Somewhere Over the Rainbow
August 2014
“He’s so beautiful Hermione. I just can’t get over these curls,” Ginny cooed over the little baby boy blinking up at her from the comfort of his mother’s arms. Leo Remus Malfoy in early spring at Malfoy Manor. Named after the professor that Hermione was lucky enough to call a friend, the little boy was the spitting image of his mother, except for his grey eyes. Those came directly from his father. He reminded them all of when Lyra was a baby. He was calm and his big eyes were always wide and curious.
“He’s perfect,” the curly-haired witch smiled as she adjusted the infant in her arms.
“Harry still hasn’t gotten over his middle name,” Ginny chuckled. “He’s so happy that Remus was honored. I think part of him has always felt guilty for picking Albus Severus as a name.”
“You know I love Albus,” she said and shook her head. “But that name is truly awful.”
“Don’t I know it,” Ginny laughed and both women looked up as Theo walked into the room.
“I’ve got Lyra and Athena entertaining the children out in the garden and Missy and Milly are preparing for a feast,” Theo said bringing another glass of juice to Hermione. “It will be the most perfect naming celebration for the most handsome little boy.”
“You’ve got something on your nose,” Ginny smirked. “Just right there. Something brown.”
“I don’t believe I asked for your opinion Ginevra,” Theo glared at her before turning back to Hermione. “I just wanted to check on you before I went back to setting up for the party with Pansy.”
“I’m fine really,” Hermione said and smiled a little. “Draco and Blaise will be back soon from Diagon.”
“Right well if you need anything, just send a patronus for me,” Theo said and smiled at the tiny baby in her arms and walked out of the room. Ginny waited until she heard the door to the gardens open and close before looking at her friend.
“What was that all about?” Ginny asked laughing a little. “He is completely at your beck and call. What did you do?”
“I didn’t do anything,” Hermione said shaking her head. “It’s been… well as you know, I wasn’t speaking to him for a while.”
“Oh, we all know,” Ginny snickered. “After that disaster of a pregnancy announcement though, we couldn’t exactly blame you.”
“There’s my favorite family,” Theo smiled brightly as his goddaughter ran to him.
“Uncle Theo!” she giggled as he scooped her up and twirled her around.
“There’s my beautiful goddaughter.” He looked around as Draco whispered something to Scorpius before the little boy ran off looking for Logan. “Where’s Hermione?”
“You know the answer to that,” Draco said rolling his eyes, kissing the top of Lyra’s head who seemed to be nervously hanging about by the floo.
“But it’s Sunday… it’s family brunch,” Theo said, his heart dropping in his chest. Hermione never missed family brunch. She was one of the ones who demanded it, still in her mind trying to make up for the year that she didn’t attend meals with them.
“Because the last brunch we attended went so well,” Draco rolled his eyes. “Lyra I promise, mum will be alright. Go on, go find James and Athena.”
“Draco come on,” Theo pleaded. “You know I’m happy for you both. You know that. She has to know that.”
“You have a funny way of showing it,” Draco pointed out, ushering Lyra out of the room.
“I’ll go and talk to her,” Theo said walking towards the floo before Draco grabbed onto his arm.
“She doesn’t want to see you.”
“Draco,” Theo pleaded looking at him. He had to fix this with her. He couldn’t bear the thought of Hermione being upset with him. She was his best friend, the person he was closest to besides Charlie. He spoke to her all the time. He had only fought with her a few times over the course of their friendship and he refused to let this be it. “I can’t not talk to Hermione. She’s my best friend.”
“She doesn’t want to talk to you. The best thing you can do right now is give her space,” the blonde wizard said, running his fingers through his hair. “She is pregnant and she is hormonal and you hurt her feelings. Give her time Theo.”
“I didn’t speak to him for a good half of my pregnancy,” Hermione said softly, adjusting Leo in her arms. It had been a rough time for Hermione and Theo at the beginning of her pregnancy. She hadn’t wanted to see or speak to him, only joining dinners and parties if it involved one of the children. It had taken a long time, but eventually, she realized she missed him. She missed Theo in her life. “I think he feels guilty about missing most of the pregnancy so this is his way of making up for that.”
