You're My Light and Salvation

by thestarsofdraco

Summary:

For Hermione Granger, the war never ended. And when she starts her 8th Year at Hogwarts, she's never been more acutely aware at how misunderstood and alone she is. Until the person she least expected was there for her. A story of two broken people who've lost everything finding comfort in one another and getting a chance at salvation.

Chapter 1: Chapter 1

Summary:

Editing/slight reworking in progress 10/29/2024

Hermione Granger couldn’t remember the last time that she didn’t think about dying.

For years, all she could think about was surviving. Whether it be trying to exist as a muggle born in the wizarding world or the sheer amount of murder attempts they faced while at Hogwarts, all that ultimately mattered was staying alive. To prove to the world that she was smarter and stronger than they ever thought she could be.

You can get through this, Hermione. You must survive.

Then the war came and went. And with victory came peace, or so she thought.

For her though, the war simply never ended. It was just replaced by an internal battle within her mind. Intrusive thoughts attacked her constantly like flying hexes and curses and she’d wanted to die every single day since.

Every single thing felt painful. Every casual touch or embrace from her friends. Every mention of a new relationship, or new jobs, or just fucking moving forward in general. Every word of excitement for the future felt like tiny sharp needles embedding themselves into her spine. She'd prefer receiving a Dementor's kiss over hearing their faux messages of hope.

If she had it her way, she would walk straight into the Forbidden Forest and let the damp forest floor reclaim her.

Her friends moved forward, of course. The war ended for them and they found their peace as expected of the Greatest Generation. They found love and happiness and could finally take the deep visceral breath that she so desperately wanted her lungs to take as well.

As they moved on, they also seemed to conveniently forget how they were used as pawns in a war they were never supposed to be a part of. How the adults in their life that they were supposed to trust manipulated and abandoned them to fight on their own a battle that had been brewing for decades. "What's the point of dwelling on it now?" They'd ask her in response to her probing. What's the point indeed -- especially when they were all due to find jobs and entire society as the newest wizarding generation. Why muddy the water now?

Everyone in her life simply could not understand why it was so hard for her. Why she questioned everything. Why she was so angry - why she still woke up multiple times in the night screaming I didn’t take anything, I swear! as the mudblood scar on her arm throbbed, preventing her from falling back into a dreamless slumber.

Ron was the most difficult. He had thought upon the war ending that he and Hermione would seamlessly transition their friendship into a full blown relationship. There had been years of pining and missed connections which then culminated into a heated embrace once they destroyed one of the final horcruxes, so it seemed like the most natural progression.

She thought otherwise.

How could he think they were destined? It was lazy, really. Harry and Ginny had become official, and so who was left to pair Hermione off with? Ah yes, Ronald Weasley. Not really rocket science coming to that conclusion.

Sure, it made sense to a certain degree, as they had been friends since they were eleven and had experienced several traumatic events together. But they had nothing in common. Ron didn’t even view her as an actual woman until their fourth year, and that didn’t even last very long, with his never ending interest in Lavender Brown. Hermione would always be the brains, the researcher, the girl with her nose stuck in a book. And she knew he secretly resented her for it – simply because he would never be able to compete with her on that level. So he made sure to make digs at her whenever he could just to knock her down a notch.

And that kiss – it was a sloppy, wet mess.

She shuddered at the memory.

Hermione tried turning Ron down gently after their first dinner back at the Burrow. She asked him to join him for a walk after their meal to discuss things. His face flushed, obviously thrilled at the suggestion. When she told him that she would like to remain friends, that she wasn’t ready for a romantic relationship of any sort, he sobbed. Sank to his knees, clutching the back of her legs as he begged and begged for her to reconsider.

In the end, Ron simply refused to accept her rejection. Despite her countless denials and recoiling from any physical contact he initiated, Ron persisted. He told everyone, Oh, Hermione just needs some time. We’re going to marry after we complete our eighth year and I start my Auror training.

Hermione had left for London by that point, unable to stand the near constant questions and concern regarding her progress from the Weasleys and even Harry.

She would rather spend the rest of her summer alone in a dodgy inn than stay a second longer with their pestering.

Harry and Ginny were deeply hurt, of course, with her sudden departure. They could never really understand what happened between her and Ron and why she was adamantly against pursuing a relationship with him.

But they only saw what they wanted to see. Only heard what they wanted to hear.

Those few short weeks in London finally gave her a chance to breathe a bit. Exist without the constant pressure to be present. She could lay in bed all day and no one would be there knocking at her door, demanding she come down to eat. There were no quiet whispers in the lounge about her night terrors that woke up the entire house each night.

But this too was destroyed, when an owl appeared before her window with her letter calling her home. Hogwarts, as if that place would ever truly be her home again.

Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Hermione took a deep breath as she braced herself walking into the Great Hall for the first time in months. This time, however, the blood of her fellow students no longer soaked the ancient stone floor. A simple cleansing charm is all it took, she heard. But that’s all she could see as she took those slow, purposeful steps towards the looming double doors.

One of the lingering effects from the war was the constant feeling of being dirty. That the blood of her fallen friends and schoolmates still stained her hands. That Bellatrix’s curse ran through her blood and forever tainted her body. That everywhere she stepped there was blood and debris from the final battle.

She tried everything - she washed obsessively, wiped everything, she even saw several healers. But nothing ever completely stopped it.

The doors opened with a familiar creak, and a wave of nostalgia hit her as she saw the four house tables filled with feasting students.

Hermione had to force down the urge to vomit.

How could they eat where their fellow students were triaged, some not even making it from the stretcher to the tables. She can still recall the two 4th years tasked with moving the bodies. They never stopped moving, the bodies never ending.

She’s brought out of her thoughts by a sudden movement, as Ginny Weasley waved to her from her seat.

She didn’t quite realize how afraid she would feel seeing them all again. They hadn’t spoken after she left for London, well, rather Hermione didn’t respond to their owls. She tried - but it took too much energy to bring a quill to parchment.

They looked happy enough, she noted. Ginny, Harry, and Ron were all smiles as she reached the Gryffindor table and sat in her normal seat.

She did her best to smile back, though she wondered if it really translated that way or if she just looked like she was grimacing. She hadn’t used those muscles in so long.

“‘Mione! We’re so happy to see you. How was the rest of your summer?” Ginny, as upbeat as ever, questioned.

Consumed with thoughts of death.

“Fine, I just did a bit of reading in preparation for the new term.”

Ron cleared his throat, scooting closer to Hermione on the bench. He tried reaching for her hand, but she quickly moved it to pick up her utensils.

“‘Mione, I was hoping we could, uh, talk later?” Ron looked so optimistic, a faint blush on his cheeks.

Why couldn’t he just let it go? They were better off friends.

“Ronald, I don’t think there is anything we need to discuss.” Her voice was cold and firm.

“Oh come on, ‘Mione-” He scooted even closer to her, bringing his hand to her lower back. “Haven’t you gotten past all that rubbish from this summer? Everything’s fine now. The war is over. Voldemort is gone. We can finally be like we were always supposed to be. Together!” He smiled widely, giving her a full view of the food stuck in his teeth. She had to force herself not to gag once again in revulsion.

“Ronald, please remove your hand. We talked about this...I’m just not interested. It’s just…too hard right now. I -” He interrupted her before she could even finish, obviously frustrated with her.

“‘Mione, I know you don’t mean all that. You and I both know this is inevitable!” His hand lowered dangerously, and Hermione snapped.

“Don’t fucking touch me!” She screamed, not even realizing she was.

Silence. All eyes were on them. Harry and Ginny looked shocked, and she distantly heard silverware clinking somewhere in the large room.

Panic consumed her. She could feel her heartbeat in her ears, and suddenly everything became too loud.

Ron removed his hand hesitantly, unsure of what she was going to do next.

“Hermione...are you okay?” Ginny spoke quietly, not trying to bring anymore attention to their table.

Nononononononononono. Run.

Hermione bolted from the table without a second glance.

-----------

Draco Malfoy had been trying to convince himself to go into the Great Hall for nearly ten minutes when a burst of tears and hair swept past him.

Granger ran by him without even a hint of recognition, too consumed with her own issues he assumed. He waited, expecting twiddle dee and twiddle dumb to follow her, or perhaps the girl Weasley, but none of them followed.

Unusual.

He took a step towards the grand double doors expecting to see some sort of commotion - something to explain Granger’s distress. Instead, he found nothing of the sort. Everyone was...happy, laughing even. His eyes fell to the other two thirds of the Golden Trio. Nothing - not even the tiniest bit of red hair seemed to be off. They laughed as they stuffed their disgusting faces.

His appetite was completely gone now.

Something in the back of his mind told him that he should follow Granger, despite all the logical reasons why he should just stay away.

His feet made the decision, in the end, as he hadn’t even finished arguing with himself before he realized he had started running in her direction.

Chapter 3: Chapter 3

Hermione found herself standing on the water's edge of the Black Lake. She had never been one for water - having always despised the beach and of course there was that awful task back in fourth year at the Triwizard Tournament. 

But right now, it was the most soothing place she could have found herself. The water gently pulling and pushing with each small wave. It smelled fresh - clean almost. She took a deep breath, willing herself to calm down and just listen to nature work around her. 

She needed to feel something real. Something, anything. So, Hermione reached down and removed her socks and shoes and stepped into the shallow water. Despite the September chill, the water felt nice against her bare skin. It was cleansing, in a way. Maybe the lake was the answer to her problems, and perhaps stepping further into the darkness will cleanse her of her sins…

“You’re going to get sick, you know. Something about losing body heat through your feet, or some other muggle rubbish.” She heard him speak from a short distance away.

“I think you mean your head, Malfoy. I don’t believe it has anything to do with feet. Not that you would be an expert on some silly muggle folklore.” She sneered slightly as she spoke. 

He huffed. “Well, in that case I guess you have nothing to worry about since you still have that helmet of hair. Must be at least four inches thick, I suppose.” He noted absently, more of an observation rather than an insult.

“What are you doing here, Malfoy?” She was annoyed, and was absolutely not in the mood for his bullshit. Not today. 

He moved closer, just a couple feet shy of being able to touch her. Not that he would, she suspected.

“I could ask you the same thing, Granger.” She turned to face him, expecting to face a trademark sneer across his face but she found none. He looked concerned, really. 

She was tired. She was angry. She was so desperately sad and alone. But she didn’t dare speak. Something about Malfoy confronting her didn’t sit right. But she wasn’t going to allow anyone to penetrate the walls she had so carefully crafted and maintained. 

Malfoy closed the gap between them and stood face to face with her. 

“You know what I think? I think you’re broken, Granger.” 

Anger took over her, and she slapped Malfoy hard across his face. It didn’t feel as good as it did when she punched him back in their third year.

He had deserved it then, why is it different now?

He did nothing, rather, remained still with his eyes focused fully on hers. A patch of red blooming across his pale cheek.

“I think your stupid war hero friends moved on, Granger. And they left you behind without a second thought.” He continued, though his voice was softer this time. 

“Shut up, Malfoy. You know nothing.” She seethed.

“On the contrary, Granger. I think I know more than you realize. I know your supposed friends aren’t coming. No - they're having a grand ol' time with each other in the Great Hall.”

She gasped, then promptly shut her mouth. She would do anything but give him that satisfaction. He wasn’t getting to her. No, not at all. 

“Tell me, when was the last time you slept through the night, huh? Without a single nightmare?” 

Had her glamour charms rubbed off? She knew her dark circles were bad. God, she was so fucking tired. Every night she was forced to relive the horrors of the war - the torture she endured. She hadn’t felt a moment of peace. 

“When was the last time someone really asked you how you were? And wanted to actually know the answer? Malfoy’s voice was barely a whisper. 

She knew he knew the answer to that, which was never. No one had truly wanted to know how she was feeling, they only asked out of friendly obligation. They didn’t want to relive the trauma anymore than she did. 

It was too much. She willed him to just fucking shut up, because she couldn’t face it - the truth. 

“I - I can’t. I’m not doing this now. Not with you.” Hermione whimpered.

Malfoy took a step back, placing his hands in his trouser pockets, shrugging nonchalantly.

“You’re not ready, I get it. It took me a while to accept it, too. But, Granger, you’re not the only one broken here.” 

And then he was gone. 

-------

Her friends never did go look for her. Oh, ‘Mione, she’s fine. She’s always been so independent, never wanting help from anyone. She’ll figure it out. 

Lies - all lies. 

In truth, she wanted nothing more than for someone to hold her. To lay down next to her as she sobbed. To gently wake her up from her nightmares and wipe away her tears, leaving a small kiss on her forehead. But she had never gotten that, not even as a child. Her parents loved her, she supposed, but they loved the idea of her more. They loved to brag about her achievements, her intelligence, her independence. She’s more like a thirty year than a nine year old, isn’t she? She’s always been an old soul. 

She thought when she came to Hogwarts that she had finally found her people - her family. She believed it with her whole being. Which, in retrospect, is why she was so willing to put up with their abuse. ‘Mione, I need a bit of help...you see, I have a failing grade in Potions, and if I don’t get a passing mark on my next paper I’ll be kicked off Quidditch for the rest of the term! Do you think - you could just write it for me? Or Blimey, ‘Mione, get your head out of that book and join the living! You’re such an annoying swot.

They’ve always used her. Belittled her. But then they’d tell her how amazing she was, how much they needed her. She took every single crumb of affection despite it never filling her up, leaving an ache in her heart she refused to acknowledge. 

It was worse now since she didn’t really serve a purpose for them anymore. The war was won. They didn’t actually have to do well in their classes since both Ron and Harry had Auror positions waiting for them. Ron wanted her to be his girlfriend, of course, but like her parents, he didn’t want her, rather the idea of her. What better accessory to have than a war heroine and Gryffindor’s Princess? 

The sun had finally set, and she started to feel her toes go numb from the cold. Shit, maybe Malfoy was right about that. Ugh, Malfoy. 

Why had it been him, of all people? Why was he the one to finally follow her?

It was frustrating. It was frustrating that he showed up. It was frustrating that he saw right through her. It was frustrating that she ultimately wanted him to. She needed someone, something, because she couldn’t continue on like this for much longer. 

He, in essence, offered her a lifeline. His admittance that she was not the only one who was broken was purposeful. He was presenting her with a chance. 

And despite her better judgment, she wanted to take it.

Chapter 4: Chapter 4

Hermione didn’t see him again until breakfast the next morning. 

She had gotten there early - mostly to avoid her friends. She thanked the heavens that they were late sleepers, and figured she had a good fifteen minutes of peace before they came rushing in half dressed with sleep still in their eyes as they crammed buttered toast and bacon down their throats before classes began.

Her book lay open on the table, but she couldn’t help but read the same sentence over and over again as Malfoy made his way through the Great Hall towards the Slytherin table. 

Malfoy was so much more distracting than she ever remembered him to be. His platinum blonde hair was tousled in such an effortless way, no longer slicked back like he had done as a child. His robes hung open, revealing a slightly unbuttoned white shirt and Slytherin tie done up loosely, which only served to emphasize his long and lean figure. Was he always this tall? She couldn’t remember. 

He sat down at the far end of his house table, removed from his peers. Not that they seemed upset at his obvious distance, rather, they looked grateful in a way. 

What is that about? Malfoy was the Slytherin Prince - where was his hoard of fangirls? His loyal followers? 

His eyes met hers, catching her observing him. 

He looked...sad, lonely. She could see the dark circles under his eyes. You’re not the only one that’s broken. His words from yesterday echoed in her mind. 

Their staring match was interrupted as her friends entered the hall, half asleep and rushing as she expected. They slammed themselves down around her, grasping for any and all food they could stuff into their mouths.

“We missed you at dinner yesterday, Hermione! Where were you at?” Ginny chirped. 

With Malfoy at the Black Lake being slowly broken down, as one does.

Hermione didn’t even get a chance to respond before Ron chimed in. “Ah you know her, probably in the library rereading Hogwarts: A History for the millionth time.” 

“Ah true, Hermione, you really need to branch out. You know what they say, books won’t keep you warm at night!” Ginny joked, sending Hermione a suggestive wink. Ron looked pleased. Family loyalties and all - something at the end of the day she would never have, no matter how much Harry claimed that they were all family.

“I’m certain I’ll be fine. Books can prove to be wonderful kindling, so I won’t have to worry about the warmth of my bed for some time.” She mumbled back. 

Ignoring her response, the group continued laughing and chatting amongst themselves. The Gryffindor table was lively as ever, with the rest of their classmates joking and shooting the shit. She noticed in the corner of her eye that Seamus Finnigan had assembled a group and were making their way towards Slytherin’s table, their gaze fixed on Malfoy. 

“Oi, Malfoy! Didn’t know they let failed Death Eaters come back to Hogwarts.” Finnigan taunted. 

Malfoy refused to meet his eyes, continuing to read his book as though they all weren’t standing there. 

“Well look at that! Quiet are we, yeah? What? Scared mummy and daddy won’t be able to bail you out if you hit me? Why’s that, Malfoy? Oh yeah, they’re locked up in ol’ Azkaban! They can’t do shit.” Finnigan’s posse cackled loudly behind him. 

Malfoy’s face remained emotionless, but Hermione could see his long fingers tighten around his water goblet. His hands are really beautiful.

“A shame, really. A waste of space. They should have just executed them. Save us lot a load of trouble.” Finnigan sneered.

Malfoy snapped, standing abruptly from his seat. He grabbed Finnigan by his collar, their faces nearly touching as Malfoy seethed. 

“Shut your fucking mouth, you fucking halfblood! I’ll fucking rip you apart and feed you to your blood traitor mother.” 

The Irish Gryffindor looked as if he was going to shit his pants. He probably didn’t expect Malfoy to actually do anything, given the outcome of the war. It was common knowledge Malfoy was serving out his probation at Hogwarts, and any misstep would be a one way ticket straight to Azkaban.

“What in the world is going on here?!” Professor McGonagall strode towards the commotion. “Mr. Malfoy, unhand Mr. Finnigan immediately! What in the world do you think you are doing?”

Malfoy released Finnigan, who stumbled back from the table, cowering in fear.

Malfoy placed both hands on the table, still standing, his head hung low. 

