of the happiness of his future.

“He left me Draco. He left. I’m sorry I made you lose him. I’m sorry. I sorry. I’m…” Her sobbing was inconsolable. The tears were continuous. And her hold on him was so tight her fingers were white. “I lose everyone. Everyone I love, I lose them.”

“Sshhh Baby.” He would give her a sleeping potion, but with her being pregnant he wasn’t sure it was allowed. So, he just held her and whispered soothing words. Finally she fell back to sleep. He held her for hours. Casting a silencing charm, he summoned a parchment and quill. Asking his questions to her healers and doctors in the program. Not wanting to reveal too much.

Dr. Andrew Attwood, Healer Thomas ,

Hermione has had a very emotionally upsetting event recently. Nothing physical, but she is very sad and upset. Crying a lot. Lost appetite. Very little restful sleep. She seems unable to settle. Not wanting to do or give her anything that may be harmful to her or the babies, I am turning writing to you for guidance.

Sincerely Draco L. Malfoy

He then called Tipsy, “I need you to give this note to Aris. Have him deliver and wait for a response. Then I want you to bring a tray of food and drinks. Miss hasn’t had anything to eat or drink.”

“Yes Sir.” The little elf looked worried. “Is Miss going to be okay?”

“I hope so.” He nodded his head to her. “Now go do as I asked.”

She cast a worried look to the witch and then left.

Draco had fallen asleep, holding the witch to him. Never once letting her go. When Tipsy returned he awoke and watched as she place a tray of food and drink on the table by the fireplace and then laid a note on the bedside table. He nodded his head to her and she left.

The Doctor and Healer both advised against a sleeping potion. Natural remedies, peppermint tea, chamomile tea, broths, crackers. Nothing rich, greasy, sweet, or acidic.

The little witch slept, cried, drank water, ate very little, cried, used the loo, and again slept from exhaustion. That was the weekend. The entire weekend. She never left the room. Narcissa checked in on them several times. Tipsy tended to their needs. Tears and worry on the little elf’s face.

Monday morning, Draco watched her closely as she showered, quietly dressed, drank some peppermint tea, ate a piece of dry toast and headed to the floo. “Sweetheart? Where are you going?”

“Hogwarts. I have to go to work.” She sounded and looked tired. Dark circles under her eyes, her hair was pulled into a loose plait and her features were sad.

“I can let McGonagall know that you aren’t feeling well.” He said.

“No. I have a responsibility. The student’s need me. I need to be there.” She was chewing her lip.

“Okay well I can come with you. I don’t have anything going on today.” Fuck all, even if he had he would reschedule. She was more important than anything or anyone. He turned to walk with her to the floo.

“No.” She spun around to face him. “No. I can go to work by myself. I’m not a child that needs to be watched and protected.”

“I don’t think you’re a child. I think you are as heartbroken as am I. I think we need each other. I can do my work from a table in the library.” He walked to her, gently lifting her chin with his thumb. Tear filled brown eyes met storm grey.

“Where is he Draco? I want him home with us.” Biting her lip. She needed to stop doing that, he had to heal it once already. Worrying it to the point of bleeding. “Did I ruin us, by forcing him to have a child with me? I thought he wanted this. I thought…” Her lip quivered, and her tears silently fell.

Draco pulled her to him. “Oh Sweetheart, he didn’t leave because of you. He didn’t leave because of the baby. He loves you. You didn’t force him, he does wants this.” Rubbing his hand across her jaw, cupping the side of her face. “He’s scared right now. He’ll come home to us. I know he will.” Draco leaned into her and kissed her forehead, “Now give me five minutes and then I will escort you to Hogwarts.” This time when he looked into her eyes, he saw acceptance.

___________

Hermione worked most of the day in the library. Draco made arrangements with the kitchen elves to have lunch and several snack trays delivered to her desk in the library. When she looked a little tired, he walked her to her rooms and insisted she take a short nap. “I promise between me and Weasley we can handle the library. Tipsy will sit with you.”

Hermione was tired, “Okay. But only for a little while.” Then as if she just realized, “Where is Mopsy?”

