Back To Hogwarts
Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart- Winnie the Pooh
March 2011
Time is a funny thing. Always moving forward, never slowing down. The more time that passes, the less it feels like it has passed at all. For Hermione Granger-Malfoy, six years felt like the blink of an eye. She had started as a single mother, worried and still slightly broken from a war that had torn so many people apart. As time brought family back into her life, it was unknowingly healing old wounds she didn’t even know were still festering. She learned that life never went according to plan and sometimes the most unexpected gifts were spontaneous. Sometimes it could be ugly and scary but the plan going off the rails could be the most beautiful ending of them all. She was no longer a single mother alone in the world. She wasn’t just a mother or a friend. She was a sister, a wife. They were all a family.
Two years ago, Hermione and Draco were wed in a small, intimate ceremony in the gardens of Nott Manor, much to the shock of anyone that didn’t understand how their love story had developed. They stood in front of their loved ones and performed what Pansy referred to as “the most beautiful soul binding ceremony” (after her and Blaise’s at their wedding, of course.). Many of the witches and wizards in attendance had never witnessed one before due to it being so rarely used and considered a bit dangerous. The celebration that followed was grand and elegant and everything a proper pureblood wedding was intended to be. While many more people attended the reception than they had invited to the ceremony, Lucius had made it very clear that no press would be invited except the lone photographer, Dennis Creevey, and one reporter that had been chosen by Hermione and Narcissa. While on their week-long Honeymoon in the French Riviera, the story and photos were released in the Daily Prophet as well as Witch Weekly.
When they returned home, life went back to how it always had been. More in love than ever, they raised their daughter and spent time with their friends and family. They still tried to have dinner every Friday rotating between Hermione and Draco’s home and Nott Manor. Lyra continued to be the light in everyone’s lives and with Luca Matteo Zabini now in the mix, Lyra had another little baby that she claimed as her own. While James Potter was her best friend, Luca Zabini was like a little brother to her. Pansy and Hermione loved how close their children were.
The older Lyra became, the more difficult things became though. She was a tornado of emotions and a spitfire just like the Slytherins that helped raise her. Her accidental magic was tied more and more to her emotions every day and it wasn’t until Lucius sat down with Hermione and Draco that a possible scenario was presented to them.
“Have you considered the possibility that Lyra is an empath?” Lucius asked, taking a sip of his firewhiskey. Hermione looked up at him from her glass of wine as Draco tensed beside her.”
“An empath…” Hermione stated slowly, keeping her emotions internalized as best as she could.
“Lyra is extremely powerful,” Lucius explained. “She began her accidental bursts of magic at a very young age and I think we have all seen that each time it occurs it is attached to her emotions yes?”
“Yes,” Draco nodded. “I… I have wondered the same thing myself before.”
“You have?” Hermione asked in shock, looking at him.
“She’s always been so attuned to how we all feel love,” Draco explained, tucking a curl behind her ear. “When you’ve had nightmares that she doesn’t even know about, she’s tucked into your side all morning. When I’ve had a rough day at the office before I can even step out of the floo she’s attached to my leg. She just somehow knows…”
“Because she is a witch, sometimes the magic that flows through our veins can enhance a few abilities. It is how Blaise Zabini has a touch of sight. With Lyra, it seems that her ability to read the emotions around her was enhanced. It is not a bad thing or something to worry about. She just is going to need to learn how to control her emotions, that’s all.”
They all worked with Lyra on how to effectively control and temper her own emotions. Hermione taught her breathing exercises and how to work through each emotion before reacting while Draco and Blaise taught her that sometimes the best way to clear your mind was to fly, much to the chagrin of Hermione. It surprised no one when Lyra was a natural on a broom, unlike her mother. They didn’t discuss where that one particular fact stemmed from and Draco liked to think that he was the reason she was so comfortable.
When it became time for Hermione and Draco to start thinking about Lyra and primary school, a variety of options were presented to them. Narcissa had offered to hire tutors for Lyra to begin the same teaching regiment that any pureblood magical child would receive. Hermione wanted to send her daughter to a muggle primary school though. She thought it was imperative for Lyra to learn both muggle and magical studies. So with that, she and Narcissa had compromised. Lyra would attend a muggle Primary school three days a week and two days a week she would learn subjects that were not offered in the muggle world. It wasn’t until they brought Theo and Blaise along with her and Draco that the idea of Lyra going to Primary school took a complete turn.