“Mr. Malfoy, please explain yourself. Given your circumstances, I surely hope you have a good reason for your actions.” Professor McGonagall waited, but Malfoy didn’t respond. 

“He just attacked me, ma’am’! He’s a bloody psycho, he threatened to kill me! You have to expel him, ma’am. He’s a threat to society.” Finnigan practically screeched. 

“Professor, if I may, I think I can explain what exactly happened here.” Hermione spoke up, standing from her seat to the great shock of those around her.

“Seamus verbally attacked Malfoy, calling him a Death Eater and spoke ill of Malfoy’s parents, stating that they should have been executed. Malfoy was only acting in defense of himself and his family.” Malfoy’s head shot up as he heard what she had to say, in utter shock as he met her eyes.

Why? She felt him ask. 

“Well, Miss Granger, thank you for your honesty and for clearing that up. Mr. Finnigan, if you will follow me, we shall discuss your actions further in my office.” 

The crowd settled and dispersed, but all eyes remained on Hermione. But the one set she cared about was no longer there, having left the hall altogether. His book, however, remained open by his former spot.

Harry was furious, “What the fuck is that about Hermione? Why’d you say anything to defend Malfoy ? He terrorized you for years, his family wants people like you dead!” 

Ron grabbed her arm firmly, and attempted to pull her down and talk sense into her. “Yeah, ‘Mione! He’s a fucking Death Eater for God’s sake. Should have just let him get sent to Azkaban and make our time at Hogwarts all the better. Fuck, the Slytherins don’t even want anything to do with him. None of them did anything to defend him!” 

She ripped her arm from his grasp, straining her shoulder in the process. Forcing down the pain, she stepped back from their table. 

“He’s human, and no one deserves to be treated like that. You all seem to have forgotten that this is what we fought for when we won that bloody war.” She practically spat at them, disgusted at their words.

And with that, she left them gaping at her, intent on seeking out Malfoy. Just as she was about to make her exit, she glanced back at Malfoy's spot at his table and made the split second decision to grab his book. 

Chapter 5: Chapter 5

Notes:

I just wanted to say thank you for the 100 of you who have read my story so far. You guys have made my day so much, and I can't wait to share the rest of this story with you.

In the end Malfoy wasn’t hard to find, thanks to the book she picked up. Understanding the Stars by Roman Caelius proved to be an effective clue. 

As she made her way up the winding stairs, she couldn’t help but wonder. Why would he go there? The Astronomy Tower, she assumed, would be the last place he would want to be. It was the place where the beginning and end of Draco Malfoy was permanently etched into the ancient stone walls. 

Hermione stopped as she came to the top of the stairs. Malfoy was across the way, head down with his elbows leaning against the guardrail of the grand windows. His hair was disheveled, obviously the product of him running his hands through his hair multiple times. 

She didn’t know what to do, what to even say. He was able to break the ice so easily with her, so why was she struggling so much?

Quietly, she approached Malfoy. Much like one would approach a wounded deer in the forest, desperate to not scare him off. 

“I’m surprised to see you reading a book like this. Never thought you were one for something so...celestial.” She used every ounce of courage she had to speak. This could really go either way, given his emotional state. 

“You’re saying that to a man who was literally named after a constellation, Granger. If anything, it’s the most on brand thing about me.” He laughed dryly. He had yet to move in her direction, his head still downturned.

She didn’t respond, taking this opportunity to step closer to hand him back his book. 

“Thank you. For grabbing it, that is. It was my mother’s, she often read it to me as a child. There's a chapter on my namesake - the constellation of Draco represents the Greek myth of a dragon and it was always her favorite story. Hence her decision to name me Draco.” He spoke so softly she almost missed it. 

“You know, everyone thinks I’m named after some Shakespeare character. But actually, there is an asteroid called Hermione. My parents were interested in space as well as Greek myths, so it was the best of both worlds, really.” She was so excited to share this small fact about herself. She’d never gotten a chance to really talk about this before, as most people just assumed or never cared to ask. It upset her how so many people disrespected her name by calling her ‘Mione. Her name was powerful, rooted in legend. But she never did defend herself.

"I know.” Malfoy finally met her eyes.

“What do you mean, you know? I’ve never told anyone that before.” Hermione questioned, confused. 

He stepped towards her, fully facing her. The sun hit his hair in such a way it looked nearly translucent. She resisted the urge to run her fingers through his hair. 

“Back in Second Year, when we were taking Ancient Studies. You loved talking about Greek myths and how important they were to you - how much they shaped your life. It didn’t take much to put two and two together. I’m familiar with the myth - she was the daughter of the King of Sparta and Helen of Troy, the most beautiful woman in the world.” He placed his hands in his trouser pockets again, leaning against the wall next to her. “It made sense.”

“Why?” Hermione tentatively asked, unsure of what he could possibly mean.

“Why did you follow me, Granger?” He didn’t stop looking at her. 

Her face flushed, not used to such intensity from Malfoy.

“Because you followed me, and you - you offered me a chance. To admit the truth. And I wanted to do the same for you.” 

She paused, suddenly filled with anger as she recalled the events that took place earlier. “And Finnigan is an idiot and was absolutely out of line for what he said. No one deserves to be treated like that! With all the bullshit they spew about moving on from the war, you’d think they would apply that to their interactions with -”

“A Death Eater, Granger.” 

“A former Death Eater, Malfoy.” 

“Let’s not mince words here, Granger. I still have the mark, and I live with the consequences of that every single day. Finnigan - he’s not wrong. I should be sent to Azkaban.” 

“Is that why you said you were broken, too?” 

The mood in the room visibly shifted, sending a shiver down her spine.

His face hardened, his voice strained as he spoke, as if he was on the verge of tears. “Yes, Granger. I’ve lost everything. I am nothing and I can’t blame it on anyone. I made the choice. I made that stupid fucking choice, and I can’t do anything about it. I can’t even help my parents. Not that they would want anything from me - my father refuses to even call me his son.” She could see the tears he was trying desperately to stop start to fall. 

Hermione was shocked at that last part. She had heard the Malfoys defected and left together after the battle, but something must have taken place that forever shifted their relationship.

Her next move was completely unplanned. She threw her arms around Malfoy and held him close. Held him like she desperately wanted to be held. His body stiffened at the contact, just as unused to physical touch as she was. She kept her eyes shut tightly - afraid to see any disgust in his eyes. But to her surprise, his body relaxed, and slowly he bent down and brought his arms around her waist. 

Hermione held him tighter as he began to sob. He was just a child when he made that choice, just as she had been when she joined the Order. It wasn’t fair - it wasn’t fair to either of them. It wasn’t fair that his life was ruined. Draco was manipulated and abused just as much as she had been. 

So she cried for both of them. It was quite the sight, she thought, if anyone was there to see it. A former Death Eater and a War Heroine sobbing as they held each other in their arms. 

But she saw it for what it really was. Two broken people finding the comfort they both desperately needed in each other.

Chapter 6: Chapter 6

Notes:

I'm on a roll today, and I'm already working on the next chapter! Thank you again for all your kind words and support.

With love, Stars

“What did your friends do - after you defended me?” 

Malfoy had calmed down after a while. They were both now sitting next to each other against the wall, their knees barely touching. 

“They were shocked, I suppose. Angry, though, that is to be expected. They hate you of course, former Death Eater or not. Too much history.” She said thoughtfully. Hermione technically should hate him as well, but ever since their meeting at the lake, she has been unable to harbor such feelings. 

He simply nodded. 

Hermione took a deep breath.

“We - Ron, Harry and I. We’re not okay. I don’t know how to explain it. I’m not even sure anymore when it all started to go wrong.” She was hesitant to say any of this out loud. She knew it was true, it had contributed significantly to her depression over the past few months, but she had yet to say it to someone else. 

“I could have told you that, Granger. I saw them in the Great Hall after you ran out. I don’t know what happened exactly, but they didn’t look particularly concerned about you.” 

It hurt her heart to hear that. She knew ultimately they wouldn’t be concerned about her, but she still hoped that this time would be different and they would finally try to understand her and comfort her. She was always hoping this time would be different, but it never was. 

“Yeah. Yeah, I figured.” She stifled a sob, her voice catching on the last syllable. 

“What is it about me that doesn’t warrant concern? I know I’m supposedly the brightest witch of our age, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be hurt. That I can’t be depressed. That I don’t need fucking support. And you would think after everything we went through, every fucking obstacle we overcame together, not to mention the whole fucking war - they would want to be there for me. I’ve consoled them time and time again. I’ve kept my mouth shut about my parents, all in an effort to protect Harry. I -”

“Stop - wait, what about your parents?” Malfoy interrupted, shifting so that he was facing her once again.

“I obliviated them. To protect them during the war.” 

“Fuck.” Malfoy let out a deep breath. 

“I went back to fix it. I was so worried as memory charms are so finicky. But it worked - I brought their memories back. I was so happy, thrilled to have them back. To have some semblance of normalcy. But they weren’t. They were so angry with me. They felt betrayed, horrified that I did something so awful to them. I think my being a witch used to be some fun, interesting thing about me. But when it got too real and personally affected them, it hit them. That at the end of the day, they want nothing to do with the life I’ve created. So, they disowned me.” 

She cried, she cried so hard. Hermione had been keeping this a secret for so long, and it had eaten away at her everyday. But she couldn’t tell Harry or Ron or even Ginny. Ron and Ginny would never understand, they still had both their parents and they couldn’t fathom her parent’s choice. And Harry, he would probably end up blaming himself, despite it being a decision Hermione made all on her own. 

“Shh, shh, shh. It’s okay, sweet girl. Let it out.” Malfoy scooped her up into his strong arms, placing her in his lap as he held her tightly. 

He gently rocked her back and forth as he spoke. “Fuck your parents. I know it’s easy for me to say since I don’t know them, but they don’t sound like they’ve been much of parents to begin with. All of them, they’re all fucking pricks who wouldn’t know a good thing if it slapped them in the arse.” He was furious, his body seething with every word. 

“They don’t deserve you. They don’t deserve anything they get. The only reason Potter and Weasley even fucking survived is because of you. You saved the world, not them. And it’s not fair that they can’t accept that and choose to hurt you as a result.” 

“I don’t want to feel like this anymore. I don’t want to die. I just want something good for once, I just want to feel something good.” 

She felt a hesitant kiss to the top of her head. 

“Please. Please - let me. I can help.” He whispered. She tilted her head up and felt his mouth collide with hers. His lips were soft, hesitant as if he was worried she might slap him again.

Her only real kissing experience had been with Ron, and it left much to be desired. 

But this, this was electric. She felt something deep within her, and so she wrapped her arms around his neck, readjusting herself to straddle his lap and she deepened the kiss. 

In all her eighteen years, she had never felt anything like this. She never had much interest in boys, and never thought about anything beyond a kiss here and there. But she wanted - no, needed more. She needed to escape, and he was her one way ticket. 

Malfoy seemed to understand, and slowly began untucking her shirt from her skirt, allowing his hands to roam her lower back. 

She halted their kiss.

“I’ve never done this before.” She said panicked. 

“It’s okay,” he soothed her. “It’ll hurt a little bit, but I promise I’ll take care of you.” He caressed her cheek as he laid her back against the floor. 

“Are you sure? Malfoy, are you sure you want to do this with me?” She was scared. He didn’t seem to still hold his old beliefs, but she needed to be sure. She couldn’t take it if he just up and left her after this. 

“You’re asking me that? God, Granger. This, this is something I’ve wanted since third year. I’d never thought you’d be able to look at me like I was anything other than your enemy.”

His hands, with long fingers and veins that looked as if they had been etched by the gods, moved up to unbutton her shirt. 

“Granger, you’re a wild fire and there is nothing I would want more than to burn with you.” 

And so they let the fire consume them.

Chapter 7: Chapter 7

Notes:

Honestly this fic might be longer than I originally thought. I apologize in advance, this is first real story I've even posted to AO3 (I did upload one of my old kpop fics as well recently), and am overall new to the posting system and tags. I'm uploading as I go, so it'll take me a minute to keep the tags up to date. Please forgive me!

Stars

If it hadn’t been for the chill from the evening air reaching them in the open air tower, she figured they could have stayed there forever. Hermione hummed in contentment as she laid in Malfoy’s arms, his discarded shirt transfigured into a blanket, their only source of warmth outside of each other. 

“Draco…?” She whispered his given name tentatively into his ear. His name tasted sweet on her tongue. 

“Mmmm?” He sleepily replied, sending a wave of vibrations through her core. 

“Is this really okay? Us?” 

His eyes opened sharply, giving his full attention to her.

“What do you think?” 

She slapped his shoulder lightly. “I wish you would stop answering all my questions with questions, you prat.” 

He laughed. A deep, baritone laugh that warmed her soul. 

“I will when you stop asking such loaded questions that you already have an answer for in your head.” He smiled cheekily. 

He wasn’t wrong, she supposed. But she still was nervous. 

“Hermione, I think this is the only okay thing to happen in a long time.” His face was serious. 

“I hope you understand why I am nervous. I mean, we were literally enemies a couple of months ago and now you’ve taken my virginity. We have a lot of history, you know, and it’s not been good.”

He was quiet, obviously putting a lot of thought into his response based on the furrowing of his brow. 

“I’m sorry. I wish I could take it all back. Would you believe me if I told you that I only acted that way to protect you?”

“....No, I don’t think I would. Explain.” 

He sighed. “It’s no secret how my family is - how I was taught. I believed everything they told me about mudbl-, muggleborns. The way they described them, well, basically was nightmarish. But then you blew up my world our first year. I almost didn’t believe you were a muggleborn, with how smart you were. And then you started beating me at everything, and my father was enraged. He would beat me senseless every time I would go home. How dare you lose to that filth! Just you wait, Draco, she’ll get what is coming. And that became my single worst fear, letting anything happen to you. Just like that. So I did what I thought was best - perhaps easiest.”

“Draco -”

“Wait, please just let me get this last part out. I was able to do it for years, and when I became a Death Eater, it was not even a question anymore. If they knew in any way, shape, or form that I had an inkling of feelings towards you, they would have used it against me. That’s why, in the Manor - I couldn’t save you. I couldn’t stop it. Because your fate would have been much worse.” 

Hermione was crying again, overwhelmed with his confession. With everything she didn’t know. 

Malfoy was clutching her waist, desperately trying to not lose himself, so she stroked his arm in a soothing manner. “I remember the look on your face, Draco. I remember your tears. I knew you weren’t the same as Bellatrix. You were just a child being asked the impossible.” 

“Do you forgive me? Really? After all the terrible things I did?” 

Hermione was struck at how vulnerable he looked. It was pure, his plea. It made her recall going to confession as a child. She still distinctly remembered sobbing to Father Michael during her First Communion when she had to confess her sins for the first time. They were pitiful in comparison to Draco’s crimes, but she fervently believed that she would be sent to hell for disobeying her parents the one time and desperately wanted to be absolved of her sins. 

She first answered him with a light peck. “Yes, Draco, I forgive you. If things were different - if we were born in a different world, I know we wouldn’t have had to make the same choices we had to in order to survive.” 

She could feel the relief radiate off of him. He needed to hear that, he deserved to know that he was forgiven. 

“We should probably eat, don’t you think?” 

He groaned and clutched her tighter in response. “But then we’d have to experience the rest of the world, and I’m not ready to let you go just yet.” 

Ah yes, the rest of their world. She would have to face Ron and Harry again, not to mention the rest of Gryffindor. Shit, it also means that both her and Draco missed their afternoon classes and will now be behind. A part of her worried that people would notice that they were both missing at the same time, especially since they had most of their classes together. Would that make things more difficult for them? For Draco? 

“You overestimate how smart the rest of this place is. They won’t put two and two together that we were both missing today. Unless...you’re okay with that?” Draco had a beautiful way of being able to read her mind, but at the same time, it was somewhat frightening how spot on he was.

“Are you?”

He smirked, “Ah, look who is answering questions with questions now. Truthfully, I am worried, I don’t want to make things more difficult for you. If for right now we only exist in the shadows, I can accept that.” 

“Okay. Shadows, yes, I can accept that as well for now. We need time to adjust to whatever this is.” She agreed.

“It’s a chance, Hermione. It’s a chance.” 

Chapter 8: Chapter 8

Notes:

Honestly this is more filler than anything else, but I'm happy with it.

Draco struggled more days than not. She would watch as he would show up with seconds to spare to class, hair disheveled and eyes red. Hermione saw how their classmates looked at him with disgust and contempt. She watched how he shouldered that burden, resigned to his fate. Some days he didn’t show up altogether, leading her to seek him out, finding him alone in the Astronomy Tower. Sometimes he would cry, clutching her body as the sobs racked through his body. She would console him the best she could, rubbing his back to sooth him.

Every so often, there would be the really tough days where he was incredibly angry, ripping up his school books and parchment, screaming so loud she feared the silencing charms wouldn’t hold. When he exhausted himself, she would cast a simple repair charm, the torn fragments coming together as if nothing had happened. She’d lightly kiss his forehead, brushing away the fallen strands of hair soaked with sweat until he fell asleep. 

There were also days when she could hardly move. Days when the pain was too much to bear, and no amount of glamour charms could conceal the dark circles under her eyes. She would struggle to sit in class after class, with professors prattling on endlessly with redundant lectures filled with information they had already learned out of pure necessity during the war. There were times when she would abruptly stand up, hastily grabbing her things as she walked out, completely shutting out the protests of her professors and classmates.

Draco would find her in the Astronomy Tower not long after these fits and listen to her rant and rave about how idiotic the whole situation was, and how angry she was at the ministry for forcing her to be there. She was fucking smart - she could have easily passed her N.E.W.Ts already if the Ministry had let her take them, but they had insisted on this bullshit performative role as a member of the Golden Trio. It shows good faith for future generations, they said. Draco had a similar experience, though his attendance was required more by his mandatory probation rather than encouraging others of Slytherin House to move on from old beliefs and embrace the new order. Still, he could commiserate and would encourage her to yell and scream and release all her pent up rage. 

They both found that their only chance of reprieve from the cruel world were in these stolen moments of comfort, which only drove them to seek each other out even more. 