Had she been looking at Draco instead of walking toward the library door the witch would have noticed his jaw clench. “Mopsy is staying at Dromeda’s for a while.” He bent and kissed her softly “Tipsy”. The little elf appeared. “Go with Miss and stay with her while she rests. If she needs anything, get me immediately.”

“Yes Sir.” She reached up and held Hermione’s hand and they walked out of the library.

Draco watched as they walked down the hallway and climbed the staircase. He felt a presence next to him, “Weasley.”

“Malfoy. How’s our witch?”

Shaking his head, “My witch is hurting.”

“Nott buggered off.” There was an edge of anger to the ghost’s voice.

“It’s complicated.” The wizard said.

“Not from what I see. He got her pregnant. Then left.” Fred floated in front of the wizard, “Oh yeah I almost forgot, he fucking stomped on her heart in his rush to leave.”

Draco’s anger boiled within him, he wanted to hit the spirit. “He didn’t leave her because he doesn’t love her or because she’s pregnant.” Running his fingers through his hair. He hated that that was how it looked. Like Theo had abandoned her. Knowing he didn’t owe anyone an explanation he instinctively wanted to defend his wizard. “He left because he’s trying to be better. Trying to be the man she needs him to be. He’s fucking fighting to not be his father.”

Fred rose above him so he was looking down on Draco. “Well, you both promised her a future. That witch is fucking perfect. She gave up a lot and was willing to give her life to fight for magic. You two gave her hope. She believed you three were going to become the family she had dreamed of.” His voice darker now. “When she obliviated her parents and erased herself from their memories, I held her while she cried.” The ghost moved closer, right into Draco’s face, “Then the unthinkable happened. I was killed, and she found out that her parents were lost to her forever. Charlie watched her break. He told me she wanted to give up, but didn’t know how.”

Draco wanted to hit something. He wanted to scream in frustration. “I know she lost so much during the war. She almost lost her life.” His voice was quiet now, “I didn’t know she wanted to give up. I can’t imagine that. I can’t imagine her being that broken.”

Fred went on, “No one thought she would every be whole again. Then you two snakes were paired to her and she had fucking hope again.” The two locked eyes, “You had better fucking fix this. I may not be able to break your bones, but there are three Weasley brothers that love that witch as a sister.” He drifted away. “Oh and speaking of sisters, Ginevra will fucking destroy anyone who hurts Hermione.”

Draco just nodded his head in understanding. “I get it. He’ll be back. We will be a family.” Instead of returning to the table he had been working at he headed toward the door. “Watch the library for a bit Weasley, I have to visit Madam Pomphrey.

_____________

When Draco entered the clinic he found himself standing with a student in a hospital gown. The boy appeared to be striped blue and yellow from his head to his feet. Draco’s eyebrows raised in surprise. “I guess you’re really happy to be in Ravenclaw?”

The little boy did not seem amused. “No. I’m actually a Hufflepuff. But my cousins, who are in Ravenclaw, thought it would be ‘hilarious’ to play a prank on me.”

“Why would they do that?” Draco wondered. The little boy really did look miserable.

“Because I am the first in my family to not be placed in Ravenclaw. The first EVER. That bloody hat sorted me into Hufflepuff and now I am the joke of my family.”

Draco smiled. “Well you know it really doesn’t matter which house you’re sorted in. The school has fully integrated and unified as one.”

“Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That’s what everyone says. Even mum and dad are fine with me being in Hufflepuff. Dad said,” Deepening his voice, “‘You know it’s not like it used to be’.” The little boy shook his head, “I actually like being in Hufflepuff. I just don’t want to be teased.”

Draco smiled, “Well what you need to remember is the hat saw things in you that are distinctly Hufflepuff traits. Loyal, hard-working, kind, patient and fair. Not to mention Hufflepuffs are very trustworthy. My cousin was a Hufflepuff, and she was as loyal as you can get.” The little boy looked up at him, blinking. Draco sighed, “Okay. If that isn’t enough, mix three drops of skunk weed oil, two crushed lavender petals, the juice of one blood orange and five albino rabbit tears into a pitcher of pumpkin juice. Offer it to your cousins as a peace offering.”

The little boy looked intrigued. “What will that do?”

Draco smiled. “Well let’s just say they will not only turn the prettiest shade of purple but their breath smell like baby skunks. Oh and their rabbit ears and cotton tail will give them pause the next time they want to play a trick on you.”