“Oh so it’s like you with Narcissa,” Ginny smirked. “You denied her this exact party with the twins.”
“Oh, no one asked you,” Hermione said, rolling her eyes as Ginny snickered.
&&&
Hermione smiled, leaning against Draco’s chest watching their family around them all. Lyra was dragging Lucius around the garden, telling him what Hermione assumed were fantastic tales that she had made up. Lucius was clearly enjoying every minute of it as he listened to his granddaughter. Blaise, Harry, and Ginny were flying with some of the older children while Pansy, Luna, and Daphne kept an eye on the children that weren’t interested in the game. Molly and Narcissa were cooing over little Leo.
“Do you ever think about it?” Hermione said softly. Draco kissed her temple before looking down at her adoringly.
“Think about what hmm?” Draco said.
“How different everything could be…”
“I don’t think about what if’s anymore,” he murmured. “I don’t need to wonder what life would be.”
“Why?”
“Because I have everything I have ever needed. I have a beautiful, strong wife with a brilliant mind. I have four amazing children. Everything I never thought I could have I do. I wouldn’t change a single moment of our life for a chance that something could be different,” Draco said smiling out at the scene playing out in front of him. Family and friends made up of a group of people he never thought in his wildest dreams could make a friendship work. “Hell, I even have the chosen one on my side. Who would have thought?”
“Oh Draco,” Hermione laughed, smiling up at her husband.
“Our life is beautiful,” Draco continued. “And I wouldn’t change a moment of it. Even if I could have married you sooner.”
“I love you Draco.”
“I love you too beautiful.”
October 2014
“Is this really necessary?” Draco sighed, running his fingers through his hair. “Doesn’t Potter hate Halloween? You know since that’s the day his parents died?”
“We are turning Halloween into something happy for the kids,” Hermione called out from the closet.
“You also were attacked by a troll, the chamber of secrets opened. I’m pretty sure Sirius Black tried to break into Gryffindor tower on Halloween. Oh and let’s not forget Potter’s name flew out of the goblet on Halloween.”
“Are you listing off bad things that have happened on Halloween?” Hermione glared as she poked her head out of the dressing room.
“Lyra had to go to St. Mungos with a high fever, and James fell off his broom. Oh and let’s not forget when Luca and Albus were chased around the cottage by Mione.”
“First of all,” the curly-haired witch said, stepping into the room with Leo in her arms. “Your pessimistic attitude is not appreciated. Secondly… it’s a party for the children. That’s all. Look at this little boy. Look how adorable he is.”
Draco chuckled as he stared at the scene in front of him. There his wife stood before him with a smile on her face, while their youngest son was bundled up in a lion costume. “I can’t argue about how adorable our son is.”
“Daddy look!” Theodora squealed as she ran into the room with Scorpius hot on her tail. “I’m a princess!”
“The most beautiful princess in all of the land,” Draco smiled, scooping her up into his arms, her giggles warming his heart. “Bloody hell Scorp do not tell me…”
“I’M UNCLE HARRY!” Scorpius shouted proudly, pushing his glasses up his nose. Draco looked down at his son. The little boy was looking up at him with messy hair, Gryffindor robes, and a ridiculous scar drawn on his forehead.
“Granger…”
“Don’t look at me,” Hermione snorted, adjusting Leo in her arms. “He begged me over and over. What was I supposed to say?”
“You could have said no,” Draco rolled his eyes.
“I’m the chosen one!” Scorpius yelled bouncing about the room, flailing around a wand in his hands. “Expecto Tronum!”
“Scorp, that’s not how you say it,” Lyra laughed walking into the room.
“And what exactly are you dressed as hmmm?” Draco chuckled as Theodora wrapped her arms around his neck.
“I’m Dorothy and Leo is my little lion,” Lyra smiled. “Aunt Pansy helped me with my costume.”