“I’m the head of the family now, since my father is in Azkaban and my mother is on house arrest.” Draco revealed to her one day. “It means I’m in control of everything, hundreds of years of accumulated wealth to do with as I please.” His voice unaffected. 

Hermione was holding his hand, absently drawing circles with her thumb. He was having a particularly difficult day that day, and had hardly even acknowledged her when she joined him. 

“I want to do something more with it, I - I need to fix things, I suppose. I don’t want this to be the end of my family. I don’t want this to be what we’re known for in the wizarding world. We used to be so much more; scientists, authors, politicians. We patronized the arts across Europe. It meant something - to be a Malfoy. My family was respected for more than just fucking blood status.” He spit out this last part, disgusted at the legacy his parents had maintained and encouraged in their own child. 

"You can change it, I know you can. Once we’re out of here, the world will open up to you again. You can travel, invest, donate to causes. This position - this power you’ve been given. You, and you alone can decide how it impacts the world. You can take the reins, Draco.” She smiled at him. 

He hummed his agreement, squeezing Hermione’s hand tightly. 

“And you’ll probably need some help, and as your only muggleborn frie-, uh, person you know, I’d be happy to offer any guidance along the way.” 

“Thank you.” He pressed a chaste kiss to her forehead, and she relished in his affectionate touch. 

Chapter 9: Chapter 9

“Hermione!” Ron called to her, trying to catch her as they departed Potions. Fuck.

She was trying to leave as discreetly as possible, eager to meet Draco up at the tower. She hadn’t slept well as her nightmares were particularly bad the night prior. Draco knew of every single recurring one she had, from the night at the manor to Harry and Ron leaving her alone in the woods while hunting horcruxes. 

“Blimey, what’s the rush ‘Mione?” He grabbed her arm, stopping her from continuing. 

“Sorry, I wanted to meet with Professor McGonagall about something.” It was a flimsy excuse, she knew, but it would have to do.

“Wait, just wait. I wanted to talk to you. I know you haven’t been around much lately, but I was hoping you would come to a party we’re throwing tonight in the common room. Seamus and Dean came across a crate of fire whiskey, so it’ll be a blast.” Ron looked so excited, and she knew she had been neglecting them all, so in an effort to maintain the peace she knew she would have to make an appearance.

“Sure, Ron, I’ll be there.” 

“Wicked, it’s at 9! I’ll let Harry and Ginny know as well, I know they’ll be stoked to catch up. You really should chill out ‘Mione, you already know everything there is to know in that bloody library. This -” He waved to their surroundings “- it’s all for show, we’re as good as graduated! We should be hanging out, enjoying each other, ya know?” He winked at her for good measure. Subtlety has never been his strong suit.

Before she could rack her brain to find another way to reject him, Parvati called to him from down the hall. 

He looked nervous, strange. “Ah, um, I got to go ‘Mione. I’ll see you later!” Just as he was about to run off, he quickly turned around and wrapped his arms around her in a chaste hug. 

When he was gone, she let out a shiver. It was childish, she knew, but she had grown accustomed to Draco that anyone else touching her just felt wrong. 

----------

It was Ginny who cornered her next, though thankfully she had just gotten back to her dorm after spending the afternoon with Draco. She could handle this, just breathe. 

“Let’s get ready together! You know, like old times. Also - you’re the only one in our house who can do a decent French braid.” Hermione couldn’t help but fall for her girlish charm as a wave of nostalgia hit her of the many nights at the Burrow they spent hanging out. 

Ginny was absolutely buzzing with excitement, and they spent the next few hours getting ready. 

“You know, Ron is so thrilled you’re coming tonight. He’s really missed you, though he understands of course that you’re still so focused on school.” 

Hermione let out a sigh. There it is, the illusion was shattered. 

“Ginny...Please don’t...encourage Ron. I’m not interested in a relationship right now, and you know, I just don’t think Ron and I -”

“Is there someone else?” Ginny looked annoyed as she waited for a response.

“No, it’s not that. It’s just -”

“There are rumors going around about you. You’re always going off somewhere and it’s not the library.” Ginny stood up to face Hermione dead on, a portrait of seriousness.

“You should be careful, Hermione, they’re saying some pretty crazy things. Things like you being friends with Malfoy, especially since you defended him at breakfast. You wouldn’t want that to get around anymore, would you? Hanging out with a Death Eater.” 

Hermione was taken aback. Gone was the sweet girl who wanted her hair braided by one of her oldest friends. Her words felt more like a threat than words of caution.

“You should rethink your feelings towards Ron. Being a Weasley would make your life a lot easier.” 

Now that definitely felt like a threat.  

“I have some of that hair smoothing potion in my top drawer, if you want.” She smiled, leaving Hermione alone in the dorm. 

What the fuck?

--------

It was loud as she entered the Gryffindor common room. Packed as well, noting that there were Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs in attendance. From what she could tell, everyone was already drunk or at least well on their way there. 

It made her uneasy. 

She was startled when she felt a cup being shoved into her hand. 

“'Mioneeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!” Ron teetered back and forth, properly wasted. “Drink with us!” He hollered, throwing back the last swig in his cup. 

Hermione brought the cup to her face, giving it a light sniff. It sent her stomach rolling. 

“Um...I better not. Dinner didn’t sit well with me apparently.” 

“Would you just fucking lighten up already?” He probably meant it to come off jokingly, but she could hear the harshness that lay beneath. 

Harry and Ginny came up to them, sensing something off. Harry stepped forward to give Hermione a light hug which she accepted. 

“So, you’ll let him touch you but not me?” He fumed.

“Ron! What the fuck is wrong with you?” Hermione exclaimed as she backed away from the small group, scared. She didn’t realize he was an angry drunk. 

“Ron, calm down mate. Why don’t we go get another -” Harry tried to take control of the quickly escalating situation.

“No! She needs to fucking drink and be with us. It’s always fucking excuses after excuses.” Ron was irate, shoving past Harry and Ginny. Within a flash, he had grabbed her hand that held her cup and forced it upwards to her mouth. The smell of the sickly sweet and sour liquid reaching her nose causing her to gag. 

Only she didn’t just gag - she actually threw up all over Ron. 

“Oh God, I’m so - I’m so sorry!” Hermione cried. 

She felt her stomach turn again. Her mind screamed at her to run to the restroom, so she did, ignoring everyone and everything around her. 

She almost missed the toilet when the next wave of nausea hit her. She felt clammy as she clutched her stomach, waiting for it to pass as she sat on the cold tile of the girl’s dorm lavatory. 

What was wrong with her? She didn't even drink! Even when she did she had never experienced something like that before - not that she drank particularly often. But they had their fair share of butterbeer and fire whiskey at the Burrow when Molly and Arthur went to bed. 

Oh. Oh no. 

They had only done it the one time, but it couldn’t...possibly...no…

She stood up, casting a diagnostic charm over her abdomen. It glowed, to her great shock.

Pregnant.

“You alright, Hermione - oh…”

Parvati had walked in on her just as she finished casting the charm. 

Hermione panicked. No, no, no, no. Not Parvati. Not that fucking gossip.

“It’s not - no, it’s not what you think Parvati…” But Parvati had already figured it out. 

To Hermione’s surprise, she simply smiled. Not at her, but to herself. Pleased. 

“Things have a funny way of working out, don’t they, Hermione?” And with that, Parvati departed the room.

Chapter 10: Chapter 10

Notes:

Guys, I created a tiktok just for dramione things, add me on there if you want to chat or something :) @thestarsofdraco

Also this is spicier than the previous chapter which is outside my comfort zone for sure but I really wanted to push myself a bit!

ALSO FINALLY THEO AND BLAISE ARE HERE!

Draco. Draco. Draco. Draco. 

His name was a desperate plea on her lips. Her feet led her to their safe place, but the tower lay empty. Where the fuck is he? She ran through a list of logical places he could be, landing on the last place in the castle she thought she’d ever be in during her time at Hogwarts. The dungeons. 

The halls and stairways were empty as she ran through them, pleading desperately with the heavens above that she wouldn’t pass any patrolling prefects or professors. 

Draco. Draco. Draco. Draco.

She only vaguely knew of where the Slytherin common room entrance was located due in part to their polyjuice expedition back in second year. But having failed to collect the right hair, she wasn’t able to join Ron and Harry as they infiltrated the mysterious house common room. 

When she finally reached the ostentatious door, she didn’t even have a chance to process what she was doing when she immediately started banging on the door, demanding that someone let her in. 

“Please!” She begged. “Please, someone! Please let me in. I need to speak with Draco!” She practically cried. The palms of her hand stung from the repeated assault on the door, and would probably be bruised by the morning light. 

Blaise Zabini, as stoic as ever, slowly opened the door and gazed dully upon the site in front of him.

“What are you doing here, Granger?” 

“Please, I need to see him. I need to see Draco immediately. Please.” She continued to beg. She was teetering on the borderline, she was so close to her goal. If only she could see him -  she needed to see him. Fuck! Everything would be okay if she could just see him, she screamed internally. 

“You know the rules, Granger. We don’t invite outsiders in the common room -”

“Zabini! Fucking let me pass or I swear to God I will fucking hex you all the way to fucking hell!”

“Let her pass, Blaise.” A mop of dark blonde curly hair appeared behind Zabini, who she recognized to be Theo Nott.

Blaise rolled his eyes, but stepped back, allowing Hermione to pass them. 

“The door is down the hall to the left.” Theo offered, his expression somewhere in between curiosity and concern.

There was no time for gratitude, not now. 

She booked it, reaching the boy’s dorm door quickly. 

Draco was sitting on his bed, reading Understanding the Stars. His eyes shot up in recognition as she entered the room. 

“Hermione, what the hell?! How’d you get in here?” He stood up quickly, discarding the book quickly from his hand as he reached for her. 

She was sobbing now, as all the pent up fear and anxiety released the second she saw him. 

“I’m so sorry. I’m so, so sorry.” Was all she could say. 

“Hermione, please talk to me. What is going on? Please - please tell me.” Draco’s hands rested on her shoulders, trying to get her attention. 

“I’m pregnant, Draco.” 

His hands stilled as he suddenly went quiet. She took this to mean he was angry and started apologizing again.

“I’m so, so sorry. I fucked it all up, didn’t I? I ruined everything. I ruined us.” 

“Show me.” 

He surprised her with his request, expecting anger, but he was strangely calm. She did as he requested - casting the same charm from earlier which once again confirmed her pregnancy. 

He stepped closer to her, placing his right hand against her covered stomach. 

“This - there’s really…” He mumbled, not totally coherent. 

His next question stunned her.

“Do - do you want to keep it? I know - I know I’m probably your last choice. I know I’m not who you really want.” His eyes trailed from her stomach to his left forearm which still bared his mark. "But I promise, I fucking promise I’ll do right by you, whatever you decide.”

She hadn’t even considered not keeping the baby, truly, as she hadn’t had much time for that option to even pop into her mind.

But heart answered for her, and she knew she wanted this. She wanted him. But did he feel the same? They had never discussed them before, not in the long term at least. They relied on each other, needed each other. 

She knew surely he felt something, but was it love?

Could he really tie his life to someone he didn’t actually love? To a halfblood family? Something that no heir in his family had ever done before?  With a muggleborn woman his family literally sought to kill not even a few months ago? He spoke of amends, but this, this was the rest of his life. 

“Do you? Would you be happy with someone like me? Because, fuck, Draco, I love you. I need you. I want you. I want this. I want this chance for both of us.”

He looked shocked, his eyes wide as saucers. His hands shot up to cup her cheeks as he brought his lips down on hers. The kiss was salty from her tears but she responded in full. It was heated and frantic, as if he was trying to show her every emotion and feeling he had ever felt for her. 

Their eyes met when he released her. “I love you, Hermione. So fucking much so, that I felt like it could kill me. But I could do it. I did do it - I have loved you from afar for so many years. And I justified it because it meant I was protecting you. But now, now you’ve come into my life and I get to take care of you. Wipe your tears...hold your hand...you -, you let me touch you. You let me in so easily, and it finally occurred to me that you could love me. That I, Draco Malfoy, could be loved by you.”

They were both crying now, with Draco continuing to caress her cheek, wiping away her tears with rough fingertips as they fell. 

“You, you brought light into my life. You have given me a reason to live, when there was nothing for me left in this world. So yes, I would be happy. I’d burn down the world with pleasure if you’d ask me to. Because nothing, nothing, matters as much to me as you. Fuck this blood purity shit, it’s you. It’s always been you, Hermione. You are brightest star in the sky, and I am fucking grateful that I receive even the tiniest bit of light from you.” 

“Draco…” He was hers and she was his, finally. It was out there for both of them.

He kissed her again, slowly moving from her lips to her jawline to her neck. 

“You’re mine now, Hermione Granger.” 

Her breath hitched as his hands found the edge of her blouse, lifting it up and off her body.

“You’ve always been mine.”

She let out a moan, his deep voice doing things to her she couldn’t have ever imagined. 

Deft fingers undid the side zipper to her skirt, letting it fall to the floor beneath them. 

“I take care of what’s mine. And I will take care of you. I will take care of our baby.” 

He grabbed her waist, walked her to his bed all while discarding the rest of their clothing.

“No one - nothing will get in my way. I am loyal only to you - to our family.”  

He laid her down, his knee parting her legs as he situated himself. 

“Fuck, Hermione. You are my home, my whole fucking world.” 

He took her, and it was beautiful. He moved with ease as she moaned into his touch, full of him. 

“Draco, please!” 

She was breathing heavily, already close from his heated words and passionate promises. They came together, a sweaty panting mess, as he kissed her forehead and then her mouth. She was exhausted, but the reality of what they did and where they had done it quickly took over and she looked to him in panic.

“Please...stay. It’s okay. No one will say anything.” She nodded her agreement, and he stood up and walked over to his trunk to pull out clothes for them to sleep in. Hermione cast a cleansing charm on them both before they dressed and sunk back into Draco’s bed. 

She felt safe as he held her small body in his arms, and knew everything would ultimately be okay. Because she had him. 

“Sleep, my love.”

Chapter 11: Chapter 11

Notes:

Things are about to get veeeeeeeeeeery angsty in the coming chapters, so be prepared.

Much love, Stars

As Hermione’s eyes fluttered open, she realized that she slept through the entire night without a single nightmare. 

In fact, she felt better than she had in years. Like she could actually take on the day ahead. It’s amazing what decent sleep and a man who loved you could do. 

She couldn’t suppress the giggle that escaped her mouth as she remembered the previous night. He loved her. He loved her and wanted to be with her and raise their child together. 

“Something funny, my love?” She turned, only to meet with Draco’s very much awake face. 

“How long have you been up?” Hermione asked, praying that she hadn’t been drooling or snoring in her sleep, waking him up. 

“Not long, I promise. I was just taking the opportunity to admire how beautiful you are. My starlight.” He smiled. God, his fucking smile made her melt. It was perfect, his teeth bright and straight. The dentist’s daughter in her wanted to applaud him for his dental hygiene, but she quelled that urge. It might be a bit much for the morning, and she didn’t want to have to explain anything about muggle dentistry practices. 

“You’re not so bad yourself.” She quipped back, leaving a chaste peck upon his lips. 

They soaked in these few stolen moments of pure happiness before they had to face the world. Hermione was positive that people noticed she didn’t come back to the girl’s dorm last night, and there was the issue of Parvati. Not to mention, she was currently in bed with Draco Malfoy inside Slytherin’s boy’s dorm. Thankfully, no one else was in their beds, so either the other Slytherin boys didn't sleep in there or they had already left discreetly. 

“I need to go, Draco…” The sadness was evident in her voice. She didn’t even bother to hide it.

“I know.” He wasn’t much better, letting out a deep frustrated sigh. 

“I’ll walk you to your dorm, okay? Just let me -” 

“No it’s okay, stay and get some more sleep, okay? Breakfast is already over by now, and we’ll have classes shortly. We can meet up afterwards in the tower and figure out how to go about...well this.” Hermione laid her hand on her stomach. “I wish...I wish I could talk to my mom.” She softly spoke, not making eye contact with Draco. It was an incredibly difficult feeling to navigate for her, the deep instinctual need to reach out and seek comfort from your mother as you’re set to become one. But that mother wants nothing to do with you.

“I know. We’ll figure it out, okay? There’s got to be something we can read and figure it out for ourselves. Honestly, I’m surprised your first instinct wasn’t to go to the library already.”

She sent him a pointed glare. “I - well yes. It was my second instinct.” 

“I promise you, we’ll be fine. We’ll figure it out.” 

“I love you, I’ll see you soon, okay?” Hermione bent down to kiss him goodbye. 

“I love you more.” 

Hermione used all the strength she had to resist jumping back into the bed with him and instead leave the room. 

The Slytherin common room was beautiful, truly. She lightly dragged her fingers across the dark green velvet couches, enjoying the soft sensation. There were reading nooks to be found in nearly every corner, and she was green with envy. Gryffindors weren’t much for creature comforts suited for avid readers. 

“So, she emerges from the depths of hell.” She turned sharply, coming face to face with Theo. 

Fuck, she should have stayed focused and gotten out of there as quickly as possible. She hadn’t anticipated seeing him at all, and it left her with a pit of nerves. 

“So, how was it? By the sounds of it, it seemed pretty good.” All the air escaped from her lungs, fuck. “Don’t worry, Blaise threw up a silencing charm once it really got going.” Theo winked at her. 

“I’m so sorry, I - that’s not why I came down here I swear.” Hermione was mortified. 

“It’s okay, I figured there was something going on. Draco...he seems better. And I think you had something to do with that.” 

He cleared his throat, moving to sit on the couch and gesturing for her to do the same. “He, uh, he pushed us away. We tried, I swear we tried. But he had already made up his mind. No one could help him, he was too broken.” Theo looked guilty, a man full of regret for not fighting his way in and being there for Draco. 

“Just, take care of him, okay? And if you could...let him know we’re still here. Blaise and I. We’re not going anywhere. He’s our friend, our brother.” 

Hermione nodded, “I promise. I’m not going anywhere either.” 

Theo nodded his head, slapping his hands on his knees as he stood up.

“Well, good. Now, if you don’t mind me, I have a prior commitment I need to attend to. See you, Granger.” He winked as he walked away.