“I don’t like this,” Theo whispered to Blaise as Draco held the shy, nervous Lyra in his arms while Hermione pointed things out in the classroom to her,
“This school is not good enough,” Blaise scoffed, looking around the room in distaste.
“Boys,” Hermione snapped, giving them her best mom look that usually both silenced and frightened them.
“Did that child just eat glue?” Draco scoffed in disgust, causing both Theo and Blaise to look over to where Draco’s line of sight was.
“That’s it,” Theo snapped, taking Lyra out of Draco’s arms. She immediately burrowed her face into the crook of his neck and held on tight. “We are NOT leaving her here.” Theo walked out of the room with the others behind him, mumbling under his breath. “Bloody muggles.”
“Swear jar Uncle Theo,” Lyra whispered.
Theo had ranted for hours, pacing the floor in the library at Hermione and Draco’s after Lyra had gone to bed. He demanded that there had to be other options, better ones for Lyra. He agreed with Hermione that she should be integrated in both societies but not at that school. After they finally convinced him to leave, it wasn’t but a few days later that he showed up again this time with both Narcissa Malfoy and Molly Weasley at his side. It seemed that the three of them had agreed that the options for magical children before going to Hogwarts at the age of eleven were severely lacking. In a matter of days he had come up with a plan to open a primary school for magical children ages six through ten. Hermione had been amazed while Draco stated that Theo was bored and had too much time on his hands. This would keep him out of trouble, especially if Draco’s mother was involved.
It had taken time, but the three of them working together had a plan and a place to develop the school faster than Hermione even thought possible. Lucius had told her once that when Narcissa had her mind set on something, she was unstoppable and she was now witnessing it.. It wasn’t long before they appeared before the Wizengamot with their plan and were approved as long as funding was in place. That is where Theo and Narcissa thrived. Narcissa knew her way around the crowds of the elite and knew how to talk anyone into anything. Theo was charismatic and charming and as far as Hermione was concerned, would make an excellent con artist if need be. That is how they all found themselves boarding the Hogwarts Express in early March to head to a fundraiser that was being held at Hogwarts for the magical primary school that was to begin teaching students that upcoming fall.
“Coming through! Coming through! Move please!” Theo snarkily stated as they moved throughout the train. Hermione followed him with Draco’s hand on the small of her back, rubbing soft circles as he helped guide her. “I said move everyone! My pregnant wife is trying to make her way through, thank you!”
“She’s my wife,” Draco chuckled, rolling his eyes. Hermione giggled slightly, stepping out of the way of the other adults trying to make their way to a train cabin.
“Ah! Here we are,” Theo shouted, opening the door to the train car he had been looking for. Ushering both Hermione and Draco in, Theo scoffed as he took his seat. “And to be clear she is our wife.”
“A triad? You kinky bitch. I didn’t know you had it in you Granger,” Pansy smirked.
“Malfoy,” Draco rolled his eyes, placing his hand on her protruding stomach that was finally starting to show.
“If you want to be technical it’s Granger-Malfoy,” Hermione pointed out, smiling at her husband.
“Semantics,” Draco, Theo, Pansy, and Blaise all spoke together. Hermione huffed in annoyance, a small pout resting on her lips.
“Nott should be in there somewhere you know,” Theo pointed out.
“No, it shouldn’t,” Draco rolled his eyes. “Don’t you have a fiance of your own to go and bother with your idiotic behavior?”
“He’s meeting us there,” Theo smirked. “You’re stuck with me until then.”
“Lovely.”
“Well, well,” Theo snickered, smirking as he exited the floo walking in to find Draco buried to the hilt inside of Hermione on the library floor.
“Theo get the fuck out of here,” Draco groaned, resting his forehead against the forehead of his breathless wife.
“You two are parents,” Theo pointed out. “Shouldn’t you be keeping this kind of lewd behavior to the bedroom? With locking and silencing charms?”
“Theodore Nott I swear to Merlin if you do not leave right now…” Hermione started, causing Draco to chuckle which in turn caused her walls to flutter and them both to moan slightly in sync with one another.
“Well if you must continue, then get on with it,” Theo smirked, leaning against a bookshelf. “We both know that you two are kinky little shits and besides, Draco is into voyeurism.”
“Nott I will end you…”
“You forget that I’ve walked in on the two of you in various sexual positions many times so I’m practically another husband at this point.”
“Come on Draco,” Theo smirked. “We might as well take advantage of the good parts of marriage. We already share a child.”
