Familiar Faces
October 2012
“It will only be for the day,” Theo chuckled as Theodora and Scorpius crawled around his feet. Hermione was currently in her element with her children and in a good mood. It was the perfect time to convince her to let him take Lyra to Hogwarts with him and Athena. “You will watch Logan and I’ll take Lyra. Just a swap for the day.”
“So you want to take the older two with you to Hogwarts,” Hermione smirked, looking up from her spot on the floor. She couldn’t help her chuckle when Scorpius crawled his way over to her and into her lap. “To see Neville.”
“I also need to see McGonagall,” Theo pointed out smirking.
“Please mummy! Please!” Lyra said, her little hands clasped in front of her pleading. “I promise I’ll be so good.”
“Do you promise to listen to Uncle Theo and not to run off from him and Athena?” Hermione said, smiling softly at her daughter.
“I promise,” Lyra said.
“Alright my love,” she said, kissing the top of Scorpius’ head and running her fingers through his white-blonde curls. “Go and get your jumper please.”
“Thank you mummy,” Lyra said running off and going to grab it.
“Do not bring Mione with you! She has to stay here with me, the babies, and Hercules!”
“Oh you’re no fun,” Theo chuckled and set Logan down, taking a moment to love on his goddaughter.
Hermione could remember the first time they had taken Lyra to see Hogwarts. They had decided to go and watch the annual Gryffindor vs Slytherin quidditch game and brought along the older children with them. Lyra, Athena, and James had been excited all day. When she watched her daughter see Hogwarts for the first time with little eyes full of wonder. She had wanted to see everything and know everything and it was one of the happiest moments in her life. Even though she didn’t exactly enjoy knowing she was going to go to watch a Quidditch game, she wouldn’t have traded that moment for the world.
“Daddy it’s so big,” Lyra said bouncing with excitement as she sat in Draco’s lap. Hermione couldn’t help but shake her head as she watched them. Somehow Draco had gotten her into a black shirt and green dungarees. She had little Green bows holding her curls back and a Slytherin jumper that Pansy had insisted she had to wear.
“I know little dragon,” Draco said holding her close to him.
“Where’s the snitch? Can we fly after the game? Papa, did you play Quidditch?” Lyra prattled and continued to let questions fly out of her mouth. Draco and Lucius were being very patient and answered all of her questions, quite entertained with her. Hermione chuckled and looked on the other side of her where James and Harry were having the exact same conversation except they were dressed in Gryffindor colors.
“Let’s see how long it takes mummy to pull out a book because she’s bored,” Draco chuckled, causing Hermione to turn her attention back to him. She narrowed her eyes at his little smirk.
“I didn’t bring any books thank you,” Hermione said rolling her eyes causing everyone to laugh.
“I’ll believe that when I see it,” Harry chuckled and Hermione pushed him playfully. Athena whispered in Theo’s ear and he couldn’t help but chuckle a little and smile softly at his daughter.
“Hermione, Athena would like to know if she can read one of your books,” Theo said smiling knowingly. Everyone looked at her, stifling laughter as they awaited her answer. With a sigh, she reached into her bag and pulled out a book causing everyone to start laughing again.
“Here you go love,” she said, handing it over to Athena who smiled at her.
“Thank you Auntie Mione,” Athena said sweetly and started reading. Looking back at Draco, she couldn’t help but blush when he winked at her before turning his attention back to Lyra who was enthusiastically asking more questions.
“Uncle Theo, can we go see Hagrid?” Lyra asked, swinging her arm that was holding his hand as they made their way up to the castle.
“After I talk to Neville and Professor McGonagall very possibly,” Theo chuckled. “I know that Neville wants to show you all the new plants.”
“Can we go see the library?” Athena asked.
“Can we go see the Giant Squid?” Lyra said twirling herself as they walked and Theo couldn’t help but laugh at the two girls. He knew that it was hard for Hermione to let Lyra go with him. She wanted to experience everything at Hogwarts with Lyra and he couldn’t blame her. She had only seen Hogwarts for the first time when she came for her first year. Draco and Theo on the other hand had seen the school many times. The magic and wonder of the castle wasn’t the same for them as it had been for Hermione. She only wanted to witness the same moments with her daughter and he couldn’t fault her for that.
“I promise you both we will go exploring this whole place as soon as I’m finished if it isn’t too late,” he said twirling them both.
“Ok,” Athena and Lyra said together and giggled. As they entered the castle, he gripped the children’s hands tighter as they made their way up the moving stairway. The last thing he needed was to lose one of them if they fell behind and the stairs moved in a different direction. Thankfully, the two young girls stayed close to him and didn’t get too distracted by the pictures talking to them. After many flights of stairs, they arrived outside the statue of the Griffin guarding the entrance to the headmistress’s office.