What...an interesting person.

The walk back was short, though she desperately wished it was longer. She wasn’t prepared for what was to come, and unfortunately Draco couldn’t be at her side for this one.

The Fat Lady eyed her suspiciously as she spoke the Gryffindor common room password. Great, she wondered what the portraits knew and were spreading around amongst themselves. 

Thankfully, the room was empty, and she was able to head to her dorm in peace and get ready for the day. 

That couldn’t be said, though, for the walk to her classes. The hallways were brimming, filled with lively students going from one part of the castle to the other for the next round of lessons. But as soon as she entered the long corridors, the atmosphere shifted. She could feel eyes on her as she walked. Cold glares from people she could hardly put a name to. She could hear the hushed whispers of gossiping Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws and Gryffindors. Is that her? I heard she’s knocked up. How pathetic, isn’t she supposed to be the Golden Girl? What a whore. 

She doubted this is what the Ministry had in mind when they suggested she help push for unity amongst the houses.

Subconsciously, she brought her hand to her stomach, the instinct to protect already kicking in without her realizing. Baby, you are loved so much. You are our salvation, our future, our everything. Don’t listen to a word they say.

She could do this. She could do this for the baby and for Draco. 

Hermione managed to get through the next three lessons despite the glares and whispers that continued even into the classrooms. As she was packing up from her last lesson of the day, she felt someone’s presence standing above her. 

“Hermione...we need to talk. Now.” Harry looked confused as he spoke...unsure of how to talk to her. She nodded as the last of her classmates exited the room, giving them privacy. 

Harry was quiet for a few minutes, unable or unwilling to meet her eyes, though she couldn’t decide on which. 

Having enough, she just blurted it out.

“It’s true. Harry, the rumors are true. I’m pregnant.” 

“Is it Ron’s?” He looked at her then, searching her eyes for any trace of affection for their best friend.

“No. No, it’s not Ron’s.” 

Harry sighed. “Hermione, what is wrong with you? I mean, pregnant? You’re barely nineteen years old. Your life is ruined now.” The disappointment was clear in his voice. 

“Harry, it’s not - it’s not ruined.” She winced, defensive of her situation.

Harry brought his hands on her desk, tsking. 

“Look, no one has to know it isn’t Ron’s. I’m sure he’ll still marry you. You just need to tell him it was a mistake, your situation. Ron is a good man, he can look past this for you.” 

She was shocked. She was literally pregnant with another man’s child and he still was on about this?! She didn’t fucking want Ron! She never did and she never will.

Exasperated, she stood up and grabbed her things. 

“Harry! I don’t love Ron! I’ve told you all countless times that I’m not interested but for whatever reason, you lot refuse to listen to me. I don’t want to be with Ron, and I sure as fuck don’t want to marry him because of my situation.” 

Harry took a deep breath, suddenly very serious. “Hermione, you don’t seem to understand - Ginny had to explain it to me too. We didn’t grow up in this world, ‘Mione. We don’t know all the rules. Yes, we saved the world, but families and blood status will always be important, no matter who we defeat. No one is going to want to marry a muggleborn witch who got pregnant out of wedlock at nineteen. It’s just not done. The wizarding world is so much more conservative that anything we grew up with. And the Weasley’s can help you. They can protect you. I mean, how are you planning on taking care of a baby all by yourself? You need Ron. Then you can pass off the baby as his and the baby will be respected as a Weasley. As a member of the Sacred 28, even if they’ll just be a halfblood like me.”

She wanted to cry. She wanted to laugh. She wanted to scream.

“You’re so naïve, Harry.” She scoffed. “If they believe that bullshit, then they’re no better than the Death Eaters we fought and won against. I mean, you said it yourself, they’ll be helping me, protecting me and my child with their pureblood status. Because they don’t actually think we’re all equal. They’re not as obvious as the Blacks or the Malfoys, but it’s the same. Oh look at these muggleborns with their interesting tools, their odd mannerisms and traditions. They look at us as if we’re curiosities, but we will always be less than them. Not nearly as powerful as them.” 

Hermione was fuming. Draco, despite being born into that world, despite fighting on the wrong side - he didn’t see a muggleborn when he looked at her. He saw someone worth throwing away all of that bullshit for, to fight for. To raise a family with. To create a future with, despite their history. 

“Dra- the father. He loves me and I love him. I’m happy with him, Harry. He’s...everything to me. You can’t convince me otherwise.”

Her bag slung on her shoulder, she left Harry standing there shocked.

Chapter 12: Chapter 12

Notes:

I'M SUCH AN IDIOT AND DIDN'T INCLUDE THE FIRST PART TO THE CHAPTER! Please reread!

Also, I'm really sorry if you're a Weasley fan.

Stars

Today was not going as smoothly as she’d hoped.

As she exited the classroom and shut the door behind her, she instantly sank to her knees. Harry’s words - his utter naivety - it made her shudder in revulsion. How could he treat her like that? How could he make her sound like an object to be sold off? He had apparently changed just as much as she had over the past six months. They all had.

The reality - the grim reality of all of this was finally coming to the surface for her. Yes, she loved Draco. Yes, she wanted to be with him. But she still loved her friends despite everything, and she was coming to realize that she was going to have to make a decision very soon. Her barely hanging on relationships with people she once trusted with her life or Draco Malfoy. 

And her choice would be clear. 

She let out a strangled sob as she ran her hands over her face. 

“Hermione?” She couldn’t even look up before she felt him drop before her, his school things falling to the ground next to them.

“What happened? Who did this to you?” Draco’s strong hands were on hers, trying to remove them from her face so he could look at her. She felt him wipe away her tears.

But she couldn’t stop, she couldn’t stop crying. She was nearly hysterical. 

Draco looked around them before proceeding to pick her up in his arms and carry her to an alcove nearby in an underused corridor. 

He held her as she continued to sob into his chest, dampening his white button up shirt. He ran his hand over her curls soothingly. Shh, shh, shh, shh, my love. It’s okay, I’m here. 

His voice brings her back. Draco always did. He was the only one that was ever truly there for her. Who loved her. Who comforted her. Draco Malfoy was the only person in the entire world who saw her for her. His love was not conditional on what she could do for him, like it had been for her friends. His love was true and immutable.

“Harry. It was Harry. He wanted to talk about the rumours, and I confirmed them. He reacted...poorly.”

He nodded. “Did you tell him it was me - that I’m the father?” He asked, his head resting atop of hers. 

“No…” Her eyes were drawn to his left forearm. His sleeves had rolled up when he had lifted her, revealing the mark. She ran her fingers softly over the curves and coils of the black snake. It would have been beautiful on him if it’s meaning hadn’t been so corrupted. 

“Hermione.” He didn’t move to look at her directly, rather buried his face deeper into her hair as he spoke.  

“Can you live with this? Can you really truly ever be okay with what I am - what I was? Because things aren’t going to get easier, not here at school or out in the world. Potter was just the beginning, and once they find out it’s me...it won’t matter how much I’ve repented. They’ll always see a Death Eater. And you-” 

He paused, collecting himself. 

“All they’ll see is someone who betrayed them.”

She sighed, nodding her head. “I know. I’m going to have to make a choice.” 

Hermione climbed off his lap to face him dead on, her hands on his cheeks, holding his face firm. 

“I know who you were. I know who you are now. And I will choose you every single time. I am so proud of you - of how far you’ve come and how far you are going to go. You are a good man, and I’ll show the world that. I’ll show them all how fucking proud I am to stand by your side, hand in hand.” 

Tears fell from his eyes - relief flooding his face. He had never heard anyone tell him they were proud of him in all of his eighteen years. His arms wrapped around her waist, squeezing her to his body. 

“I love you Hermione Granger, so goddamn much.” 

“I love you Draco Malfoy, and nothing will ever change that.” Nudging him to let go, she stood up and held out her hand.

“What do you say to letting the whole world know?” She smiled brightly. 

“God Granger, you’re such a Gryffindor. Setting a fire and walking straight into it.” He laughed. 

“But I’d told you there was nothing more I wanted to do than to burn with you.” His long fingers found her dainty ones, grasping her hand tightly. “Let’s go.” 

---------

The Great Hall was packed. Everyone from first to eighth years lined their respective house tables as they ate their evening meal. 

As she and Draco stood before the large wooden doors, she couldn’t help recalling her first few days back where she struggled each day just to go inside and join her friends. The war had tainted so much for her, attempting to rob her of every last bit of happiness and joy she had left. 

But not any longer. She looked to Draco, “Are you ready?” 

He squeezed her hand. “Let’s burn, love.” 

As they walked in, hand in hand, they heard a chorus of gasps and whispers. Which only amplified when they sat down next to each other at the Slytherin table. 

It was certainly one way to confirm the rumours as well as answer the question on everyone’s mind - just who exactly the father was. 

“Roast chicken or roast beef, Granger?” Draco was trying hard not to appear nervous, and so he took to preparing her a plate. 

“The smell of roast beef makes me a bit nauseous at the moment. Chicken, please.”

The sound of plates crashing to the floor echoed through the now nearly quiet hall. 

“Mash?” Draco ignored the commotion taking place just a few meters away. 

“Mmmm...I don’t know.” Hermione eyed the dish, trying to decide. But before she could, Ron and Harry approached the table.

“Hermione, what the fuck do you think you are doing sitting here with this scumbag.” Ron pointed his finger at Draco. 

“You know Draco, I think I’d rather have some bread rolls.” Hermione said thoughtfully, ignoring the two red faced men in front of her. 

“Good choice, Granger. The mash looks a bit off today, we should let the kitchens know.” 

“Hermione, don’t fucking ignore me. What do you think you are doing?” Ron continued, knocking their glasses over as he slammed his hands on the table. 

“I’m eating, Ronald. Draco, would you be a dear and put some green beans on my plate as well? I need to focus on getting more nutrients.” 

“Enough!” This time, it was Harry who yelled. 

“Get up, Hermione. I don’t know what kind of fucking game you’re trying to play but this is getting old.” Harry went to reach for her, but she slapped him away.

“Don’t. Fucking. Touch. Me. I’m not leaving my boyfriend.” 

“Boyfriend?!” Ron sputtered. “Does that...mean - God, Harry, it’s him!?” 

Harry simply nodded, then turned to face her. “Hermione.” He hissed. “Don’t say anything more. We’re just trying to take care of you. Protect you. Why can’t you understand that?!” 

“Oh that’s what you’re doing?! Then what were you doing when I was struggling? When I was hanging on by a thread, wanting to die?! I was broken, Harry. The war -” 

“SHUT UP, HERMIONE! The war is fucking over. You were just whining all the time. You acted like you lost everything. You didn’t even lose anyone! Not like I did. Not like Ron did with Lavender.” 

Hermione stood up and slapped Harry across his face, the red hand mark visible for everyone to see. 

“I. Lost. Everything.” She bit out, rage evident across her face.

“Don’t pretend to know anything about me, Harry, because you know nothing. You’ve always been too caught up in your own bullshit to see that other people have experienced tragedy far worse than yours. Harry Potter this, Chosen One that. You’re not the only one who has suffered; you’re not the only one to lose their parents.” Her eyes stayed fixed on his.

“Your parents died, Harry. I obliviated mine to protect them, and when I gave them back their memories they hated me. They chose to abandon me.” 

“You lot abandoned me as well. So forgive me,” She huffed sarcastically, “if I found someone who was actually there for me. Who protected me. Who loved me.”

Ron, still comprehending the fact that the rumours were true that Hermione was pregnant and that Malfoy was the father, jumped back into the conversation.

“But, ‘Mione, he’s a fucking Death Eater!” 

“He was there! When I couldn’t breathe, he gave me oxygen. When I couldn’t stand, he gave me his shoulder to lean on. When I wanted to die, he gave me a reason to live.” Her hand went to her stomach, cradling the bump that was barely there.

“He gave me a chance at a real future. A family, our family. Love without conditions. Without shame or judgement.”

“Are you fucking crazy!? His bloody aunt tortured you in his own home! He bullied you for years!” 

Hermione took a deep breath. She should have taken a bit to eat before she engaged in this fucking battle royale, especially if it was going to go on for this long. 

“I love him, Ron. It was never you, and it was never going to be you. I’ve told you for months that I’m not interested.” 

Ron's voice was low, practically leaking venom as he spoke. “I wish it was you that died instead of Lavender, you traitorous bitch. You’re nothing but a Death Eater’s whore.” He raised his hand, intending to strike her. 

It was Draco who raised his wand first. 

“Don’t you fucking dare, Weasley.” He was fuming, though his hold on his wand remained high and steady as he aimed it at Ron’s face. 

“She is my intended, as well as the mother to my child. You may recall that my only true allegiance in this whole fucking war was to my family, and I maimed countless people to protect them. Hermione? I would kill every single one of you now if you so much as look at her wrong. So back up, Weasley, or I will fucking end you right now.” 

Something clicked in Ron’s mind, leading him to raise his wand to Draco.

“What’s daddy going to say, Malfoy, when he finds out you knocked up a mudblood, huh? How you’ve tainted your precious family line with filthy muggle trash? The Malfoy Prince, a fucking mudblood lover. I bet you’ll make him real proud.”

Draco was breathing heavily, his hand starting to shake as he gritted his teeth.

“Ron, enough! Just stop it!” Hermione screeched.

“Shut up, you fucking slag.” 

Draco lunged, but thankfully, Blaise and Theo appeared and grabbed his arms.

“He’s doing it on purpose, you idiot! Don’t do anything stupid, he knows one wrong move and you’ve fucked your probation.” Theo exclaimed, trying to calm Draco down. 

“Awh, looks like Malfoy has got friends again to defend him! How precious.” Ron sneered, his eyes quickly moving to Hermione, pointing his wand to her stomach. “Too bad she doesn’t.”

“I wouldn’t fucking dare, Weasley.” 

Pansy Parkinson was suddenly next to Ron, her wand aimed at his throat. 

“See, Draco may have his probation to be concerned about, but I don’t. And we Slytherins don’t take kindly to threats against our own, and that includes Granger and her child. So I would suggest you lower your wand immediately.” 

Hermione, having been overwhelmed with fear at the sight of Ron’s wand pointed at her, promptly collapsed.

And her world went black.

Chapter 13: Chapter 13

Notes:

Just a little Slytherin love. Also my second favorite trope is the found family trope, next to enemies to lovers of course ;)

Stars

“Draco, calm down. Madam Pomfrey said nothing was wrong with Hermione or the baby. She just fainted, she’ll wake up soon.” 

“How does she know?! Where did she even get her healer’s degree? I’d bet a thousand galleons it wasn’t even accredited. You remember how she barely treated me when that monster attacked me in third year!” 

Hermione had begun to stir when she heard arguing taking place next to her. Her eyes fluttered open only to see Draco pacing back and forth and Blaise trying to calm him down. 

“Blaise, I can’t - I just need her to wake up. I’m dying here. I need her, I need to know she’s okay.” Draco threw his head back, running his hands on his face over and over. 

“Oi, quit your dramatics. She’s up now, you git.” Pansy said, as she sat on a nearby bed with Theo next to her, her head resting on his lap.

Draco looked at Hermione and practically lunged at her. 

“Oh thank God, you’re awake. Are you okay? How do you feel? I swear to God, we’re going to St. Mungo’s the second we get the chance! I don’t trust that daft old cow.” He ran his hands over her curls as he sat in the chair next to her bed, placing small kisses all over her face. 

“Draco, I’m fine I swear. Is the baby…?” 

“The baby is fine, Miss Granger. Despite Mr. Malfoy’s... opinions of our healing staff’s capabilities, I can assure you that no harm has come to your child.” Professor McGonagall spoke as she entered the hospital wing. 

The unlikely group, surprised, turned to face the new Headmistress. 

Professor McGonagall sighed, “Well, this is certainly an unexpected turn of events...I was -, well I was under the impression that there was a certain degree of animosity between you two.” She eyed the young lovers, and Draco glared back while bringing Hermione closer to him.

“Obviously things have changed. Well, moving on. I, as Hogwarts's Headmistress, would like to formally apologize to you both for the treatment you received today in the Great Hall. We absolutely do not condone threatening or the raising of wands to students, and we will be reprimanding the offending individuals. Mr. Malfoy and Miss Parkinson will receive no punishments, as according to the accounts of various witnesses you two were only defending Miss Granger.” 

The relief in the room was palpable.

“However, there is the issue of Miss Granger’s....current situation. Despite both of you being of age, you are still students here and are expected to follow our codes of conduct. I have written to each of your parents informing them of the situation and requesting their presence in order to determine how to proceed from here.”

“But my mother - she’s on house arrest. How...?” Draco looked confused, knowing quite well the terms of her sentence.

“Mrs. Malfoy will be accompanied by her assigned auror as well as a representative from the Ministry. The Ministry wishes to also speak with Miss Granger concerning her actions as of late, given her status.”

Hermione knew what was coming next. 

“Miss Granger - unfortunately the owl I sent to your parents came back unanswered. I was informed back in August that they had returned to England from their trip to Australia...is there an issue with their current address?”

She let out a deep breath. “They have disowned me, Professor. Reaching out to them will prove fruitless, even with an updated address.” 

Professor McGonagall was obviously taken aback. “Well, that is truly awful to hear Miss Granger. I’m so sorry.” 

Hermione didn’t bother replying. 

Thankfully, Draco changed the subject. “What’s going to happen to us until then? Hermione can’t go back to Gryffindor. She’s not safe with those psychotic wankers.” 

“Language, Mr. Malfoy.” She eyed him sternly. “I am aware of this matter, and have arranged for Miss Granger to stay with you all in the Slytherin Dormitory. Given the situation, we have charmed a room for you and Miss Granger in order to prepare you both for your new roles. However, I am entrusting Mr. Zabini, Mr. Nott, and Miss Parkinson to keep an eye on you both to ensure nothing of a salacious nature happens during this time.”

Theo snorted. “A bit late for that, don’t you think ma’am?” 

She ignored him. “I believe Madam Pomfrey has cleared Miss Granger, so I ask that all of you return to your dormitory. Miss Parkinson, I would appreciate it if you would accompany Miss Granger tomorrow morning in retrieving her personal belongings from Gryffindor Tower. I have already alerted the portraits, so there will be no issue there. In the meantime, please keep an eye out for my owl with details regarding our meeting.” She nodded, and then departed as quickly as she had entered. 