“We all share a child,” Blaise chuckled, rolling his eyes.
“Fine then it’s a Harem,” Theo pointed out.
“Ok let’s not poke the grumpy dragon please?” Hermione giggled, causing Draco to glare at her in betrayal.
“How are you feeling Hermione?” Pansy asked, smiling softly at her, effectively ending the conversation that Theo had started.
“Well the morning sickness doesn’t seem to want to end,” Hermione smiled, rubbing her stomach. “It wasn’t this bad when I was pregnant with Lyra.”
“Well this pregnancy is a little different isn’t it?” Pansy chuckled.
“Is yours different from your first one?” Hermione asked, causing Pansy to laugh.
“Just breathe,” Theo stated, breathing in and out repeatedly as if showing her how to do it. “Just take deep breaths and breathe.”
“Are you saying that to yourself or to me?” Hermione smirked, chuckling a bit. She ran her fingers through her curls before picking up his wand and shoving it into his chest. “I need you to relax and cast the charm.”
“Do I get to be godfather this time?” Theo pleaded. “You stole that away from me with Lyra and it broke my heart.”
“To be fair I think you got more of a role than godfather with Lyra,” she sighed rolling her eyes. “Cast the charm, Theo.”
“Say it,” Theo demanded. “Promise me I will get to be godfather.”
“We don’t even know if-”
“SAY IT!”
“What the bloody hell are you two yelling about in here?” Pansy asked as she came into the room.
“Shut the door!” Hermione and Theo yelled at the same time, causing Pansy’s eyes to widen. She did as they said and approached them.
“What are the two of you up to in here?” Pansy asked cautiously.
“Promise me, Hermione,” Theo spoke again, narrowing his eyes at his favorite witch.
“Yes Theo,” Hermione sighed. “If it’s positive, you will be godfather.”
“Oh my gods,” Pansy breathed before covering her mouth. “No!”
“We don’t know yet because Theo hasn’t cast the charm yet,” Hermione pointed out. “But possibly.”
“Theo! Move your ass! Cast the charm!” Pansy breathed, taking Hermione’s hand in hers.
“Alright, alright. Here we go,” Theo said, taking a deep breath. Hermione did as well. She and Draco hadn’t been necessarily trying to get pregnant but they weren’t using contraceptive charms or potions anymore either. They had decided to let nature take its course. She wanted another baby though, and she knew that Draco felt the same. She watched dutifully as Theo flourished his wand, muttering the words under his breath. All three sets of eyes watched with bated breath as the silver swirl of magic swirled in front of her abdomen before turning gold.
“OH SHIT,” Theo yelped and Hermione let out a cry of excitement.
“Cast the charm on me!” Pansy suddenly said and both heads whipped towards her.
“What?!” Theo exclaimed.
“Just do it, Theo,” Pansy spat out, squeezing Hermione’s hand as Theo repeated the same charm over her. As the silver magic turned to gold in front of her as well, the two witches and one wizard all cried tears of joy together.
“I honestly don’t even know anymore,” Pansy answered honestly. “I never had morning sickness with Luca and I haven’t so far with this pregnancy.”
“Don’t say that with too much joy,” Draco smirked. “Hermione might hex you.”
“I would not,” Hermione huffed and Draco kissed her cheek.
“Her mood swings are about the same,” Blaise smirked and Pansy elbowed him causing him to chuckle. “Case and point. You know I find it endearing love.”
“He says that so he will get laid,” Theo pointed out. “Are you going to let Lyra name the baby again this time Pans?”
“Oh don’t start with that again,” Pansy rolled her eyes. “I would like you to tell her no when she looks at you with those big brown eyes and asks so nicely.”
“None of us can ever tell her no,” Theo smiled proudly. “I taught her well.”
“Yes thank you so much for that,” Hermione pointed out and everyone laughed. They all fell into a comfortable silence taking in the fact that they were once again on the Hogwarts Express, headed to the same castle they hadn’t stepped inside since they had graduated. The closest any of them had gotten was when Draco had proposed to Hermione. With two pregnant witches, there were sure to be tears and emotions that night.
The rest of the train ride was filled with idle conversation and laughs between friends. When they finally arrived at their destination, they exited the train at the Hogsmeade station, and Hermione was immediately greeted with a familiar sight.
“Hagrid!” Hermione exclaimed, stepping forward and hugging the man that had been such an intricate part of her childhood.