“Pocketwatch,” Theo spoke and both girls gasped as the wings of the Griffin turned. Motioning his head forward, Theo led them upstairs and into the headmistress’s office.
“Mr. Nott, how lovely to see you again,” Minerva McGonagall stated with a thin-lipped smile before glancing down at the two girls accompanying him. “And hello to you as well Miss Athena and Miss Lyra.”
“Hello Miss Minnie!” Lyra said as she smiled brightly up at the older witch. Minerva had been around the little girl for many years as he mother was a favorite student of hers. Just like with every other adult Lyra encountered, the little curly-headed dragon had bewitched the older witch and Minerva was quite fond of her.
“I do believe I have a few of those ginger biscuits you love if you would like to share with Athena while I speak to Mr. Nott,” Minerva smiled and nodded to the two chairs sitting by the fire. The two little girls giggled and made their way over while the headmistress turned back to Theo. “I see you have decided to bring re-enforcements with you today Mr. Nott.”
“I have no idea what you are implying Professor,” Theo gasped convincingly. “I would never bring your favorite student’s daughter just to gain favor out of you. What kind of man do you think that I am?”
“A smart man,” Minerva smirked, motioning him to follow her. Theo looked over at his girls to make sure they were settled, before sitting down in front of her. “I suppose you are here to ask me again for the list of muggleborn children that haven’t reached their eleventh birthday yet but have exhibited accidental magic already.”
“Yes I am,” Theo nodded, the smile never leaving his face. “I’m very stubborn when I need to be, as you well know. It is why you chose me as head boy after all.”
“I suppose it is one of the reasons yes,” she relented.
“My daughter was born to muggles who had no idea what magic was,” Theo pointed out and Minerva looked at him. “They thought something was wrong with her and before anyone could tell them that their little girl was perfect, that there was absolutely nothing wrong with her, they were killed in a car accident.”
“How did you find all of this out?”
“Like I said, I’m stubborn when I need to be,” Theo smirked. “Did you really think I wouldn’t look up all the details of my little girl? I wanted to know everything about her. She barely spoke to anyone when Charlie and I first adopted her. Then we showed her magic… that everything that was happening to her was absolutely normal and beautiful. I think you and I both know another little girl that never fit in until she learned about the existence of magic.”
“Using Miss Granger against me now hmm?”
“Like I said… I’m persistent,” Theo winked. “I want to prevent this from happening to more children. I want to help give them a proper introduction into our world, not just thrust them into a school at the age of eleven and hope that they aren’t too overwhelmed. This would help them understand the wizarding culture more… not to mention it will help pureblood children interact with muggleborns… learn from an early age that they aren’t so different from each other.”
“Mr. Nott.”
“I will keep going and keep giving you reasons until you agree with me and give me the list of names,” Theo continued. “I feel like we have proved over this past year just how serious we are about the education of these children. I understand everyone was hesitant about the list at first but now you can see the actual progress being made.”
“Mr. Nott-”
“If it’s me you don’t want to give it to, let Molly Weasley have it. She is wonderful with children and families and you know you can trust her with it,” Theo said vehemently. “I won’t even look at it.”
“Theodore,” Minerva snapped and he immediately stopped talking and met her gaze. She was looking at him with an unreadable expression. “I would be honored to hand you the list of children’s names that we are aware have a magical signature. You have proven yourself more than worthy of my trust, don’t ever doubt that.”
“Thank you for this,” Theo smiled brightly. “You won’t regret it I promise.”
“Though I do suggest possibly finding someone who can understand the parents and children to a better degree than sending a pureblood to speak about magic.”
“I have the perfect person in mind,” Theo smirked and stood up with Minerva.
“I will have the list delivered to you at the school early next week.”
“Excellent,” Theo said and clapped his hands. As he turned to the girls he smiled widely. “Girls, time to go see Neville about some plants.”
“Ok,” Athena smiled softly and stood up out of the chair, skipping over and taking her father’s hand.
“Thank you for the biscuits Miss Minnie!” Lyra smiled, gliding over to the older witch and hugging her leg. “They were very delicious.”
“You are very welcome Lyra,” Minerva smiled and patted her curls. “I’m glad you enjoyed them. Now go on before they leave you behind.”
Waving her little hand, she ran over to Theo and the three of them exited her office and headed out to the greenhouses to go and visit Neville. At first, it was exciting for the young girls. Neville showed them all around the greenhouses and all the plants he was working with. He took the time to explain to them both the importance of the plants and how they were used in many aspects of magic. It wasn’t until Neville and Theo began to discuss curriculum and him possibly coming to teach for a day, that Lyra found herself incredibly bored. She wanted to be good and behave but she was bored and hungry. She didn’t know where the kitchens were but she did know that Miss Minnie had biscuits.