----------

“Well, what a day! It’s not everyday you get to prevent a third wizarding war from taking place.” Theo let out a deep breath as he slumped on one of the soft green velvet couches in Slytherin’s common room. It was nearly ten at night and the rest of Slytherin had already retreated to their beds, allowing for the group to finally relax.

Pansy followed closely behind Theo, sliding in next to him and curling up into his side.

“Seriously. Though, I did love having the chance to raise my wand to that fucking Weasley cunt. It was the best feeling to finally put that wanker in his place.” Pansy sighed in satisfaction.

“It’s about fucking time. Though it is surprising that it’s all because of Granger. I mean no offense, but it doesn’t seem like it took very much for them to turn against you. I was expecting more from the Golden Trio.” Blaise said, his large body falling into a leather armchair. 

“Honestly, it’s probably just as surprising to have three Slytherins come to the defense of a Gryffindor.” Hermione let out a laugh. “Though, I did promise to help with interhouse unity.” 

“Yeah, I think we did a lot more than that, Granger…” Draco winked at her as he led her to the couch facing Theo and Pansy. 

“So when did this happen?” Draco pointed lazily at Theo and Pansy.

“Awh mate, you’ve missed quite a bit during your self imposed isolation.” Theo laughed, pulling Pansy in tighter. “We’ve been together since the term started.”

“About fucking time, Nott. She’s been pining over you for years.” The group laughed, with the exception of Pansy whose face went a deep red.

“Draco! I swear to God, you’re pressing your luck. Especially since we saved your ass today. Kids shouldn’t have to grow up with their fathers locked up in Azkaban.” 

Silence. 

“Thank you, all of you guys. What you all did today...it, uh, it means a lot. Especially since I’ve been a right prick for a while now. You guys didn’t deserve that.” Draco said sincerely. 

“It’s all good, mate. You’re our brother and no amount of your melodrama would keep us away. We’re just glad that you let Granger in and that she helped you be able to come back to us.” Theo smiled, sending Hermione a grateful look. 

“Also, as our brother, that means that your baby is our niece or nephew. How could we call ourselves their aunt and uncles if we let anything happen to you or Granger?” Pansy added.

Draco hummed in agreement, looking down to his lover. “I guess we’re not doing this alone, are we?” 

Hermione felt a burst of joy deep in her heart. She had previously resigned herself that she and Draco would be going about this all alone, especially without the support of their parents and her friends. 

But within a day, her little family had grown to include three of the most unlikely of people she would ever expect. Three people she had spent the majority of her school life avoiding, prejudiced against their house.

They were the most unlikely of allies, but she was so goddamn grateful. After the events of the past few days, she couldn’t think of a better family for her child to grow up in.

“Auntie Pansy, Uncle Theo and Uncle Blaise. I think we could get used to that.” Hermione beamed.

A family. A real family. 

Chapter 14: Chapter 14

Notes:

I promise I haven't lost complete track of the plot, even though the devil in the back of my head makes me feel like it. I hope y'all still like this.

Also, does anyone also like kpop fanfics? I'm considering posting an BTS WIP.

The room was simple, much to Draco’s dismay. He had grown up with luxury at Malfoy Manor, and even at Hogwarts he had silk sheets and ridiculously plush towels. She did her best to hide her smile as she watched him frantically make a list of items they would need in order to deem the room livable. Apparently they needed to make a trip to Hogsmeade as soon as possible. 

“I swear, this is borderline insulting. And she said she charmed the place! Pffft!”

Hermione, however, loved it. Because it was theirs and theirs alone. The small details didn’t matter as much to her, not when she could sleep next to Draco every night without fear of either getting in trouble or being walked in on. 

It really wasn’t much; just a double bed, an armoire, and a small table with two chairs. But to her, it was everything. 

“I’ll bring in my trunk tomorrow, we should be able to fit both of them under the bed once you get yours as well.” Draco noted, planning out where their things would go. 

Hermione walked over to the bed, their bed, and ran her fingers over the soft dark green duvet. 

“We’re not changing it to red, no matter what you say Granger.” Draco said jokingly as he joined her on the bed. 

“No...I know. I wouldn’t want to, anyways. I don’t feel like I’m much of a Gryffindor anymore.” She leaned her head on his shoulder. 

“You’re one of us now, Hermione. Plus, green is your color. I’ve always thought that. And I’m not just saying that because I liked the way you looked splayed out on my green sheets. Though, it did help to further confirm it.” She elbowed him lightly, but smiled. She would later tell him that green was her favorite color, but she never admitted it to her Gryffindor friends for fear of being ridiculed for liking a Slytherin color rather than their house colors. 

“It needs some work, but it’ll do.” Draco said as he took a final look around the whole room. “Are - are you happy?”

“Yes, more than I can ever truly say.” She kissed him lightly on his cheek, which he returned by moving quickly over her, laying her back against the bed, covering her mouth with his feverishly. 

The sounds of her happy giggles and later moans could be heard throughout the dorms, which thankfully Blaise once again threw up a silencing charm on their behalf, much to the relief of those around them. 

-------------

Pansy, as it turned out, took her assignment very seriously. 

Hermione was sleeping soundly in one of Draco’s old quidditch jerseys when she was very rudely awoken by the sounds of someone attempting to practically break down their door. Draco, who was dressed in only green plaid sleep bottoms, begrudgingly got up from their shared bed to answer the door. 

Pansy, completely ignoring their state of undress, waltzed right in. 

“Granger! It’s time to rise and shine and piss off some Gryffindors.” Pansy grabbed Hermione’s discarded robes and tossed them at her. “Get dressed quick.” Pansy turned her attention to Draco. “Is that what you sleep in? Really? Put a shirt on, Drake."

He simply groaned, rubbing his eyes. “Pans, I think this could have waited an hour or two.” He mumbled sleepily. 

“Oh, piss off. You can shag your lady later. We have things to do.” 

A blush bloomed widely across Hermione’s face, causing her to fully wake up and come to her senses. Pansy - Pansy was like a sudden storm that swept through, leaving chaos in her wake. It was refreshing, really, how blunt she was, and Hermione couldn’t help but like her. Even if she did burst into their room unannounced while they were so precariously dressed. 

“Pansy.” Draco eyed her to come closer. “Do not let anything happen to her, okay? I’m trusting you to bring her back in one piece.” He was deadly serious.

She nodded, matching his seriousness. “I know, Draco. She’s one of us, I won’t let anything happen, I swear.”

Were Slytherins always like this? Gryffindors treated a lot of things like life and death, given their proclivity for danger, but these two took things to a whole new level. 

Hermione was nervous, once Pansy and her got settled and set off towards Gryffindor Tower. Pansy sensed this and took hold of her arm as they walked together, but said nothing. 

As they entered the main staircase, Hermione was acutely aware of the stares and whispering coming from those around them. But this time, they were even more vicious. People were taking sides it seemed, and very few were on hers.

Pansy gripped her arm tighter, leading them to their destination as quickly as possible. 

“Ignore them, they’re all a bunch of idiots. You are Hermione Granger, the brightest witch of our age. You can do this.” Pansy whispered in her ear comfortingly. 

Hermione took a deep breath as they reached the Fat Lady’s portrait. 

“Magnanimus Leonis.” 

The Fat Lady huffed, turning her nose up to Hermione’s companion. 

Pansy was clearly annoyed. “Listen lady, I’m here by Professor McGonagall’s request. You got a problem, take it up with the Headmistress.” 

The Fat Lady’s mouth dropped open, clearly in shock by Pansy’s frankness. 

“Magnanimus Leonis.” Hermione repeated, doing her best to not roll her eyes. 

The portrait finally opened, but not without the nearly incoherent mutterings of How disrespectful! and What a disgrace to Gryffindor!  

Pansy squeezed Hermione’s hand, holding it tightly as they entered the boisterous room. 

Well, formerly boisterous. For as soon as they entered, the room became deathly quiet. 

“What do you think you’re doing here?” Parvati, who was looking rather comfortable sitting on Ron's lap where she appeared to be consoling him, spoke up. 

“Yeah, we don’t allow traitors in our tower. Snakes and slags belong in the dungeons.” Ron scoffed, as he backed her up. 

The rest of the room joined in, spewing awful insults as they walked past them all towards Hermione’s former room. 

However, they both couldn’t hold in their gasps when they saw Hermione’s bed. 

Her things were thrown about, absolutely destroyed. Her books...her poor books were torn apart and covered in ink. Her spare Gryffindor robes were ripped to shreds. A charmed waving banner hung from the canopy of her bed, with Death Eater’s Whore written in red. 

“It’s the least that you deserve for what you did to Ron.” Ginny spoke from behind them, malice dripping from her mouth. “Such a stupid girl. If you had just done what you were supposed to, everything would be fine.” Ginny laughed, kicking at one of Hermione’s destroyed books. 

“You’re going to realize now just how much being associated with Harry and Ron did for you; protected you. Now you’ll be treated as you should, a worthless dirty whore.” 

Pansy went for her wand, but Hermione placed her hand over hers preventing her from doing so. Hermione looked to Pansy, confirming she was okay with a slight nod.

“So that’s what this is? The consequences of not being a Weasley?” Hermione quipped. 

Ginny laughed again, clearly enjoying herself. “No, rather the consequences of not allying yourself with the right people. My family were once dismissed as blood traitors because of our sympathies, but it’s not like that now. We’re on top now, and I intend to do all that I can to ensure we remain that way. You had a chance to be a part of our rise. Marrying Ron would have secured great futures for your career and for your children. You could have been the Minister of Magic one day. None of that will happen now. You’re tainted. Stained.” Ginny’s eyes went to the cruel banner waving above. “A Death Eater’s Whore. People will avoid you in the streets. Your child will grow up alone, with no parent allowing their child to play with a Death Eater’s halfblood bastard.” 

“You don’t know anything, Ginny.” Hermione bit back. 

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Ginny turned, leaving without another word. 

“She’s fucking batshit, Granger.” Pansy looked horrified. “And you were friends with that?”

Hermione shivered, “I don’t think I was ever really friends with any of them.” 

“Well, enough of this shit. I’ll cast a quick Reparo spell and we’re out of this hellhole. I wish you’d have let me hex her or something, what a stupid bitch. We quite literally just fought a war over bullshit like that. Was she not there or something?” Pansy got to work, papers swirling around them, finding their way back into their bindings and secured into Hermione’s trunk.

“Don’t. Leave it.” Hermione halted Pansy as she was about to incinerate the disgusting banner on her old bed. Pansy looked at her questionably. “I’m not ashamed of who I love. And if that’s what they wish to call me, so be it.” 

“Fine, but I’m burning those Gryffindor robes. You’re a Slytherin now. I’ll talk to Draco about getting you outfitted in our robes.” 

With a single swish, they went up in flames and quickly disintegrated. Hermione looked pleased.

“Good, I know where I belong.” 

----------

"They're fucking crazy, Draco! You should have seen them, fucking chomping at the bit to throw an insult or two at her. They all saw what happened yesterday in the Great Hall, and yet somehow they're still taking the Weasley's side!"

"Did you hex them?!" Draco asked, his attention fully on Pansy as she regaled him with her account of events.

"NO! Granger wouldn't even let me raise my wand and threaten her! I wouldn't have gotten in trouble either, since that psycho bitch was practically outlining all the ways her life was going to be ruined." She huffed, still annoyed. 

Pansy was livid, ranting as she, Draco, and Hermione walked to the Great Hall for a late breakfast. 

Hermione had already heard it all as they carried her trunk back to Slytherin, and was zoning out by this point. The only reason she hadn’t fully dissociated at this point was due to the warmth of Draco’s hand in hers. 

Was she surprised, really? Something that Ginny said rang true about how being associated with Ron and Harry had protected her. There weren't that many muggleborns at Hogwarts, and with her know it all personality, she wasn't ranked very high on anybody's list. She was subject to many cruel pranks at the beginning of her first year and did her best to cope until she found herself intertwined with Ron and Harry. 

No, if she was perfectly honest with herself, she wasn't surprised in the slightest.

"It's okay, Pansy. We knew it was coming. They're war heroes, they already have jobs lined up with the Ministry. No one is going to question the Chosen One and his best friend." Hermione sighed. 

"But that's the thing, Granger. So are you. And up until a few days ago, you were also their best friend." 

"She raises a good point, Hermione." Draco chimed in, agreeing.

"Actually, I think my new title is Traitorous Bitch." Hermione stared expressionless at two of them. Pansy laughed boisterously, while Draco narrowed her eyes, pulling her closer. He didn’t like when she spoke about herself in such a way. 

"Still, you'll need to be careful, Granger. Try to suppress those Gryffindor urges and refrain from going out on your own, eh? And if anything happens, let one of us handle it. We don't have anything to lose, and you need to focus on keeping the little one safe in there."

Her heart warmed. They were all so protective of her in the way she always wanted her old friends to be, rather than Harry and the Weasley's current distorted views of what protection meant. 

"I promise." Draco peered down at her and smiled at her agreement, bringing her hand to his mouth where he placed a delicate kiss to her knuckles. 

“Ugh, get a room.” Pansy gagged at Draco’s display of affection for his girlfriend. Hermione would later learn from Pansy that Draco was notoriously unaffectionate, recoiling from the slightest public display. It was a big part of the reason he never dated anyone, since the girls he would get involved with wouldn’t put up with his unwillingness to actually express a real emotion. 

Draco stuck his tongue out at Pansy, which she returned childishly. 

“Oi, don’t treat my woman like that, Malfoy.” Theo stood as he kissed Pansy on the cheek, guiding her to sit next to him on the bench. The Great Hall was much quieter than yesterday, much to their relief, though not totally unplanned on their part. They had purposely left for breakfast later than the rest of their peers. Food pickings were slim, but it was either that or facing another showdown. 

The group chatted lightly, joking around as they ate when an elegant looking owl flew down and landed in front of Draco and Hermione, dropping a letter from its feet. 

Narcissa Malfoy was in the castle and their presence was requested immediately in Professor McGonagall’s office. 

It was time. 

Notes:

Sorry it's taking so long for them to have this meeting, I just love Slytherin interactions, so this is totally indulgent on my part. I also wanted to clarify Ginny's motivations.

I didn't sleep last night, so I'm not sure if I'll be publishing another chapter tonight or not. I should probably take care of myself and take a nap, but I'm pretty addicted to this story. I still have a good chunk of the story to go, filled with Malfoy Family interactions, more BAMF Auntie Pansy, and pure family fluff for Draco and Hermione.

Thank you all for sticking with me, again, this is a purely indulgent fic for me as this is my #1 ship and I just wanted to work out some personal stuff through this story. It's been really therapeutic.

With love, Stars

Chapter 15: Chapter 15

Notes:

I pushed through my sleep deprived state to present you with my favorite chapter I've written so far.

Welcome to the story, Narcissa Malfoy. (My other Queen. Shhhh, please don't tell Pansy)

Love, Stars

Draco and Hermione could hear the raised voices from the bottom of the stairwell as they approached Professor McGonagall's office. 

Not a good start. 

Draco's hand was sweaty in hers, obviously anxious about his mother being here. Like Draco, there were certain rules and conditions that he and his mother had to abide by for their individual sentences, and raised voices didn't bode well. The Ministry was well known for abusing their powers, and indiscriminately handing out additional punishments at their discretion. 

He had barely brought his fist the door to knock when they heard Narcissa yell.

"I was promised he would be safe here!"

The door swung open, allowing them to see Narcissa Malfoy gripping the armrests of the chair she was sitting in, breathing heavily.

"Ah, yes. Welcome Mr. Malfoy and Miss Granger. I was just informing Mrs. Malfoy about the incident that took place yesterday." Professor McGonagall ushered them in. 

"Incident?! It was an unprovoked attack against my child." Narcissa huffed.

"Please, Mrs. Malfoy, control yourself!" Professor McGonagall made a point to eye her assigned auror. "Mrs. Malfoy, we are not gathered here to discuss something that has already been dealt with. Right now, we are here to discuss Mr. Malfoy's and Miss Granger's unusual predicament. It appears that Miss Granger is currently pregnant - with Mr. Malfoy being the father of the child. The incident I informed you of was a direct result of that information coming to light amongst the student population."

If Narcissa was shocked at this piece of information, she didn't let it show.

"Absolutely not! Tell me, Minerva, what kind of institution let's a young boy and a pregnant girl be attacked in public during the middle of meal time and the only repercussions the attackers faced were the removal of house points?!" 

Both Draco and Hermione looked to each other, shocked, as they had been unaware that was the punishment Professor McGonagall was referring to. 

The Ministry official, who was standing off to the side, remained silent as they shifted nervously. Hermione cataloged their responses, trying to think more like a Slytherin, noting that if something like that were to get out in the media it wouldn't look good for the Ministry or Hogwarts. 

Narcissa stood up, turning her attention to the young couple. As soon as they made eye contact, all the anger and frustration melted from her face. Instead, she looked at them both with affection. She went to kiss Draco on his cheek, and then turned her attention towards Hermione. Narcissa placed soft hands on her cheeks, before she spoke. 

"My girl, where are you parents? Why is no one here advocating on your behalf?" It had been obvious to Narcissa from the moment she entered the room that she was the only guardian present, and it was clear that they were not expecting anyone else to join them. 

"I don't have parents, ma'am. I've been disowned." Hermione replied softly, suddenly feeling very ashamed. 

Narcissa looked to Draco for confirmation, and he nodded grimly. 

Narcissa leaned forward towards Hermione, whispering to her. "Not any longer. You are my precious daughter now." Leaning back, she smiled before turning to address Professor McGonagall once again.

"Minerva, considering Miss Granger's lack of guardianship, I will be taking over that role. After all, she is carrying the next generation of the Malfoy family." 

Both the auror and the Ministry official gasped at such a statement, and both immediately began expressing why it was wildly inappropriate, especially as Hermione was a third of the Golden Trio and a War Heroine and had appearances to maintain on behalf of the Ministry.

Professor McGonagall raised her hand, silencing them.