“Hello there Hermione,” Hagrid chuckled, hugging her back. “It’s good to see you. Professor McGonagall said that you had decided to ride the train with the others so I thought I would come by and see you before the big party tonight.”
“I’m so glad you did,” she smiled brightly, taking a step back from him. “Harry will be here soon. We will all have to get together while we are here.”
“Of course,” Hagrid said, smiling warmly at her. “I best be off. I’ve got another class soon.”
“See you tonight Hagrid,” she said and waved as he walked off.
“Still teacher’s favorite I see,” Theo smirked, crossing his arms as he, Draco, and Blaise came forward with their bags.
“Remind me again why we didn’t just come through the floo?” Blaise frowned.
“Because we have two pregnant witches in our midst,” Theo chuckled. “And Hermione here wanted the full experience.”
“It was fun,” Hermione pouted. “I enjoyed it immensely.”
“Of course you did my little swot,” Draco chuckled, kissing her cheek and taking her hand. “The carriage is ready to take us to the cottage.”
“I can’t believe Lucius and Narcissa felt it necessary to buy a cottage in Scotland. That is what floo’s are used for. Not to mention apparition,” Blaise smirked, helping Pansy into the carriage. He kissed her cheek as she got settled, then stepped back to allow for Hermione to climb in.
“My father wanted it for when Lyra and all of the other grandchildren he seems to keep collecting attend Hogwarts,” Draco answered as he helped Hermione in, climbing in after her. He helped her settle, tucking a blanket over her lap to keep her warm, causing her to giggle.
“Draco, that's really not necessary,” Hermione pointed out, adjusting her scarf.
“Humor me, love,” Draco smirked, taking her gloved hand in his.
“Lucius does realize that Lyra won’t be attending Hogwarts for at least another five years right?” Blaise pointed out, taking his seat beside Pansy as Theo sat on the other side of Draco.
“He likes to be prepared,” Draco smirked as the others laughed knowing full well the meaning behind Draco’s words.
&&&
“Hermione,” Draco called out as he placed his cufflinks. “Are you alright in there my love?”
“Draco,” she sighed, coming out of the bathroom looking beautiful yet utterly defeated. “I can’t zip it…”
“Ma belle,” Draco chuckled, walking over to her, motioning her to turn around. As she did, he delicately helped pull the zipper closed. “Did you forget that you are a witch and could have used your wand to zip it hmm?”
“I didn’t want to tear the fabric. You know my magic is temperamental these days,” Hermione sighed as he pressed a gentle kiss on the nape of her neck, fastening her locket securely. “Besides, I know that you love it when I ask you to help me.”
“That is very true,” Draco smiled against her skin. Hermione turned around, standing on her tiptoes and fixing his tie for him. From the moment Draco had found out that his wife was pregnant, he was always looking for some way to pamper her. She knew that it had a lot to do with the way that Lyra had come into the world. Draco had missed out on all of those moments and he was determined not to miss out on a single one with this pregnancy. He gently placed his hands on her stomach, giving her a devastating smile. “How are you feeling?”
“A little tired. My feet already hurt from the heels I haven’t even put on yet,” Hermione smirked. With a chuckle, Draco dropped down, gently guiding her feet into the shoes that he made sure had effective cushioning charms on them. He was not ashamed to admit that he had gone to his mother to have him teach her a few things that he knew would come in handy during Hermione’s pregnancy, cushioning charms behind one of them. “Thank you my love.”
“Anything for you,” Draco smiled, coming back up and kissing her gently. “All three of you.”
“Only you would be an overachiever and impregnate me with twins.”
“It’s a talent,” Draco winked, slipping on his suit jacket. After helping her into her cloak, they both left the room, joining Pansy and Blaise who were waiting for them at the door.
“Your timing is impeccable,” Blaise chuckled. “The carriage has just arrived.”
“Like I was just telling Hermione,” Draco smirked. “It’s a talent.”
“Oh bloody hell,” Hermione mumbled, going outside and loading into the carriage with them. As the carriage took off, the witch turned to Pansy. “How was Theo? Did he seem nervous?”
“Of course not,” Pansy laughed. “He was prattling on about how it was our job to make sure that you and Draco here didn’t embarrass him by getting caught in any compromising positions.”
“Though he did say if any were interesting to come and grab him immediately,” Blaise smirked.
“Of course he did,” Draco rolled his eyes.