The smile that crossed the little boys face, was a stark reminder of just how devious Theo had been when he played that same trick on Blaise.

Madam Pomphrey returned with a small vial and handed it to the little boy. “Mr. Rubbin drink this and lie down. You’ll feel some itching and then a chill. You should be right as rain by dinner.” She turned and noticed Draco, “Oh Mr. Malfoy what can I do for you?”

“I wanted to let you fill you in on some recent developments regarding Miss Granger.”

The medi-witch nodded her head, “Please let’s go into my office.”

As the witch turned to lead him away Draco caught the little boys eye and waived his hand, a small piece of parchment fell onto the bed. The exact recipe of the potion he had mentioned. He winked at the little boy’s stunned look of surprise at his ability to do wandless magice.”

Draco returned to the library, Weasley was shushing several third year Slytherin students. The group did not actually quiet until they saw the glare of their former house prince. He returned to his table, the one with Hermione’s and his initials carved into it. Working for a couple more hours.

Hermione returned to the library two hours later. She continued to work and assist students. When her day was done, she and Draco headed home through her floo. The witch grabbed an apple and headed to their rooms. “I’m going to take a shower and go to bed.”

Draco caught up to her. “Baby you need to eat. I’ll see to today’s mail and then be up. I’ll have Tipsy make us a light dinner.” He kissed her softly and watched as she climbed the stairs. Stopping in the kitchen he instructed Tipsy, “Prepare a dinner tray for two. Something light, but nutritious. I’ll take it up with me.” Turning to leave “Where’s my mother?”

“Mistress is in the parlor.”

“I’m going to stop and see her, then attend to some business. I’ll bring the tray up.”

“Yes sir.” There was a pause, “Sir?”

A hard edge to his tone “No Tipsy. I don’t want her here. I know she’s your sister, but she betrayed my trust. Miss has been sick with worry.” Hearing the little elf sniff. “Give me time. I know she was doing what Master Theo told her to do. But right now, I can’t look at her. Not yet.”

Narcissa sat in the small parlor, Dam and Jaxson were with her. Jaxson was sitting next to his mother, practicing his letters. His mum looked up, “Darling your home.” He bent and kissed her cheek. He shook Dam’s hand. Jaxson threw his arms around Draco’s legs. So he lifted the little boy up into his arms. “Hello there little wolf. What are you doing here?”

“Dam is making sure I get my medicine and then I’m having a sleep over with Teddy.” The little boy poked Draco’s shoulder. “Do you and Theo want to play on brooms before I leave?”

He smiled at the little wizard’s excitement about flying, but it took him a moment to answer, he had to swallow around the lump in his throat. “I’m sorry, not today. Theo’s not here and I have to help Hermione with something.”

At the mention of her name the little boy’s face lit up. “Hermione’s here? Where? Can I see her?”

Draco put him down. “She is here, but she’s very tired and I don’t think it would be a good time to see her.” He ruffled the little boy’s hair, turning to his mother, “Hermione went up to shower and lay down. I’m just going to go through the mail and then take a dinner tray up.”

“Very well.” She held his hand, “He’ll come home my love.”

“I know. It’s just going to be rough until he’s back.”

Narcissa tilted her head. “Draco. About Mopsy?”

“NO.” His response so quick. “I don’t want her here. Not now. Not when she could have told me. She knew he was leaving and she knows where he is. I could go to him.” Fisting his hands at his sides, “I could have stopped him.”

“Draco, he silenced her. She had no choice.”

“I’m sorry mum. That witch up there is heartbroken. I can’t look at Mopsy right now. I just can’t.” His tone left no room for misunderstanding.

“You know she loves you both. You feel she betrayed you. But what was she to do, was she to betray him for you?” Narcissa tried to reason.

“Mum. Please not now. Give me a little time.” Shaking his head. “Please.” Narcissa nodded her head in understanding.

“Will you try to get Hermione to join us for dinner. She needs to be around people. Visiting with Jaxson will undoubtedly raise her spirits.”

Draco kissed her cheek. “I’ll try. But in case she is unwavering on her desire to stay in our rooms,” He kissed her cheek, “I love you. I’ll say my good night now.” Nodding to Dam and ruffling Jaxson’s hair.