"Enough, gentlemen. I believe that is acceptable considering this unique situation. But please know that if Miss Granger's parents decide they would like to be involved at any point while she is in school, you will no longer be able to retain that role.”

Narcissa nodded her agreement.

"Then, may I please have some time to speak with the two of them? Alone? There are several private family matters we must sort out."

"Absolutely not! Tha-" The auror was once again silenced by Professor McGonagall. 

"The room is well guarded with wards, therefore I take no issue with leaving them unattended for a half hour or so. Gentlemen, if you wouldn't mind following me to my adjoining room for tea?"

Once the room was cleared, Narcissa turned back towards them and engulfed them both in a tight hug. 

"Thank God you both are alright. And the baby?" 

"Fine, Madam Pomfrey examined me." 

"I still want to take her to St. Mungo's. We can't trust any of these imbeciles employed at this farce of a school." Draco added.

"No, no, I agree. Do you know how far along you are?"

Hermione tried to mentally calculate. "I don't know exactly, but based on my lack of cycles and the symptoms I'm starting to have, I would estimate about ten weeks." 

"Let me guess, a lot of food aversions?" Narcissa chuckled as Hermione nodded furiously. "I remember my pregnancy well with Draco, I couldn't eat meat for weeks. The smell was absolutely terrible."

Hermione was nearly in tears, relieved that she finally was able to talk about what she was going through with a mother figure. Draco was amazing, but what she really wanted was to talk to someone who had already been through it. 

"Oh you poor girl." Narcissa hugged Hermione. "Don't worry, you have me now as well." 

Narcissa turned her attention back to her son, the softness gone from her face. 

She smacked his arm. 

"I gave my approval to pursue Miss Granger, not get her knocked up on the first opportunity! Draco, really, your father and I taught you better than this." 

"Mother…" Draco glared at Narcissa. 

"Wait, what? Approval?" Hermione was shocked at this, her eyes moving from Draco to his mother back to Draco.

"Didn't he tell you, dear? It was a big to-do over the summer. Lucius still isn't speaking to Draco because of it." Narcissa was clearly confused. 

"I hadn't...had a chance to inform Hermione. She only knows that Father and I are not currently speaking." Draco admitted.

"Draco Malfoy if you do not explain yourself in this instance I will hex you!" A surge of hormones pulsed through Hermione, quickly sending her into a rage. 

Draco gritted his teeth before taking a deep breath. 

“I may have let it slip that I’ve been madly in love with you for nearly half a decade over the summer, and to my great shock, Mother was supportive.” Draco said quickly, embarrassed.

“But...I’m a muggleborn?” Hermione’s brain felt like it might explode. “Everything that happened at the Manor - what about your sister, Andromeda? She was disowned for marrying a muggleborn…”

Narcissa went to calm her, stroking her curly hair in a similar manner to Draco. 

“I know, it’s rather surprising. But the final battle illuminated many things for me, and I knew I was in the wrong. I was on my own journey to make amends, starting with Andromeda, when Draco indirectly informed me of his affections for you, though I had begun to suspect during the...Manor incident. I’ve done everything possible for my son, how could I deny him a chance at love? Only if you were amenable, of course. Which judging by your current state, I can assume…?”

“Yes, Mrs. Malfoy. I love Draco very much.” Hermione looked lovingly at Draco.

“Please call me Narcissa, Hermione. We’re family now.” Narcissa smiled briefly. “Unfortunately, Lucius was...difficult, and failed to come to terms with Draco’s desires. They have not spoken since Lucius’s trial was set. But do not fret, he will come to understand. We have more important things to deal with than something as insignificant as your blood status.” 

Narcissa turned back to check the door. “Hermione, if you would be a dear, could you please cast a silencing charm? I do not have access to my wand at the moment.” She complied. 

“Good.” Narcissa ushered them closer. “I’ve appealed Lucius’s sentence, and the lawyer is confident that his sentence can be reduced to be the same as mine. Lucius, despite taking the mark, had been severely tortured by the Dark Lord through the cruciatus curse, and they feel that they have enough evidence to substantiate it.” 

Draco’s eyes widened. He hadn’t known anything about this, Hermione surmised.

Her voice went impossibly quiet. “We’re taking back control. None of us, including you Hermione, will be pawns in their games any longer.” 

“The Malfoy’s will rise from the rubble, as they have for nearly a millennium. And Hermione, our dear sweet Hermione, is the key to our salvation.”

Chapter 16: Chapter 16

Notes:

My apologies for my absence, I got my booster shot and promptly died for almost three days, and have only felt up to writing today. And to make it up even more, I will be posting two chapters tonight!

Love, Stars

"What? What do you mean she's our salvation?" It was Draco's turn to be confused. 

"It's simple darling." Narcissa explained matter of factly. "We will be changing the narrative around the Malfoy family, and Hermione will be critical in that. We'll announce your engagement as well as the impending birth of the newest Malfoy heir and you two will give interviews to the media explaining your love story." She turned to Hermione as if she was sharing a secret, "People love a good redemption story, and he's so broody too to top it all off. It's perfect. I’ll contact the Prophet informing them of the news and schedule an interview for all of us at the Manor." 

Hermione nodded. The plan was brilliant, really. And none of it was a lie, so it would be authentic as well. 

"Mother! We haven't- I haven't even proposed yet!" Draco glared at his mother, hissing as he spoke. 

"Well, you intend to eventually, correct?" 

The little vein in Draco's forehead looked as if it was going to burst. "Yes, Mother. I was going to speak with you in private about obtaining one of the family rings."

"She's right, Draco.” Hermione’s mind went into overdrive, with all kinds of possibilities racing through her mind. “This is perfect. If everyone can see that you're reformed and are a contributing member of society, attitudes will change towards the family. Remember how we talked about your desires to patronize the arts? The sciences? You can finally do that, and show the world who you really are!" 

Everything was clicking into place. "You can even donate to Ministry programs surrounding the aftermath of the war. You could even finance a mental health program through St. Mungo's…" The Ministry, for as legitimate as they wished to appear, didn't care ultimately where the money came from. And slowly but surely people would see Draco Malfoy, and by extension his family, as a symbol of hope and redemption for the new world.

"Brilliant, my precious girl. You're thinking like a Malfoy already. I couldn't be more pleased with my son's choice of partner." Narcissa beamed at Hermione. 

Draco, however, was less convinced. "I can't ask you to do that, Hermione. The stress alone from constant interviews and being in the media could harm you and the baby…and things are already difficult enough with how you're being treated here at Hogwarts." Draco fiddled with his signet ring nervously.

Hermione stopped him, grabbing both of his hands in hers as she knelt before him. "You saved me, Draco. Now it's my turn to save you. You said you would do right by me and the baby, correct? Well, I promised that I would stand by you and show the world how proud I am to stand by your side. And this is the best way I can do that." 

He nodded, though with a slight pout.

"I had plans, you know, to propose. This was not the way I intended to ask you to be my wife. I was going to propose in a way befitting the future Lady Malfoy." 

“I know, Draco.” She felt somewhat bad. They were doing a lot of things out of order, and she figured that he must be struggling considering his proper pureblood upbringing. 

“I’ll see that Tilly brings over some suitable options, though I think I have the perfect ring from my mother’s side of the family.” Narcissa chimed in. 

Their meeting ended not too long after, with the Ministry official taking a few moments to lecture Hermione on her recent actions. She simply zoned him out, knowing very well that it was all for show, especially considering the attack she just experienced. They couldn’t really punish her, not if they knew what was good for them. But she would hold onto that for a rainy day. 

Narcissa embraced them both, and promised to write soon. Before she left, she turned to Professor McGonagall, “I expect considering the animosity my children are currently facing here and Hermione’s current condition, they would be allowed to come home if they so choose to on the weekends. Though I expect Madam Pomfrey is...acceptable for minor ailments, we would much rather Hermione be taken care of by our family physician, and she can be seen then.” 

“Of course, Mrs. Malfoy. I will see that they have access to my floo on the weekends if they so need to.” 

“Perfect.” 

-------------

The interview, according to the letter Narcissa owled them two days later, was scheduled for the upcoming Saturday. 

Given Hermione’s history with Rita, she wasn’t exactly thrilled, but it was a small price to pay in order to achieve their larger goals. 

Draco thought she was crazy with how willing she was to go along with Narcissa’s plans. 

“You’re really a natural at all of this. Did the sorting hat sort you incorrectly or something? Because despite your complete disregard of avoiding trouble like a true Gryffindor, everything else is very Slytherin like.” 

If he was honest with himself, he was a little scared of her. And if he was really honest with himself, he was a bit turned on by it.

“Oh stop, Draco. I’m simply good at following directions when it suits my needs.” She winked at him. Draco shivered, causing her to laugh.

Hermione, determined to make sure their plan was successful, was doing what she did best. Research. 

Their small table was currently covered in books covering the establishment of charities, as well as several research papers of prospective scientists and medical professionals that were requesting funding. 

She was midway through their seventh prospect when one of the Malfoy's house elves, Tilly appeared in a puff of smoke. 

"Master Malfoy, my apologies for interrupting the Master and future Mistress, however, Mistress Malfoy has sent over a selection of rings for you to look through in preparation for the interview this weekend.” Tilly bowed, holding out a large emerald green velvet box with several rings laid out. 

“Oh...oh, wow.” Hermione was absolutely gobsmacked. They were amazing, with a variety of styles and stones larger than she had ever seen in her life. Emeralds, diamonds, and rubies, all done with extraordinary metal work. 

“Ah, I see Mother sent over her top picks.” Draco noted lightly, nodding as he stepped forward to examine the rings. 

“There’s more?!” Hermione gasped. 

“Of course, my love. The Malfoys have existed for nearly a thousand years, so we were bound to collect a precious heirloom or two.” He smirked. 

“I don’t- I can’t. This is too much! I can’t wear something like this! It’s too expensive- priceless even!” Her hand clutched at her top, in a feeble attempt to calm her beating heart.

Draco laughed as he examined the rings, eventually settling on one after some thought. Walking over to her, he took her left hand into his. 

“Hermione, you can and you most certainly will. You are the future Lady Malfoy, anything less would be insulting to the legacy of those who have come before you.” He raised her fingers to his lips, leaving light kisses before placing his selection upon her left ring finger.

It was stunning. An emerald cut black diamond set in goblin wrought silver filigreed band, with two regular trillion cut diamonds flanking the large center stone. It was incredibly unique, and of the selection was the most unusual in both stone and style. Hermione was quite surprised, assuming he would have gone with an emerald, a nod to his Slytherin roots, or one of the ruby rings, a nod to her Gryffindor roots. 

“I know I said how much I liked you in green, but there’s a reason I chose this one.” He had brought the ring fully onto her finger, casting a wandless spell to size it perfectly to her finger. Draco didn’t remove his hand, however, and gently caressed the unique stone.

“It’s a Black family heirloom, belonging to my great grandmother. Black diamonds are rich with folklore, representing the purity of the love between those betrothed. Despite it’s darkness, it can represent happiness and good luck.” 

Draco’s eyes met hers. “More importantly, they’re a protective stone, keeping one’s lover safe from unwanted or dark magic.” 

“Hermione, this isn’t how I had planned for this to happen. Honestly, I didn’t think you’d ever be able to look me in the eyes after all the awful things I did - both to you and to those around you. I’ve spent much of my life loving you from afar, and I was fine to continue that. But when I saw you in tears that day, I knew you were struggling just as I was, and I couldn’t let you go through that alone. Not after all that you went through.” 

He was speaking slowly, purposely, as he proposed.

“I’ve always wanted to protect you the best I could. And I realized that day that I could not do that from afar any longer. And to my great shock and surprise, you let me. You let me into your heart, despite how truly unworthy I am. But I want to be a man worthy of you, that can protect you; that can love you. I want to be the best partner to you as we raise our child together. And I promise to spend the rest of my life proving to you that I am the man to do that. 

He got down on both knees, rather than one. If the Malfoys were anything, they were completely devoted to their spouses and it showed in his stance. 

“Hermione Jean Granger, will you please do me the honor of becoming my wife?” 

She dropped down to her knees as well, and wrapped her arms around his neck. 

“Yes, my love.” Stray tears fell from her eyes, but there were the happiest of tears. 

It was true this wasn’t what she had expected when she started her eighth year. She would have never thought she would have found refuge in the arms of Draco Malfoy, let alone become the mother to his child as well as his future wife all in less than six months. 

But she did, she is. And she didn’t regret a single moment of it. Draco Malfoy was her light. He had saved her from herself, from her hopeless life, and gave her something to live for. She finally had a future worth fighting for. 

Draco Malfoy, former Death Eater and school yard bully, was the star light that guided her out of the darkness. And with his promises of proving he was worthy of her, she would also prove that she was worthy of him as well. 

Chapter 17: Chapter 17

Notes:

Present pt. 2 <3

Love, Stars

“Lovely! They’re here now, Ms. Skeeter.” Narcissa spoke as the young couple entered the front room of Malfoy Manor via floo. 

Draco and Hermione looked picture perfect. He was dressed in a black suit, a black dress shirt, and a dark tie with a silver collar tie bar dotted with several small emerald stones. Narcissa has generously sent over several new dresses and robes for Hermione, given the fact that she had never needed such nice clothes before, that would compliment Draco’s wardrobe perfectly. The pre-selected emerald green a-line dress with a black peter pan collar highlighted her curves perfectly, and Hermione had to wonder what magic Narcissa used to figure out her measurements. 

As they walked arm in arm into the room, Narcissa rose to greet them, leaving a kiss on both of their cheeks. Her eyes fell to Hermione’s ring finger, obviously pleased.

Whispering to Draco, “I see you went with my favorite. Good choice, my darling boy.” 

“Thank you for sending it. Thankfully she didn’t put up too much of a fight due to its size. Once I put a weightless charm on it, she was thrilled.” Draco smirked, pleased with himself that he had won that battle. 

A camera flashed, bringing them back to the task at hand. 

“Well, well, well. The Golden Girl and the Slytherin Prince. Very enemies to lovers, mmmm, yes.” Rita Skeeter began, her charmed quill writing furiously as she spoke.

“Tell us, how did this, ” She flicked her hand back and forth in their direction. “...come to be? My readers are just dying to know.”

Draco held in his grimace at Rita’s unsavory nature as he told his side truthfully, explaining how he had long been in love with Hermione for many years. But given the situation his family found themselves in, had to protect her from afar. 

“With the war ending, and my family defecting at the end of the last battle. I knew this was my chance to atone for my sins. I just want to be a man worthy of the great Hermione Granger. And thankfully, she has seen my efforts and is willing to stand by me as my wife.” His eyes were drawn downward to Hermione’s stomach.

Hermione squeezed his hand, nodding her agreement as he spoke. 

“I have been blessed with a chance to right all the wrongs I have committed, something I never thought I would get the chance to do. And with our little one on the way, I will be doing all that I can to make sure the world is a safe and peaceful place for them to grow up in. To begin that work, I am pleased to announce that The Malfoy Family Foundation will be donating one hundred thousand galleons for the creation and management of a mental health program for victims of the war in collaboration with St. Mungo’s and the Ministry.”

“Interesting...very interesting. Well, I’m sure my readers will be thrilled to hear of your plans for redemption. Tell me, though, how your family must feel about you marrying a muggleborn witch? My sources tell me that you would be the first heir of your family to do so. I can’t imagine that it’s gone over very well, given your history with muggles and muggleborns.”

Draco’s eyes went ablaze with fury. Thankfully, Narcissa stepped in.

“Both Draco’s father and I, in addition to Draco, have seen the error of our ways. Our family’s prejudices were unfortunately deeply ingrained in our upbringings, and though it took time, we saw that a truly modern and successful society cannot hold such divisions. Additionally, we have always respected Hermione as a witch, and are incredibly grateful that she will be joining our family. She will make a wonderful addition to the long line of Lady Malfoys. And as a mother to only one son, I cannot express how delighted I am to finally have a daughter.” Narcissa smiled at her, and Hermione could tell that she really meant it.

Rita looked decidedly displeased at their answers, and Hermione noticed her eyebrow quirk as she adjusted her questioning.

“Really? Former Death Eaters are really okay with a bastard mud-”

“Do not say that word if you know what’s good for you, Skeeter.” Draco’s voice was low and cold. Rita Skeeter was skeevy for sure, but to try to bait them like that was incredibly low even for her.

“I’m simply stating the facts, Mr. Malfoy. My readers will simply not believe -” 

“If your readers are incapable of understanding our relationship, then they have let their own prejudices blind them as much as blood purity beliefs have blinded pureblood families. And we all know the consequences of maintaining such beliefs.” Hermione spoke, her voice firm and calm, despite the threat looming beneath her words. 

“I love Draco. When my own parents abandoned me, his family took me in without a second thought. Yes, our courtship is not traditional, and we may have done some things out of order, but our love for each other is pure and true. We are incredibly excited to bring our child into a world without prejudice and are fully intent to be leading the charge to bring down these beliefs. Our only hope is that the rest of the wizarding world will see this and understand and follow as well.”

Rita huffed, “Well, of course, uh-” She looked to her assistant. “I think we’re done now. Let’s get one more photograph and then we will be out of your hair.” 

Draco and Hermione both let out a relieved sigh. 

One battle now, God knows how many more to go.

-----------

 “She’s truly a disgrace to the profession of journalism. I can’t believe people actually respect her.” Hermione ranted once the room cleared. 

“It’s all a part of the plan, and I have to say, you both did incredibly well.” Narcissa, well versed in all things high society, would know. 

“Yes, I suppose I should thank you for not killing her on the spot where she sat, even if I really wished you had.” Hermione sulked, sitting back down on the formal couch. 

“All in due time, my love. She’ll get what is coming, we’ll see to that.” Draco joined her, smiling devilishly. 

“Children, please.” Narcissa put a stop to their ravings. “Hermione dear, I figured since you would already be here, I would have Doctor Ainsworth come by and do a check on you. He should be here-” 

The fire of the manor’s floo went aflame, revealing the Malfoy family doctor. 

“Now, as it appears.” The doctor bowed to them all, before wordlessly getting settled on a nearby chaise lounge. He nodded to Narcissa, ready to perform the exam.