“Beautiful,” Draco smiled at her, kissing the top of her head.
“Show me Lyra, show me!” Scorpius demanded and Lyra went over to him. Draco watched with a smile on his face as she showed him how to hold his wand and whispered what to say to him.
“EXPECTO PATRONUM!” Scorpius shouted and the girls both squealed when a vase shattered.
“Ok little munchkins!” Hermione chuckled looking at Draco. “That is enough accidental magic. Let’s go to the party hmmm.”
“You heard your mum,” he chuckled and ushered them out of the room. As they made their way downstairs, the sounds of children squealing and their friends chatting carried through the air.
“There they are!” Theo smiled. “Lyra, Athena was looking for you.”
“Athena! Jamie!” Lyra yelled as she ran off.
“Uncle Theo I’m a princess!” Theodora smiled.
“Princess Theodora,” Theo gasped bowing. “I’m not worthy.”
“You’re silly,” the little blonde girl giggled as she wiggled out of her father’s arms. Theo took one look at Scorpius and started laughing hysterically.
“What is going on over here?” Blaise said walking over. All Theo could do was point at Scorpius.
“Pelliamus!’ Scorpius squealed.
“Expelliarmus love,” Hermione said gently.
“Thank you, mummy,” Scorpius smiled up at her.
“Bloody hell it’s a mini Potter,” Blaise smirked.
“I saw Lyra,” Pansy said as she walked up smiling. “You two better not start arguing over that ridiculous movie again.”
“So she’s a princess or a witch?” Theo asked eating the popcorn as he held Athena in his lap.
“Just watch the movie Theo,” Hermione chuckled, running his fingers through Draco’s hair. Lyra had begged them all to sit and watch the Wizard of Oz with her and the boys had been immediately enthralled.
“You’re so stupid sometimes,” Blaise rolled his eyes tossing a piece of candy at him. “She’s a witch.”
“Hold on,” Theo said. “Hold on for one second.”
“Here we go,” Pansy groaned.
“Her SISTER was a witch,” Theo pointed out.
“Shhhh it’s my favorite movie,” Lyra looked up from her Fort with Jamie.
“And what was her sister? Her sister was a princess!” Theo continued.
“I’m going to Avada you,” Blaise rolled his eyes.
“The wicked witch of the east Blaise!”
“You’re so dramatic,” Pansy groaned. “Just watch the bloody movie!”
“Shhh daddy,” Logan said glaring at him.
“Daddy I can’t hear!” Dahlia whined and Hermione smirked as both Blaise and Theo both shut up.
“Why is our mini Draco dressed up as a mini Potter?” Pansy said looking back and forth between Scorpius and Draco.
“I’m the chosen one!” Scorpius shouted bringing everyone’s attention back to them.
“Did someone call for the chosen one?” Harry asked as he walked up with Ginny.
“Uncle Harry I’m you!” Scorpius smiled and Ginny pealed off with laughter.
“Hey Scorp can you say something for me?” Harry smirked.
“Ok!”
“My father will hear about this,” Harry said.
“My father will hear about this!” Scorpius said waving his wand about. Draco narrowed his eyes and Harry just smirked happily.
“Come on Scorp,” the chosen one said, grabbing the little boy's hand. “Let’s go show your grandfather something really scary.”
“Lucius is going to love this,” Blaise smirked as they all watched the little boy walk away.
March 2015
“Mummy?” Lyra asked, wringing her hands as she stood outside the Library where Hermione was looking over a few patient charts that had been owled over from St. Mungos. Her brown eyes looked into her mother’s as she looked up at her.
“Hello love,” Hermione smiled softly nodding her head for her to come in. “Is everything alright? You look like you’re thinking very hard.”
“Can…” Lyra started and stopped as she walked into the room. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Of course, you can,” she said holding out her hands for her daughter.
“Leo has grey eyes like Scorpius and Theodora… like daddy,” she said, biting her bottom lip nervously. “And they have blonde hair like daddy.”