“Where are you going?” Athena said as Lyra started skipping off and the little girl turned and shushed her. “Daddy said we aren’t supposed to run off remember?”
“I’m just going to Miss Minnie’s office to get more biscuits. I’ll be right back!” Lyra whispered to her.
“You’re going to get in trouble,” Athena whispered back and Lyra shook her head with a smile before prancing out of the greenhouse quietly. Proud of herself, she skipped along the steps, humming as she made her way through the staircases again to find herself standing outside Miss Minnie’s office. She looked up at the statue and rocked on the balls of her feet.
“Pocketwatch,” Lyra said, repeating what she had heard Theo say earlier. She giggled as the statue turned, providing her with the staircase that led her to her final destination. She peeked inside, looking for any sign of the older witch. When there appeared to be none, she happily made her way over to where the biscuits were. Snagging a few, the little girl walked around the office taking in everything her big chocolate eyes saw. When she reached the painting of a tall man with a crooked nose and beady eyes staring down at her. “Hi… you look familiar.”
“Oh?” the portrait asked as if he was bored.
“Uhuh,” Lyra nodded, walking closer to the portrait. “My papa has a picture of you at his house.”
“What a delight,” the portrait scoffed, staring down at the young girl. “And who might you be?”
“My name is Lyra Elizabeth Malfoy,” Lyra said proudly.
“Malfoy?” he said, narrowing his eyes in suspicion. “And who might your father be Miss Malfoy?”
“Draco!” Lyra shouted clapping her hands together. “And you are Severus Snape! My Papa and daddy have told me about you. My best friend Jamie, he has a brother named Albus Severus. Uncle Harry says he is named about two of the greatest teachers at Hogwarts.”
“Potter,” Snape spat out.
“Uhuh,” Lyra nodded. “Jamie Sirius Potter and Albus Severus Potter. They also have a baby sister named Lily. I have a baby brother and a baby sister. If my uncle Harry knows you, does my daddy?”
“Obviously,” Snape drawled.
“Does my mummy know you?”
“Who is your mother Miss Malfoy?” Snape said, taking in the little girl before him. The curls of her hair and her insufferable know-it-all demeanor was reminding him of a former student.
“Hermione!” Lyra said twirling around. “My daddy says I look just like her.”
“You do,” Snape said, rolling his eyes.
“How come I’ve never met you before?” she asked, pulling a footstool over and taking a seat, continuing to eat her biscuits as if she was exactly where she belonged.
“Because I am dead,” Snape deadpanned, looking straight at her. He cocked his head to the side, watching her curiously as she nonchalantly shrugged her shoulders and continued eating, unbothered by the comment. “Miss Malfoy where have your parents run off to?”
“Oh daddy is at work,” Lyra said sweetly. “Mummy is at home with my baby brother and sister.”
“And who are you here with?” he continued.
“My Uncle Theo. He’s talking to Mr. Neville in the greenhouse,” she answered.
“Disappointing,” Snape drawled. “Though I am not surprised that Mr. Nott would lose track of a small child, especially one as precocious as yourself.”
“You know it’s not a very greenhouse,” Lyra pointed out. “It’s a silly name but mummy says it’s called that because that is where plants are grown sometimes.”
“Of course. Miss Granger is correct, unfortunately.”
“Do you have any stories about my daddy?”
“Lyra Elizabeth!” Theo bellowed as he skidded into the room. He stood, out of breath, staring down at the little girl sitting innocently in front of the portrait of Professor Snape eating her biscuits.
“Ah Mr. Nott,” Snape said, his gaze turning to his former student. “I do believe this tiny creature is under your care today. Perhaps we should take better care to not misplace things.”
“I’m not misplaced. I knew exactly where I was going,” Lyra said, smiling proudly.
“Professor, hello, good to see you and all of that,” Theo rambled and walked over to Lyra, Athena following close behind. “Lyra I thought we agreed, no running off.”
“But I didn’t run off,” Lyra said shrugging. “I knew exactly where I was going as I said.”
“Did you not promise your mother you wouldn’t wander off?” Theo asked, trying a different tactic.
“But I didn’t wonder. I told Athena exactly where I was going,” Lyra pointed out. “Didn’t she tell you?”
“Well yes but-”
“But we don’t want to tell mummy,” Lyra said smiling wickedly. “Because then we have to tell her that you misplaced me and Mr. Snape watched over me until you found me.”
Theo stood there for a moment, eyes wide as he looked down at the little girl who just used everyone’s words against him. It took him a moment before he came to his senses. “You’re going to be in Slytherin. I don’t care what your mother says.”