Stopping in his study, he saw the stack of mail by the owl perch. “Fuck.” He poured himself a firewhiskey and sat at his desk. After a few sips he called the mail to him. He noted the letter on top was charmed with a priority charm, making it rise to the top of the stack no matter what was put on top of it. “He opened the envelope and relief flood through him when he recognized the handwriting.

Draco,

I’ve got our wizard. He’s safe. He’s really fucked up right now, but I’ll make sure he’s taken care of. Mum will help him. You know she’s one of the best mind healers in the word. If Britain would just let witches be healers, she would gladly move home.

In the meantime. He’s here and safe. I’ll look out for him just like when we were younger. Just like when we were in school, I promise I won’t let him spiral or be lost to his ghosts. You just take care of OUR witch.

Congratulations, you are going to be a great father. Hermione will be an amazing mother. And even though Theo doesn’t see it yet, he will be a loving, nurturing father.

Your Brother Always,
Blaise

PS. Mum said you both should write to him. It will help ground him and remind him what he’s fighting for. She said it’s going to be bad.

He felt the tension leave his body. Even though he suspected that Theo had gone to Blaise and his mother, he wasn’t sure. He was so focused on Hermione; he hadn’t had an opportunity to follow up on his suspicions. Blaise’s mother, Arianna Zabini was one of the best magical mind healers in the world.

Draco went through the mail, responding to what needed his immediate attention. Finally, he went to check on Hermione and let her know where Theo was. The little witch was laying in the middle of their bed, she hadn’t showered, or changed her clothes. She was hugging one of Theo’s shirts to her. “Sweetheart?” Circe, she was so sad. His magic could feel how lost she was. He wondered if Theo could feel it through the triad magic.

Hermione had heard Draco come in. She heard him address her, gods her brain was so muddled, she was mad, confused and hurt. But deep down, really deep down, if she allowed herself to focus, she also felt other emotions. Love. Hope. Desire. Were those her feelings? Draco’s? Or were they Theo’s? Sighing, it doesn’t really matter, Theo had left. She had been sure that he loved her. He said he did. Just like she was sure he loved Draco, their bond was deeper, more obvious. Maybe her coming into their lives, while something they wanted in theory, didn’t actually work in reality. She wondered, ‘could you love someone and yet not want a future with them?’ – Biting her lip, all she kept thinking about was, ‘He left. He left her and Draco and their family.’

“Hermione? Sweetheart?”

She could hear the uncertainty in Draco’s voice. She knew she needed to speak. “I’m sorry.” There she said words. She wasn’t sure if they were the words he needed to hear, but they were the words that kept playing on repeat in her head. “I’m sorry I pushed him. I’m sorry I caused him to leave.” Her chest felt like it was being crushed. Her throat hurt, it felt like she was choking on a rock. “I’m sorry he left you too. I’m sorry I was so mad at him. I’m sorry…” Tears were falling again. She felt the bed dip.

“Baby.” He laid his body in a mirror to hers. Facing her. Grey eyes searching for brown, but they were closed. Her cheeks tear streaked. He stroked her hair, petting her gently. “Baby, stop. Why do you think this was your fault?”

A heartbreaking sob escaped, “He left because of me. Because I pushed him.” The little witch inhaled a deep breath, “I ruined what you two had. I need to know if he’s okay. What if he’s hurt, or needs us. I’ve been trying to feel him through the magic but…” She leaned her head forward and buried her face in his neck. “I’m sorry.”

“Hermione, you didn’t make him leave. You didn’t ruin anything. Theo needs to deal with his past. The three of us had decided to work on creating and being a family. We made that decision together. You and I had every right to be angry with him. Theo was going to disregard that and choose another path. One he knows should have been discussed with us.” He was silent for a moment, taking several deep breaths. Inhaling her scent to calm and center himself. “I think you becoming pregnant with his child, before he could sabotage our plans, showed him that even the magic wants this for us. He went away to get help. He wants to be a good father, he wants to be a good partner.”

Talking into his neck. “Do you think he’ll come back to us?”

“I know he will Baby. He loves us too much not to.” Pulling her onto his chest so he could hold her safely to him. “He knows how much we love him. He waited through seven years of school and a war to call you his witch. He’ll be back.”