“Theo is fine Hermione,” Pansy pointed out, smiling at her friend. “Theo lives for this. He loves charming the pants off of anyone that walks into the room. He was born for this. What is that muggle saying? It will be like taking candy from babies?”
“Why would anyone do that? It’s cruel,” Blaise scoffed.
“Did you speak to Lyra earlier?” Pansy asked, ignoring her husband.
“I did yes,” Hermione chuckled. “She, James, Albus, and Luca are giving Andromeda, Missy, and Milly plenty of adventures to tell us all about.”
“Why does the sound of that terrify me?” Pansy laughed.
“Because my daughter can talk anyone into doing anything,” Draco chuckled. “And she has three little boys at her disposal right now.”
“May Merlin help Andromeda,” Blaise laughed. They all knew that while Lyra was the sweetest, most caring little girl they had ever encountered, she was also a master manipulator. She was cunning to a fault, a quality her father was most proud of.
“She will be in Slytherin, no doubt in my mind,” Draco smiled proudly.
“I used to argue this,” Hermione chuckled. “But these days I don’t doubt it as much.”
As the carriage pulled up to the gates, all four held their breath as they were flooded with memories of their time spent at the castle. The good, the bad, the terrifying… all of it came right back up to the surface. Hermione and Pansy squeezed their hands, as Draco pulled his wife a little closer to him. None of them would ever forget the horror that they faced, but they wouldn’t forget the beautiful moments either.
“I honestly never thought I would see this place again…” Pansy smiled a little.
“It still takes my breath away,” Hermione admitted. Their carriage joined the line of other carriages that were dropping off people. They each took a moment to pull themselves together as they crept through the line. Once their carriage was at the bridge, the two men helped their wives out and they began to make their way to the castle. Upon entering, their cloaks were taken by the house elves that had been employed for the evening’s festivities. Hermione smiled at the sight of a few students trying to sneakily watch everyone that was making their way into the great hall.
“Remind you of anyone?” Draco murmured in her ear and Hermione swatted him playfully.
“Oh hush,” she said, as she took his proffered arm.
“Here we go my love,” Draco spoke softly, kissing her cheek. “Are you ready?”
“I’m ready,” Hermione nodded. It would be the first time they were acknowledging her pregnancy in public and she was sure more than a few people were going to be shocked. Draco smiled brightly as the four of them walked into the Great Hall together. The room was already full of people and a small orchestra was playing music. Theo spotted them immediately and smiled. He whispered something to Charlie and made his way over to them.
“There you are,” Theo smiled. “I was beginning to think you weren’t going to show.”
“Of course we were coming,” Hermione chuckled. “I just had a few issues with my dress.”
“You look stunning,” Theo smiled. “And how are all of my little babies doing this evening?”
“Well the nausea has subsided,” Hermione chuckled.
“And I was able to still fit into my fancy heels,” Pansy smirked. “So in the grand scheme of things, this little one and the twins are doing just fine.”
“Excellent,” Theo smiled.
“Not to damper the mood,” Charlie pointed out. “But I should warn you that Ron and his latest fiance are here.”
“Of course,” Hermione nodded. She knew it would be a possibility that he would be in attendance. She hadn’t seen or spoken to her once former friend since that fateful brunch where words were finally said out loud. Harry had kept her informed somewhat. While he was still friends with Ron, their friendship had truly never been the same since that day. According to Harry and the Daily Prophet, Ron was making his way from girl to girl. This wasn’t the first time she had heard about an engagement with his name attached.
“Who is the unlucky lady this time?” Draco smirked.
“Some girl from Bulgaria,” Charlie sighed. “She moved here to London about a year ago.”
“Well, I wish him all the luck in his endeavors,” Draco chuckled. “Perhaps this one will last this time.”
“Well I have to keep making my rounds,” Theo chuckled. “Have fun, enjoy the free booze, sorry my beautiful witches, and try not to do anything fun without me.”
“We make no promises,” Blaise smirked.
“Hermione and I thought we might sneak off to the library for a bit of unauthorized fun,” Draco smiled. “My witch loves libraries.”
“Draco she’s already pregnant,” Theo rolled his eyes. “You don’t have to keep trying so hard.”
“Oh go on,” Hermione laughed, pushing him playfully. “Tonight will be great.”
“Have you not learned by now that those are famous last words?” Draco murmured as Theo and Charlie retreated.
“It will be fine,” Hermione smiled, kissing his cheek gently.
It was not fine.