Magical pregnancies, Hermione came to learn during her research upon finding out she was pregnant, were not that all different from muggle pregnancies. However, with the aid of magic, they did not require all the medical equipment that could be normally found at hospitals. Additionally, testing was much easier, as a simple diagnostic charm could be performed, revealing many details about the development of the child at a much earlier time than in the muggle world. 

Hermione, despite knowing all that she did, knew it wasn’t practical knowledge. She had never been pregnant, therefore all the facts and figures were simply that - just facts and figures. She couldn’t help but feel nervous, and looked at Draco worryingly. 

“It’s alright my love, I’ll hold your hand the whole time, okay?” Draco soothed, as he walked her over to the chaise. 

“Miss, if you wouldn’t mind laying down. I’ll begin the various diagnostic charms now.” Doctor Ainsworth requested quietly. Years of working with the Malfoy family must have taught him it would be best to move quickly, quietly, and efficiently. The Malfoys suffered no fools, especially when it came to the health of their loved ones. 

Draco knelt beside Hermione, hand in hand. He was probably just as nervous as she was, but he was doing his best to put on a brave face for her. 

All in all, it didn’t take more than ten minutes for the good doctor to finish all the necessary charms and spells. Hermione was grateful, especially since she knew muggle women could spend up to an hour in a medical office, and that was just waiting for the doctor to show up. 

“Congratulations to you both on your child. She is developing as expected for about ten to eleven weeks. Given Miss Granger’s vitals and overall health, I do not anticipate any issues leading up to the birth in early June, based on the approximate conception date.” 

She?

“I’m sorry, but did you say she?” Hermione was surprised, and was sure that she had misheard him. But one look at Draco and Narcissa told her that she hadn’t.

“Ah, yes, Miss Granger. I realize...based on your background you wouldn’t be familiar with our techniques when it comes to magical pregnancies. But we’re actually able to determine the gender quite early. It’s truly remarkable, actually -”

“Enough.” Draco silenced the doctor. “It’s a girl?” His eyes were wide with shock. 

“Yes, Master Malfoy.” The doctor replied simply, rightfully getting straight to the point.

“It’s the first Malfoy girl in nearly eight hundred years.” Narcissa was equally shocked, her hand covering her mouth in an attempt to save face. “This is...this is really the start of a whole new generation, isn’t it?” Her smile was evident as it finally dawned on her. 

Draco looked at Hermione, “It’s a girl! Hermione, we’re having a little girl!” He looked elated, much to her relief. 

“A little girl…” Draco reached out and let his fingers lightly run across her stomach. 

This. Everything they were doing, everything they lost, everything they fought for. It all was for this moment. 

Their baby girl. Their future. 

Chapter 18: Chapter 18

Notes:

I don't have a really good reason for my absence this time. But I'm committed to finishing this out within the next week or so. I hope you enjoy!

- Stars

Hermione was panicking.

Rita, ever the opportunist, worked so fast that barely two days later the Daily Prophet hit the stands with a tell-all interview of the ages - “A Scandalous Tale of Enemies to Lovers: The Golden Girl War Heroine and the Slytherin Death Eater Prince, Pregnant and Engaged to be Married!”

She knew this was part of the plan, really, she did. But knowing that once again they would have to leave the safety of their bedroom and the Slytherin common room to face the judgement of their peers made her stomach turn. 

Maybe they could run away. She knew the Malfoy’s had various residences in France, so they could certainly live there. Maybe Beauxbatons would take them for the rest of the year…

Hermione turned to Draco, who was lying down peacefully next to her. His hand rested on her stomach as his fingers gently caressed her. He was so enamored with their daughter already. It made her whole body light up as she watched him tell their daughter how loved she was already, how he couldn’t wait to meet her, how much he hoped she was just like her mother: smart, kind, and beautiful. 

“I hope she has your curly hair, do you think she will?” Draco shifted his gaze to meet hers, his eyes sparkling at the what-ifs of their little girl. 

No, they couldn’t run away. They would face this, just as they faced all other obstacles. She felt guilty for even thinking of it, especially as running away would make it seem as though they had something to feel ashamed about, which they certainly didn’t. 

“What color were your parent’s hair? Do you think she’ll be blonde like me? My mother’s side is filled with dark hair, so there’s a chance given the genetics of the both of us she could have dark hair as well.” He thought out loud, clearly in his own little world. 

Draco’s ability to calm her down was truly remarkable, as he probably had no idea the panic she had worked herself into. But simply being himself, so vulnerable, thoughtful and open, had grounded her. 

She was resolute now. She could get through anything as long as he was by her side. 

“Dark as well, though a warmer tone than your mother’s side.” 

“I’d be happy either way, though, I’m sure my mother would be thrilled to have blonde grandchildren running around her, clutching at her expensive robes, their hands sticky from sugar quills.” He laughed at the image it conjured, never having really thought of his mother as a grandmother before. 

“Children? Aren’t we getting a bit ahead of ourselves, love? We haven’t even met this one!” Hermione exclaimed. 

“Just two or three more, you know. This one -” Draco’s hand rubbed her stomach for emphasis, “will become the Minister, of course. She’s going to be just like her mummy. Another one will become the Hogwarts Headmaster. Maybe one of them will even follow in their dad’s old footsteps and become a champion Quidditch seeker! And of course we’ll need one of them to take over for me at the Foundation.” He simply nodded as he finished counting off their future careers, satisfied with his plan. 

“So, once our own redemption plan succeeds, you’ll have our children take over the whole wizarding world?” She said jokingly, of course.

“Of course - it was never a question.” He said very seriously. “The Malfoy’s have been trying to do that for centuries, failing of course, for the most part. Not me though, no. I’ve figured out where they all went wrong.” He brought his pointer finger to lift up her chin. “Curious, love?” 

“Please do tell, darling.” She couldn’t help but giggle at his seriousness. 

“They didn’t have a brilliant -” He kissed her right cheek. “beautiful, -” Then her left cheek. “incredibly terrifying, -” Then her forehead. “but absolutely genius witch on their side.” He kissed her fully on her mouth. 

“The fucking idiots. So obsessed with blood purity, if they could only see us now. We’re going to rule the world, my love.”

-----------

Hand in hand, they entered the Great Hall. But this time, they weren’t alone. Theo waved to them from the Slytherin table, with Pansy and Blaise by his side. 

Hermione and Draco barely noticed the looks they got as they walked across the large room. They didn’t even register that overall, their peer’s gazes were filled with less animosity than usual.

“Well, this -” Theo lifted his copy of the Daily Prophet as Draco and Hermione sat down across from their friends. “was absolutely brilliant!” Theo exclaimed.

“Narcissa’s idea, wasn’t it?” Pansy asked, despite already knowing the answer. Narcissa Malfoy was notorious amongst wizarding high society, always able to spin things to fit her narrative. 

“Hermione as well.” Draco answered easily. “They worked together, actually. They’re actually quite a scary team, I would never personally want to be on either of their bad sides.” He faked a shiver down his spine before kissing Hermione on her cheek. 

“I haven’t the foggiest idea of what you’re talking about, Draco dear.” She winked, before whispering in his ear. “But I always recommend sleeping with one eye open.” 

“She’s officially a Slytherin now, mate.” Blaise commented before actually shivering himself. “Maybe sleep with both eyes open.”

They all laughed and then dug into their breakfast, with Draco preparing a plate of toast and eggs for her as Hermione’s morning sickness was starting to get bad. 

“Ahem.” 

Hermione, previously distracted by a separate conversation with Pansy, looked up to see an unexpected someone. 

“Neville?” 

“Hi - Hello, Hermione.” He stumbled a bit, before gathering himself and nodding to the rest of the table. “Parkinson, Nott, Zabini...Malfoy.”

“Longbottom.” The Slytherin’s chorus, immediately on the defensive, as they were unsure of what to expect from the Gryffindor. 

“I read the Prophet this morning. Is it...is it all true? What you said, Hermione?” 

Hermione chuckled, “I know it’s surprising. But this time, Rita wasn’t lying at all.” 

“So, you and Malfoy are really having a baby? Getting married?” Neville inquired further, seeking confirmation from his longtime friend. 

“Yes, it’s all true. She’ll be here in June.” Hermione affectionately held her stomach, her engagement ring sitting proudly on her left ring finger. Draco placed his hand on her knee protectively. 

“Do you have a problem with that, Longbottom?” Draco asked coldly, mentally preparing for a fight if need be.

“And you really love her, Malfoy?” Neville pressed. 

Draco scoffed. “Of course, Longbottom.” Draco looked to Hermione. “She’s my entire world.” 

“Good.” Neville sat next to Hermione and Draco, getting himself his own plate as if it was the most normal thing in the world. 

“Hannah is due in March, that’s why she isn’t back at Hogwarts this year. She took her N.E.W.T.s over the summer and is working as an intern at St. Mungo’s, but I wanted to finish up some Herbology research I had here. Professor McGonagall said if I pass my exams, I can expect an offer from Hogwarts to be the new Head of Herbology, since Professor Sprout is retiring next year.”  

The group was shocked, to say the least.

“I didn’t know you had it in you mate.” Theo said without a second thought, though thankfully resisted the urge to high five Neville.

Neville blushed, “I didn’t know I did either, really. We got caught up with the end of the final battle and both nearly dying. But I love Hannah, and even if it’s a bit sooner than we expected, I’m still thrilled to bits. I can’t wait to bring Hannah and the baby to see mum and dad. The healers think that seeing the baby will help a bit...with you know.” 

“That’s amazing, Neville, we’re so happy for you!” Hermione was genuinely thrilled for her dear friend. 

Neville looked down at her plate, noticing the bland food Draco plated for her.

“Is the morning sickness bad? Hannah’s was awful the first trimester, but I found that a mixture of ginger root and elm bark helped her a lot. I can bring some over to you, if you’d like.” 

“Do you have to brew it into a tea? How often would she have to take it?” Draco asked, jumping at the opportunity to help with her morning sickness. She was losing a bit of weight, and it was worrying Draco to no end.

“You can! You’re good at Potions, right? It’s actually rather simple…” Draco and Neville were gone, off into their own world discussing the benefits of different brewing styles and techniques, much to Hermione’s great surprise and ultimate satisfaction. 

Before they knew it, breakfast was over, and the unlikely group got up to head to their respective classes. 

“If you’d like, I’m sure Hannah would love to hear from you, Hermione. She’s been quite lonely, and I’m sure she would love to commiserate with someone over her pregnancy complaints.” 

“Are you sure, Neville? Does she know…?” 

“She’s only heard what I told her, which was that there were some rumours going around about you and Malfoy. She'll be thrilled to hear that they're true and you're having a baby as well. Don’t worry, we’re on your side Hermione. The war affected us all in different ways, and neither of us would judge how others cope. You said it yourself in the article about leading the charge and both Hannah and I believe in that as well. We want our son to grow up in a world where no one cares that his mother is a halfblood. Plus, our kids are probably going to be going to Hogwarts together, so we’re going to be seeing a lot of each other from now on.” He patted Draco’s shoulder, “Teen Dads have to stick together, right?” 

Draco did a double take, unused to the boldness and openness of Gryffindors, before he slowly nodded and held out his hand to shake Neville’s own. 

“I look forward to it, Longbottom.”

“Alright, enough of whatever weird friendship that is taking root here, we have Charms now.” Pansy spoke, a small smile peeking through as she pushed Blaise and Theo to get up. 

Hermione stood up as well and looked around them. Thanks to Neville and the clear message he sent by sitting with the Slytherins and former Gryffindor Princess, the sneers and mean looks she was previously used to getting were mostly gone now from the neighboring tables, with the notable exception of the Weasley’s, Harry, and Parvati. 

She smiled to herself. It was working. Their plan was really working. They had found an ally in Neville and Hannah, and Hermione knew that it would only get better from here on out.

Chapter 19: Chapter 19

Notes:

I'm still alive, though struggling to finish this story up. Angst is so much easier to write, lmao.

Thank you all for your love and support. Your comments keep me going <3

-Stars

Neville’s seemingly insignificant demonstration in the Great Hall soon set the ball rolling for others to reach out to the couple. 

It started out as small interactions; a couple of eighth year Ravenclaws, Anthony Goldstein and Michael Corner, offered their notes to Hermione after she had missed a few lessons due to her increased fatigue. A Hufflepuff, Susan Bones, who was also best friends with Hannah Abbott, would sit next to Hermione and offer to be her partner in the classes she unfortunately didn’t have with Draco, since her old friends were no longer an option. The Slytherins who weren’t directly involved in the war nor associated with Death Eaters and therefore had kept their distance from Draco would randomly chat him up in the halls as well as in the common room. 

They were small, but the meaning was clear. Their peers no longer saw Hermione and by extension, Draco, as outcasts and social traitors, but rather two dumb teens in love with a baby on the way. 

“Fucking finally.” Pansy huffed over breakfast. “Now if only the Gryffindors would stop staring daggers at you both we’d be done with all this mess.” 

“As if that’s bloody likely! The Dark Lord is more likely to come back from the dead than for that to happen.” Theo said before pointing his half eaten piece of toast at his girlfriend. “Though...I do love a good bet. What do you say, love -- if those tossers get those sticks out of their arses, I’ll do your homework for a week. If they don’t, you have to wear that little lacy number-” 

The whole table blushed with the exception of Pansy, who instead relished in their exchange and smirked in response.

“Deal, love.” 

“Well, your deal is about to be put to the test. Look who is coming up behind you.” Blaise interjected. 

“What?” Draco and Hermione spoke at the same time, before turning around and coming face to face with a red faced Seamus Finnigan being pushed by a disgruntled Dean Thomas. 

The Slytherin table was quiet once again, before Theo once again cut through the awkwardness. 

“We should just stop coming to breakfast, don’t you think? Didn’t anyone teach Gryffindors that you have to wait thirty minutes after you eat before you confront your mortal enemies? You’ll get an upset tummy, otherwise.” 

Pansy kicked his leg, earning a soft groan in return. 

“Right, I’ll shut up then.” 

Draco stood to face them, moving his body somewhat in front of Hermione just in case they tried anything.

Dean coughed, pushing Seamus forward. Seamus attempted to glare back at his boyfriend, but Dean wasn’t having any of it.

“We talked about this Seamus…” 

“Aye, aye. I know.” Turning back to the couple, he cleared his throat. “My mum reads the Prophet.” 

A long moment passed. Draco turned to Hermione curiously, wondering if he was missing some key piece of information. Hermione, recalling their fifth year, knew exactly what Seamus was getting at.

She sighed, wondering how many more conversations like this they were bound to have. 

“It’s all true.” 

Seamus nodded, then looked back to Dean, who continued to encourage him from behind. 

“Well, that’s uh, grand then. I --, I’d like to apologize then, Malfoy. I made a holy show of myself and I shouldn’t have done that.” Seamus gritted out before turning to Hermione. 

Behind them, Theo’s face visibly paled with noticeable sweat dripping from his forehead, and he started immediately looking across the hall for any signs of the Dark Lord returning. Crazier things have happened, he thought, as he watched one take place before his very eyes.

“And Hermione, I’m really sorry as well. Had I known from the beginning, I would have said something to them. You’ve always been kind to me and you practically saved us all and uh, with you being…” Seamus stuttered a bit, trying to phrase his words the best he could. “Well, it’s not proper to speak about anyone that way, but especially about someone who is in the family way. My mum would have a right go at me if she knew I’d let them treat you that way.” He chuckled, nervously rubbing the back of his neck. 

A commotion started to erupt from a certain segment of the Gryffindor table, and they could all distinctly hear Death Eater’s whore and traitorous bitch being not so subtely whispered. 

Dean rolled his eyes before turning to face the Gryffindor table. 

“Oi, get over yourselves. This is getting absolutely out of hand. It’s still Hermione, and she doesn’t deserve to be treated by you lot this way. She didn’t choose you Ron, we all got it. Though, It’s pretty embarrassing how upset you still are about it considering that you’ve been shagging Parvati for months now.” 

Ron and Parvati blanched. 

“Yeah, mate. You should really have learned how to perform a silencing charm by now.” 

“At this point I throw two or three of them up for these two on instinct the second their door closes.” Blaise chimed in. “I can practically do it wandless now.” 

“Oh really? What is the distance range on that?” Dean was intrigued, much to the apparent shame of the offending Gryffindors. 

“Enough of this!” Ginny stood up from the table, absolutely livid. “You’re the ones embarrassing yourselves. It’s disgusting how you’re lowering yourselves to apologize to a Death Eater and his common whore. Hermione betrayed us. She doesn’t deserve anything but an empty cell alongside Malfoy in Azkaban.” 

The rest of the tables started to get restless, not appreciating Ginny’s blatant verbal attack on Draco and Hermione. 

Is she serious right now? She didn’t even really fight, what does she know? Did they even try listening to Hermione? It’s weird that they just abandoned her like that… What kind of friends are they? 

The whispers started, but this time they were directed at the trio, which only served to make her angrier.

“Are you kidding me?! You’re taking her side?! She’s just a book smart muggleborn. Ron and Harry have spent the better part of seven years actually protecting you lot and taking on Voldemort all by themselves! How dare you!” 

The gasps were audible all around the Great Hall. 

Did she really just say that? I thought the Weasley’s were progressive… All talk I suppose, you never know where these pureblood families' loyalties lie. 

Ginny was practically having a temper tantrum, and Harry and Ron were quickly becoming embarrassed with her and were pulling at her arms and hands to get her to calm herself and sit down. 

“Ginny, I think you’ve got an infestation of wrackspurts - your brain must be a bit fuzzy if you of all people are bringing up someone’s blood status as an insult. You should think some happy thoughts, that should help. Maybe you can recall all the times Hermione saved your brother and Harry so they could even live long enough to fight Voldemort. There’s really countless happy thoughts you could think about Hermione, she’s rather quite brilliant.” Luna Lovegood spoke as she stood from her seat. “Anyone else have some happy thoughts they could share with Ginny about Hermione?” 

Sure enough, several students from all the houses stood to speak about their experiences with Hermione. 