Hermione whispered, “I wonder where he is.”

Draco put a finger under her chin, and lifted her head until their eyes locked. “He’s with Blaise.” She opened her mouth but no words came out. So she closed it. Draco continued. “A letter came today while we were at Hogwarts. Blaise wanted us to know that Theo is there and working with his mother.” Seeing her look of confusion, “Arianna Zabini is one of the world’s foremost magical mind healers. Britian is the only place she’s not able to practice as a healer. She’s the reason Blaise lives in Italy. Arianna moved there when Blaise was eleven years old. The Ministry of Magic would not allow her to practice as a healer, because she’s a woman. So, she waited until Blaise was in school and moved there to complete her studies and apprenticeship.”

“Who did Blaise live with while she was studying and establishing her craft?”

“Unlike Theo and I, Blaise’s family was ‘normal’. Well as normal as can be.” Draco adjusted their position, he was sitting up against the headboard and she was curled into his lap. Her hand over his heart and her head on his shoulder. “Blaise’s mother is a distant cousin of the Black family. I think it’s like she was three or four times removed. I don’t know, mum would know better. That whole family tree is an interwoven mess. Anyway, she was in Italy on holiday during her sixth year at Hogwarts and she met an Italian wizard, who was much older. Her father, a wizard of the old mindset that daughters were currency used to further your monetary or social standing.” Hermione gave a disgusted groan. “Yes Sweetheart I completely agree with your sentiment. Anyway, Blaise’s father, Santino Zabini, was twenty-five years Arianna’s senior.”

Hermione sat up, and looked at him incredulously. “Twenty-five years. That’s…that’s. OBSCENE.”

Draco pulled her back to him. “Hush my Love. I’m telling you a story. Listen carefully.” She harrumphed. “Arianna was actually quite taken by Santino. They traveled through Italy together and he showed her the country, both magical and muggle. You see, unbeknownst to Arianna’s family, Santino was a muggle born. But his family was closely connected to magic. They had had several witches and wizards in it, and the Italian government along with the ministry of magic, work together and allow the two worlds to interact. Santino was a very wealthy man, amassing wealth in both worlds.”

Hermione’s eyebrows raised, but she stayed quiet. “He and Arianna truly fell in love. But they couldn’t let her family know. It had to seem as if it was a business transaction. Santino, along with being a very powerful wizard, he was also very gifted solicitor, so he made sure the wording of the bonding/marriage agreement was worded just right.”

Hermione looked up at him. She repositioned herself so she was straddling his lap. Looking into his eyes as he continued. “He paid quite a bit of gold to Arianna’s family for her hand in marriage, but he was getting the love of his life and she was getting hers. Her family, being unfamiliar with the Italian wizarding world, had thought the Zabini family was not only rich but aristocratic. They were not. They were well off but they worked for every ounce of gold in their vaults. Various investments, both magical and muggle, let them amass an impressive amount of wealth.”

“So they tricked her family. I bet that didn’t go over well with her father.” She surmised.

“No.” He chuckled, “But, as I said Santino’s a solicitor, he worded their bonding contract so her father, could never challenge the union. And upon her father’s death, if Santino and Arianna’s union had produced a male heir, that child would inherit the entirety of the Rosiers wealth, land, businesses, properties. Everything. So, you see Blaise is the sole living heir to not only the noble house of Zabini but also the ancient noble house of Rosiers.

“Blaise’s’ mother was a Rosiers? I studied the sacred 28, during my time on the run with Harry. For a while we were theorizing that Tom hid one of his horcrux with a trusted noble family. They were never actually connected to him or his cause. But I thought they were all killed off during the last war.”

Draco tried to hide his excitement that she was engaging in conversation that didn’t revolve around Theo leaving. “They were, well, except for Arianna. Who seems to have become the ‘lost Rosiers’.”

“So, Blaise is a spoiled rich prat, just like you and Theo?”

Draco’s laugh echoed in the room, which in turn made Hermione smile. The light actually showing in her eyes. He kissed the tip of her nose. “Yes he’s spoiled just like Theo and I but, Theo and I are still much much more wealthy.”