“Just like daddy,” Lyra said proudly.
“Come on,” Theo chuckled. “I promised you both a small tour when I was finished with business.”
“Yay!” Lyra clapped her hands and pulled the footstool back to its original place. “Goodbye, Mr. Snape.”
“Goodbye Miss Malfoy. Mr. Nott do try not to lose them again. I didn’t die to have to still take care of children, especially the spawn of my godson.”
“Yes professor,” Theo chuckled and tugged the two girls along.
&&&
“So she met Snape then?” Draco chuckled, holding a babbling Scorpius in his arms. Theo had returned with the girls not long after he had just settled in after work and Lyra had immediately went on and on about how she had talked to a Mr. Snape and that he knew both Draco and Hermione.
“She did,” Theo confirmed. “One of his portraits was hanging in the headmistresses’ office. I found her talking to her when I walked in.”
“You weren't with her?” Hermione smirked as she looked up from finishing changing Theodora.
“Well um,” Theo said running his fingers through his hair. “You see she didn’t want to go to the greenhouse. She said it was boring and not actually green so…”
“She ran off from you didn’t she?” Hermione snickered and Draco couldn’t help but laugh.
“And then somehow convinced you not to tell either of us that she ran off,” Draco pointed out.
“She’s a cunning little witch ok?” Theo said sighing dramatically and dropping into the chair, picking up his son as he crawled to him. “She’s way too smart for her own good. I blame her mother.”
“Of course you do,” Hermione said rolling her eyes. “Was Snape being rude to her? We all know how he felt about me. There was no love lost, everyone knew that.”
“Honestly,” Theo chuckled and looked at his friends. “He seemed quite intrigued with her. Especially when she conned me into keeping my mouth shut.”
“Of course, he was intrigued. She’s a Malfoy and my daughter,” Draco pointed out smugly.
“She’s also my daughter,” Hermione pointed out. “And while you got special attention and favoritism, he hated me.”
“He didn’t hate you,” Draco said quietly.
“Mr. Malfoy,” Snape drawled out causing Draco to jump and slam his book shut. He had been in the library and he should have been studying, yet there he was, studying Granger instead. “If you could follow me please. Now.”
Standing up, Draco followed him silently, out of the library and through the halls down to the dungeons. As they entered the potions classroom, they continued the trek down into Snape’s office where he closed and locked the door.
“What is it?” Draco sighed, his face bored. “I have a transfiguration test to study for.”
“Yes,” the professor drawled and turned to face his godson. “I can see how you would need the extra time to study when you’ve been preoccupied studying Miss Granger instead.”
“That mudblood? I would never-” Draco began, starting to spout the putrid language his father had taught him all his life.
“Do not bore me with your pathetic little lies Draco.” Snape sighed. “Any fool could see how you feel about the Gryffindor girl. You’re going to have to learn how to hide it better than this?”
“Hide it?” Draco asked.
“Hide it,” Snape snapped. “It’s not safe for the dark lord to see you even thinking about her in your mind. Not safe for you or for her. You will meet me here, every night at eight o clock sharp. I will be teaching you occlumency.”
“Why?” Draco breathed out shocked. “Why are you helping me?”
“It is in everyone's best interest that we do not let history repeat itself.”
“He may have tormented you and found you insufferable… but he didn’t hate you,” Draco said and smiled softly. “He helped me keep you safe.”
“Occlumency…” she breathed out. “He taught you occlumency.”
“Yes,” Draco nodded. “And he will help Lyra as well. He takes care of his own.”
“If she’s a Slytherin,” she pointed out.
“Oh she’s going to be a Slytherin,” Theo laughed. “Trust me on that.”
“Mummy,” Lyra called as she and Athena came down the stairs. “Mummy, have you seen Lucius?”
“Papa? Papa is at home little love,” Hermione chuckled.
“No mummy, Lucius. My new friend,” Lyra said exasperated. “Hercules hissed at him and chased him out of the room.”
“What new friend?” Draco said, sitting up immediately while Hermione pinched the bridge of her nose.
“The baby niffler Hagrid was showing me,” Lyra said smiling. “He liked me and wanted to come home with me.”
“Bloody hell here we go again,” Draco muttered.
“Your home is practically a magical menagerie,” Theo snickered.
“Lyra and her creatures,” Hermione breathed. “Lyra… does Hagrid know that you have the baby niffler?”
“No,” Lyra giggled shaking her head.
“And that is my cue to leave,” Theo said scooping up Logan and motioning for Athena to follow quickly. “Malfoys it’s been a pleasure. Ciao!”
“Theodore Nott!” Hermione snapped as he disappeared through the floo.