“They do yes,” Hermione nodded. “But Leo has curly golden brown hair just like you and me.”
“Why don’t I look like daddy?” Lyra asked and Hermione froze. She knew that it was a possibility that questions like this would come up one day. She and Draco had discussed that eventually, they would have to explain the truth to her. She just assumed they always had more time. She should have known that her daughter would be smart enough to start asking questions.
“When your dad gets home soon… how about the three of us sit down and talk about this?” he said, tucking a curl behind her little ear. “Just us.”
“Ok mummy,” Lyra nodded and ran out of the room. Taking a deep breath, Hermione sent a Patronus off to Draco, and then to Narcissa. It wasn’t long before the older witch arrived.
“Is everything alright?” she asked as she dusted the embers off of her elegant robes. “I came as quick as I could.”
“Yes everything is fine,” Hermione said nodding her head. “The twins are having a sleepover tonight with Harry and Ginny. Could you and Lucius watch Leo tonight? Lyra… Lyra is starting to ask questions about why she doesn’t look like Draco.”
“Oh our poor little girl,” Narcissa said. “Of course, we will keep Leo. How about the three of you join us for breakfast tomorrow and you can get him then.”
“Thank you Narcissa,” Hermione said nodding her head. The moment Narcissa opened her arms, Hermione stepped into them, allowing herself a moment of comfort.
“It will be alright,” Narcissa said, stroking her hair. “She’s a strong little girl. She’s a Malfoy.”
&&&
Holding her close, Draco stroked her curls, kissing the top of her head. As soon as Hermione told him that Lyra was asking questions, his heart sank to his stomach. The last thing he ever wanted was for his little girl to feel anything but love from him and Hermione.
“Little dragon… your mum says you asked a question earlier. Can you tell me what you asked?” Draco said holding her close.
“Why don’t I look like you daddy?” she asked, her voice soft. “Leo, Theodora, and Scorpius all have grey eyes… and I don’t. I don’t have blonde hair like you either… why?”
“Do you know that daddy was your first word?” Draco said smiling softly. “Your uncle Theo had been trying to get you to call him that over and over but one day I walked into the room and you looked up at me and you smiled and called me daddy. You have been my little dragon… my daughter since the day that I met you.”
“Draco is your dad, little love,” Hermione said softly taking her hands. “He has loved you since the moment he held you in his arms. Do you know how Uncle Theo and Uncle Charlie adopted Athena?”
“Uh-huh,” Lyra nodded. “They loved her so much that they knew she was theirs. That’s what Uncle Theo says.”
“It’s just like that with your dad,” Hermione said with a soft smile.
“I just knew you were mine. Nothing else mattered,” Draco said squeezing her hand.
“Are you… are you not my daddy?” Lyra asked, her little bottom lip quivering.
“Of course I am sweetheart, I am,” Draco said holding her tight.
“But not like them,” Lyra said shaking. As the lights around the room began to flicker, Draco held her tighter to him as Hermione took her hands.
“Lyra sweetheart,” Hermione said. “Breathe remember. Match your dad's breathing.”
“There you go little dragon,” Draco said soothingly, running his fingers through her curls as she took breaths with him. “That’s it.”
“Do you love them more than you love me?” Lyra said, her big brown eyes full of tears.
“No, no Lyra,” Draco said, squeezing her tight and kissing the top of her head before turning her around so he could look into her eyes. “You are my little dragon. You have a piece of my heart that no one can touch or take away. You’re my first baby. You are my daughter. We are side by side up in the sky remember?”
“You are his daughter love,” Hermione said softly. “He doesn’t love you any less just because you don’t share the same blood. Does Uncle Theo love Athena less than he loves Logan?”
“No,” Lyra said sniffling and shaking her head.
“Exactly. Lyra Elizabeth Malfoy, you my little dragon are the most perfect piece of my heart and I would not be able to live without you,” Draco said gently taking her face in his hands. “I love you.”
“I love you too daddy.”