She leaned forward and buried her face in his neck again, taking deep breaths. Letting his scent calm and center her. Rain and parchment soothing her. “I hope Mrs. Zabini can help him. I trust Blaise will take care of him. But…I still miss him so fucking much.” She wanted Draco to know, “I’m not mad at him anymore. Not for his trying to trick us. I get it. I’ve been thinking,” She paused and chewed her lip, “thinking about how much he suffered as a child. How scared and alone he was. My heart hurts so bad for him. I want him to know I’m not mad. I want to hold him and let him know he belongs to us.”

“I know baby. I miss him too. But if anyone can help him Arianna Zabini can. Blaise loves Theo like a brother. Theo loves him too, despite punching him for kissing you.” He snuggled her closer to him. “I trust Blaise.”

“I do too.” She whispered.

“Hermione.” He had to ask his question. He had to know the answer that had been in his head since Theo left. “I know how the three of us feel now. I know how Theo and I have felt about you for years. When you saw our names paired with yours, did you want us? Did you want the three of us for more than the program?”

She wanted to make sure he understood how serious she was, so she sat up and looked into worried grey eyes. Kissing him softly, his lips deliciously soft, a hint of mint in his breath. Her tongue begged to enter so he opened to her, allowing her to deepen the kiss. His tongue danced with hers. As she broke the spell the kiss put on them, “I can tell you with complete conviction Draco Lucious Malfoy, I wanted you both more than I have every wanted anything or anyone in my life.”

He cupped her face and kissed her “I fucking love you so much. Magic got it right. We three belong together. Our boy will get his shit together and he’ll be back soon. Blaise said we can help.”

She sat up quickly. Hope in her voice. “How? What do we need to do?”

“That’s my girl.” He kissed her nose again. “Blaise said we could write him letters. Letters of hope, or stories, or just letting him know what is happening here. We are his connection to his life and to his future.”

“How often can I write to him?” She asked biting her lip.

Draco pulled her lip free. “As often as you want.”

She threw her arms around him and kissed him soundly. “I’m going to write him a letter right now.” But before she could climb off the wizard and the bed she felt a strong arm band itself around her middle. “What? I want to write to Theo. He needs to know I love him and miss him and forgive him.”

“That’s all fine and well, but first you are eating.” Draco watched as the little witch opened her mouth to protest, but he rushed on, “Hermione you haven’t slept or eaten properly since Theo left. You need to think about your health and the health of the babies. After dinner and a nice walk in the fresh air, we will both settle down and write Theo.”

“Fine.” She looked abashed, “You’re right.”

“I had Tipsy make a tray for us but, now I think we should go down and eat with Mum, Dam and Jaxson.”

Just then she did jump up, “Oh shit. I’m supposed to go help with potion distribution.”

“No you’re not. I canceled the both of us. I sent an owl today to Longbottom. I just said we had something come up. I figured it wasn’t anyone’s business what Theo’s doing. As far as our happy news, it’s not something I thought we would share until we are all together. I’m pretty sure mum told Dam about Theo, but I don’t think either of them know about the babies. Anyway he knows we’re not going to be there to help and he said not to worry, they have enough hands.”

Well, the only people that know about the babies, besides us and the clinic is Poppy and McGonagall.” Thinking for a moment. “Oh and Fred. But I think that is a ghost thing. Because I didn’t say anything he just looked at me, smiled and said, “Congratulations mommy.” Then you and Theo came through the floo and…” Biting her lip again, she sighed. Draco realized that was the same night that he found out she was pregnant.

_____________

Dinner was quiet, Tipsy set out all of the food on the buffet and they all helped themselves. Jaxson ate two helpings of roasted lamb with wild rice and asparagus. Hermione was very impressed, “Jaxson you have a wonderful appetite. I didn’t think many children liked asparagus.”

He laughed but didn’t look up, he was too busy buttering his roll. “I had to eat all the vegetables in the fruit cellar. That was where I lived.”

Dam squinted his face, “Jaxson in all the time we have spent together, you never told me your family lived in a fruit cellar.”

The little wolf-wizard bit his roll and chewed quickly. “Slow down. You’ll choke.” Narcissa scolded.

Hermione and Draco couldn’t help but laugh as the little boy mumbled, with his mouth full, “Sowwrry.”

Dam smiled, “So a fruit cellar. What was that like?”

Jaxson shrugged his little shoulders. “It was dark. Daddy said I had to stay there. He said I was to dangerous. I could hurt my baby sister. Mommy would sometimes sneak me a treat.”

Dam’s face lost all expression. His jaw clenched. “You mean, your daddy locked you in the fruit cellar when it was full moon?”

The little wolf wizard drank some juice and shook his head, “No. I lived in the fruit cellar. I was always there.” He spoke so matter of factly. As if it were normal to be locked in a cellar. Jaxson didn’t notice that all of the adults had gone quiet. Thinking of what the little boy’s life must have been like.

Just then Tipsy popped in, “Is Master ready for dessert.” Hermione noticed the little elf, while being VERY professional, was not making eye contact with Draco.”

“Yes Tipsy whenever you’re ready.” He said not bothering to look up at her. She vanished the plates and the food. When she waved her hand a beautiful black forest cake appeared. Before she could cut it Draco waved her off. “Thank you. Everything was delicious. Good night.”

But Tipsy just stood in the doorway to the dining room. “Sir I—”

Draco’s voice deepened and was laced with anger. “I said ‘good night’.”

Without another word or second to waste the little elf popped out. Narcissa looked at her tea. Dam wouldn’t think of questioning Draco. Jaxson was too busy trying to get a taste of the whipped cream on the cake. Though Hermione, looking very confused asked, “Did Tipsy do something wrong?”

“No.” Draco answered.

“Why were you so short with her?” It seemed that one question lead to a river of them. “Why is she cooking as serving? Where is Mopsy? Is she ill?”

Draco took a deep breath. “I told you Mopsy is at Dromeda’s”

“Oh no. Is Tulip ill? Should we go…?”

Draco cut her off. “I asked her…”

Narcissa, without looking at her son sipped her tea and cut in, “Told. Draco you told her to leave.”

Voice laced with irritation, “Fine. I told her to leave. I told her that she was to leave and not come back until I permitted it.”

Hermione looked stunned. She looked confused and sad. But then she looked pissed. “Why? Why would you kick her out of her home.”

Narcissa noted that Jaxson was now paying too much attention to the conversation, so she stood to cut the cake. Draco began to explain. “I told her to leave because she knew that Theo had planned to L-E-A-V-E. He spelled so Jaxson wouldn’t know what is being said. “I told her to leave because she refused to tell me W-H-E-R-E H-E I-S. That elf, didn’t get me when he was planning to L-E-A-V-E. She saw how distraught you were and she still wouldn’t tell me. So I told her that if it was so easy for her to betray us then maybe she shouldn’t be here.”

Dam cast a muffliato charm over Jaxson.

Hermione jumped up from the table, tipping her chair in the process. “Draco how could you? This is her home. She – she - wait a minute.” She spun to face him. completely, “What do you mean she knew where he was. You mean she knew before you did? Before the letter?”

“Yes.”

Swallowing and shaking her head, a look of hurt flashed across her face. “Never mind that. This is her home.”

Narcissa, now that she knew Dam put a muffliato charm on Jaxson, took the opportunity to clarify, “He made her promise. She promised to watch over you and Draco. She promised that if there was an emergency she would get him.”

Hermione turned to him. “Draco, please call her back.”

He didn’t respond, just set his jaw and was ready to argue. When he finally spoke his voice was laced with ice. “She fucking knew he was leaving and exactly where he was. She wouldn’t tell me, even when she saw what it was doing to you. NO.”

Hermione argued, “But we know where his is.”

Draco rolled his lips together and took several deep breaths. “No. She saw how upset you were. She should have told me before he left.”

Narcissa put a hand on Hermione’s shoulder. Silently asking her to drop it. “Let’s not discuss it any further. Mopsy knows why she was told to leave, she is not out in the cold, she’s at my sister’s home. Her sister Tulip is very much enjoying their time together. Now would you like a piece of this beautiful cake that Tipsy made for us?”

After they all enjoyed the delicious cake, Dam and Jaxson left to get ready to distribute the monthly wolfsbane potions. Draco took Hermione’s hand and they retired for the evening to write their letters to Theo.