She tutored me in Charms, I would have failed without her help! A Slytherin shouted out. She comforted me after a breakup in our dorms and gave me the last of her sugar quills. A seventh year Gryffindor recalled. If it wasn’t for Hermione protecting me from a stray curse from a Death Eater, I’d be dead. A Hufflepuff declared, with a handful of other students recalling similar experiences during the last battle. 

“See, Ginny? Plenty of happy thoughts to go around. Hopefully you can get those wrackspurts sorted out, if not, I’m sure Madam Pomfrey could attempt to help you.” Luna hummed satisfied, before returning to her meal. 

Ginny begrudgingly sat down, not even bothering to respond to Luna. Harry and Ron didn’t even bother to console her, and kept their eyes down while shuffling food on their plates. 

Draco, having come back from shock at the events that just took place, turned his attention back to Seamus and Dean.

“Um...It’s all good, mate. I’m sorry as well for the comments I made about your mother.” Draco held out his hand to shake with the Irish Gryffindor, who responded in full, slapping Draco on his shoulder.

With the commotion dying down, the students returned to their respective tables, with Seamus and Dean notably sitting far from Ginny, Harry, Ron, and Parvati. 

“Theo darling, would you like to get started on my Charms essay or Potions assignment first?” Pansy winked at Theo, who groaned as his head hit the table. 

“I’m never opening my mouth again.” 

“You finally figured it out, mate, congratulations!” Blaise slapped his back, causing the group to laugh loudly, before being interrupted by the morning owl mail drop off. 

Surprisingly, a letter fell in front of Draco. 

“What is it, love?” Hermione inquired, resting her head on his shoulder as he opened the letter and began to read. 

“Oh, shit.” 

“What?” 

“They won the appeal.”

“Are you serious?!” Hermione asked, oblivious to the confused looks from Pansy, Theo, and Blaise.

“My father will be joining my mother on house arrest. He’ll be released from Azkaban on Christmas Day. He's...he's coming home.” Draco said incredulously.

This time, the entire group started looking around the room and even under their table for a sign that the Dark Lord had returned. 

Crazier and crazier events were happening by the second, and none of them were taking any chances this time around.

Chapter 20: Chapter 20

Notes:

This is the last chapter before the epilogue!

Thank you all so much for your comments, love, and support on this story. Like I've said before, this has been an exercise in coping with my depression. I'm so grateful for this ship and the community around it, and it's ability to show that nothing is truly black and white and that the heroes aren't always perfect.

With love, Stars

As fall turned into winter, and the first snow at Hogwarts was imminent, Hermione found herself entering her second trimester. Thankfully, this meant her morning sickness symptoms finally started to wane. It had been a great relief for Hermione who feared it would never end, despite Hannah’s constant letters reminding her that the early symptoms wouldn’t last forever. Hermione simply had too much Slytherin in her now to blindly trust the word of someone else, but she remained grateful for the information Hannah had provided. They had become great friends through their weekly letters, and Neville couldn’t have been more thrilled for the pair. Neville and Draco had started talking quite frequently as well, and even had thrown around the possibility of collaborating on a joint venture into a potion for morning sickness. The wizarding world, despite its ability to bypass a lot of the problems that plagued the muggle world, was severely lacking in treatments for pregnancy symptoms. 

Hogwarts had much returned to normal, with only the occasional dirty glare or mean whisper in the hallways directed at Hermione and Draco, usually from Ginny. She wasn’t able to let things go, and it was beginning to show. Ginny’s anger would destroy her if she didn’t move on soon, Hermione thought often. Ron and Harry simply followed her lead, with Parvati trailing after Ron. Ron and Parvati were finally an official couple, though he still made comments about Hermione every once in a while that struck a chord in Parvati’s heart, signaling to her that Ron may never truly move on from Hermione. 

The first three months of their last year were tumultuous, but thankfully, Draco and Hermione had finally hit their stride. 

Or, well, for the most part. 

There was still the issue of Lucius Malfoy. 

Though they had told Rita in their interview that Hermione had the blessing of the entire Malfoy family, it wasn’t...entirely true. Due to Ministry regulations, mail to prisoners was reviewed and censored before being given to the inmates. Given the...delicate nature of their situation, Narcissa had not informed him of anything at all. 

“Christmas Day will be the perfect time to announce everything. We’ll simply inform him of your developments and then we’ll have a lovely meal prepared by Tilly and the other house elves. Lucius will be so thrilled with the promise of a warm meal he won’t even realize what hit him.” 

Narcissa clapped her hands together, before beckoning Tilly over to pour her another cup of tea. They were sitting together in the library on a Saturday in early December, trying to figure out just how they were going to break the news to Lucius. 

“Mother...you can’t be serious. ‘Oh, hello, Father, welcome back from Azkaban. Ah, yes, you recall Hermione Granger, right? Well, funny story, she’s actually my fiancé now and is currently pregnant with our child. Oh! Look, Tilly made a Christmas ham!’ He’ll fucking avada me first, and then her!” Draco was exasperated at his mother’s lack of concern, flailing his arms as he sat across from her. 

“Language, Draco.” Narcissa admonished. “Really, it will be fine. Your father won’t even have a wand." Draco just glared at her, seething.

Ignoring her son, Narcissa continued. "Hermione, did you receive that parcel I sent with Tilly last week? I had some new dresses made for you since you’re beginning to show more. These dresses will be more forgiving and should last you a bit longer.” 

“Yes, Narcissa. Thank you --” Hermione started calmly, before Draco interjected.

“Mother! Why aren’t you more concerned?! We literally just fought a war over people like Hermione, and I know for a fact that both Father and Hermione have exchanged a curse or two at each other.” Draco gave a pointed look at Hermione. 

“He started it.” She said weakly, though she ultimately agreed with Draco that Narcissa was being rather lax about the whole situation. 

“Because I know my husband, Draco. In the beginning with the first war, we were young and easily influenced by our families. But he hated it. Your father has always cared more about his family than anything else, but by the time the Dark Lord returned there was simply nothing to be done. We had to do what we had to do to protect you, and when it came down to it, we did what was best for us and defected.” Narcissa reasoned. “I’m surprised you haven’t realized this already. Your father would do anything for the family, and Hermione and the baby are family. There simply isn’t a question in my mind.” 

She turned to Hermione, “He always wanted a little girl, but unfortunately I was never able to conceive again after Draco. He’ll be thrilled to know the newest two Malfoys will finally be girls he can dote on. He’ll probably want to start building out a nursery immediately, filled with the best that galleons can buy.” 

Hermione giggled at the thought, picturing the great Lucius Malfoy picking out pink frilly dresses at the small boutique children’s shop in Diagon Alley. 

Draco scoffed, but didn’t argue it any further. One must pick their battles when it comes to Narcissa Malfoy. 

--------------

Christmas at the Malfoy’s was nothing like Hermione had ever seen before. Malfoy Manor with all its cool luxurious aesthetic, turned into a winter wonderland rivaling that of the Queen’s Palace. 

“You’re really outdone yourself, Mrs. Malfoy.” Pansy complimented as she, Theo, and Blaise entered through the floo. The Slytherins had gotten special permission from their families to join the Malfoys for Christmas, mostly for moral support and to have witnesses in case something happened.  

“Thank you, Miss Parkinson. It’s our first real Christmas since we’ve been back, so you know I had to go all out.” Narcissa greeted the trio with a kiss on each cheek. 

“Who has arrived, my dear?” Lucius entered the parlor, surprised as he hadn’t been told of any guests coming, just Draco. 

“Some guests of Draco, darling. You remember Miss Parkinson, Mr. Nott, and Mr. Zabini.” 

Lucius nodded his head towards them, welcoming them. 

“Where’s Draco then? Shouldn’t he have arrived with them from Hogwarts?” 

“Ah, yes, Mr. Malfoy. Draco will be here soon, he forgot something back in his room.” Theo explained, catching on quickly that Lucius was being kept in the dark. 

“Please, sit.” Narcissa herded the young students to the couch before calling for Tilly to bring them tea. 

Before long, a flash of green alerted them of their newest arrivals. Narcissa immediately went into action, greeting both Draco and Hermione with a kiss on the cheek for each of them. 

“Welcome, my children. We’re so happy you’re here.” 

Lucius’s jaw dropped as he saw his only son clutching the hand of the one and only Hermione Granger.

“Narcissa...what - what in the world is this?!” 

Draco rolled his eyes at both of his parents. “I told you mother, you really should have prepared him.” 

The room was silent, barring the clinking of china from the three young Slytherins who appeared to be enjoying the drama unfolding before them. 

“Darling, you remember Hermione Granger, right?” 

Lucius gritted his teeth as he responded. “Yes, my dear, I do. My question is, why is she currently in our home holding our son’s hand?” 

Narcissa simply stepped out of the way, allowing for Draco to explain the situation. 

“Father, Hermione is my fiancé.” Like ripping a bandage off, Draco thought, might as well get it off in one go. “She’s pregnant with my heir.” 

“Pregnant?! My boy, what have you done?!” Lucius was livid as he stepped forward towards the couple, and Draco immediately drew his wand. 

“I’m righting the wrongs of our family. That’s what I’ve done.” 

Lucius gaped at the scene before him, his own child pointing his wand at him. 

“Look, I understand that this is a shock to you. A lot has changed since you’ve been gone. But I love Hermione. I don’t care what you think, or any opinions you may have about her. She is the future Lady Malfoy, and she is bringing the newest Malfoy heir into the world. And don’t think for a second I won’t kill you if you dare harm them in the slightest.” 

“Here, here!” Theo clinked his cup with Pansy, who looked up in horror at Theo’s inappropriate response. 

Draco glared at Theo, before returning to his father. 

“Do you have a problem with that, Father?” 

“Darling, please. We can discuss how their relationship came to be over dinner. I had Tilly make all your favorites, including mince pies!” Narcissa did her best to guide Lucius to the dining room, but he remained firmly in place. 

“There’s a Christmas Goose…?” Narcissa tried again, but to no avail. 

“What is it?” Lucius tilted his head towards Hermione’s stomach, his question becoming clear.

“It’s a little girl, Mr. Malfoy.” 

Lucius’s eyes lit up immediately. 

“Really? You’re sure?” 

“Yes, Doctor Ainsworth confirmed it a little under two months ago. She’s healthy and strong, and will be due sometime in June.” 

Without a second thought, Lucius stepped forward and scooped Hermione up into his arms, spinning her around with glee. “A girl! Narcissa, a girl! We always wanted a little girl!” Lucius practically cried with joy, before catching himself and releasing Hermione.

“I - I apologize. That was incredibly rude of me.” Lucius Malfoy, former Death Eater and Azkaban inmate, actually blushed. 

It was Draco’s turn to go slack jawed, having never seen his father express an ounce of unbridled joy in his entire life. 

“It’s fine, Mr. Malfoy.” Hermione brushed down her skirts as she composed herself. “Draco was thrilled as well, he even bought a small Slytherin Quidditch babygrow in pink.” 

A blush now formed across Draco’s cheeks. “It’s best to start them early, you know.” He muttered under his breath, not making eye contact with anyone in the room at his admittance. 

Lucius turned to Narcissa. "You'll tell me everything?"

"Yes, darling. I promise you, you'll come to love her as much as I do. She's truly the brightest young witch, and she has already become a great asset to our family." 

Nodding his assent, his eyes sparkled with joy once again. "It's a girl, Cissy. We finally have a girl in the family." 

---------------

March, with its promise of spring approaching, welcomed a new bud. Rory Abbott Longbottom was born just as the first blooms started to appear on the Blackthorn shrubs. Hannah and Neville were ecstatic of course, and thankfully Neville was able to take some time from Hogwarts to help with their new arrival before returning to study for his final exams. 

“It’ll be us before you know it.” Draco spoke as Hermione gazed at the moving photo of the new family. Rory, swaddled tightly as he was held by Hannah, had a mess of dark brown hair and cheeks redder than cherries much like his father. 

“I know, just three more months.” Hermione rubbed her stomach as she laid the photo down on their small table. Their room had basically reached max capacity, as Pansy, the ever dutiful Aunt, had taken to shopping for her niece at any chance she got. Hermione appreciated the first few items in the beginning, but once she caught a glimpse of a price tag on one of the many dresses bought from some high end designer, she nearly went into early labor. 

Knowing Pansy, though, it did nothing to deter her. Draco had simply taken to removing any and all price tags before Hermione got a chance to organize everything. 

“Father sent an owl this morning. He says the nursery in our wing should be ready this weekend for us to come and see it.” 

“Good, we can finally move all of Baby’s things over there. I miss being able to see our floor.” Hermione sighed, mindlessly shuffling through one of the many stacks of babygrows. 

“Wait, wing? What do you mean wing?” 

Draco looked up from where he sat on the bed, folding tiny pairs of socks. “Our wing at Malfoy Manor, of course.” 

Hermione’s face paled at the thought. “We don’t need a wing!” 

“My love, are you suggesting that we raise our daughter in the front parlor?”

“Of course not! It’s just --” 

“I thought so. Father would be devastated considering all the time and money he has put into setting up the nursery for us. Plus, the wing is only temporary. Once Mother and Father’s house arrest is up, they’ll be going to one of the properties in France. I am the Family Head now, Malfoy Manor is for all intents and purposes mine.” 

Hermione attempted to argue, but Draco stopped her.

“There’s a library.” 

“A wing sounds perfect, my love.” 

--------------

Much to the great pleasure of Narcissa and the utter confusion of Draco, Lucius was incredibly taken with Hermione. 

It started out as simple curiosity for Lucius, following the Great Revelation of Christmas 1998. Narcissa would go on and on about how amazing the young lady was, and Lucius was eager to see it for himself. 

He came across her one Saturday in what was seemingly her natural habitat, the Malfoy Library. She sat on the large velvet couch with a large stack of books next to her as if it was the most normal action in the entire world. He peered at her from the doorway, studying her and then the book that occupied her hands. 

The First Five Hundred Years of Malfoys by Aridius Malfoy. Ah, she was doing research on the family, he noted. As a future Lady Malfoy should. His eyes moved towards the stack only to be taken by surprise. 

“You have a favorite of mine in your...stack, Miss Granger.” 

She looked startled as he entered the room and sat across from her in a large wingback chair.

“There is nothing like looking, if you want to find something. You certainly usually find something, if you look --” Lucius quoted.

“But it is not always quite the something you were after. Tolkien. Your favorite book is by a muggle author?” Hermione asked, shock still visible on her face.

“Squib, actually. My father was more progressive than most purebloods of his time. I read the Hobbit frequently in my youth, as a result. Draco never cared for it, unfortunately, so it has lived in this library untouched for quite a long time. Until you.” 

“I’m -” 

“What are your thoughts on it, Miss Granger?” 

Hermione’s mouth opened and shut multiple times, shocked. First, Lucius Malfoy was conversing with her freely, an anomaly in it of itself. Second, he was asking her about her opinion. Had she flooed into the wrong home? 

“It’s also a favorite of mine, it’s -- it’s phenomenal. I have a copy at school, but I had never seen this edition before and wanted to look at it and perhaps reread it while I wait for Draco to join me for my weekly check-up.” 

Lucius looked pleased, before summoning Tilly. 

“Yes, Master?” 

“Would you please bring tea for Miss Granger and I? We’ll be here for quite awhile, it appears we have more in common than I thought.” 

They spent the afternoon going back and forth, talking about their favorite books and authors. Lucius was thrilled that she also shared an affinity for the same genres, as neither Narcissa nor Draco had cared for them much. 

Their shared interests led to them both taking time each Saturday over the past several months to have an impromptu book club, discussing their weekly literature pick. 

“God, look at them. It’s been hours now!” 

“Oh Draco,” Narcissa consoled her son, who was feeling a bit ignored by his fiancé. “You should be happy. Your Father finally has the daughter he has always wanted.” 

-----------

“It’s just so...pink?” 

“And? Would you prefer it be the traditional Malfoy green and silver? I suppose the stuffed basilisk wouldn’t look so out of place then.” Draco thought out loud.

“I’m just surprised is all. I know we joked about your father buying frilly pink dresses, but I didn’t think he was going to do up the whole room that way. Did he consult with Pansy or something? Their taste is eerily similar.” 

Draco laughed at her attempt to hide her distaste for the aggressively pink room. 

“Just wait until they start planning the wedding.” 

Hermione gawked. 

----------

May was busy, too busy. 

Despite being more than adequately prepared for their N.E.W.T.s, Hermione still threw herself into studying. 

“Once a swot, always a swot.” Draco sighed, cracking open his own textbook as he sat next to Hermione for one of her six hour study sessions in the Library.

“Malfoys! We come bearing gifts! Oh, and Blaise is here too. He didn’t get you anything though, this is 100% Pansy and I.” Theo winked at the couple as Blaise groaned. 

“It was my idea to bring snacks, you fucking wanker.” Blaise muttered, before taking a seat across from Hermione and Draco. “What subject are we working on today?” 

“Arithmancy. Even though it’s her best subject.” Draco said, slightly annoyed and amused at the same time. 

“It may be her’s, but it certainly isn’t mine.” Blaise sighed. Potions, like Draco was more his style.

“Enough studying! You need sustenance!” Theo practically bellowed, before Madam Pince sent him a nasty glare. 

“So testy. Muffin, Pince-y?” 

“Keep it down before I start taking house points, Mr. Nott.” 

Hermione kicked at Theo from under the table. “I swear Theo, if you get us kicked out I will shove one of those muffins down your --”

“Alright! I got it, Mrs. Malfoy.” Theo smirked at her. “They’re pistachio flavored, your favorite.” 

Hermione’s eyes brightened, and she immediately grabbed one from the basket they brought in.

“Thank God, I was about to die of starvation.” 

“We literally had lunch an hour ago, Hermione.” Pansy deadpanned.

“That was Baby’s lunch, not mine.” Hermione said, taking a bite, before she groaned in pain clutching her stomach.

“Love? What’s wrong?” Draco looked panicked as his attention turned fully to her. 

“I --” 

Another groan overtook her, before the very clear sound of liquid splashing on the floor silenced the entire table. Hermione looked up to Draco, matching his panic. 

“It -- my water -- it broke!”

“What do you mean it broke?! We still have a month! She’s supposed to come in June!” 

Pansy and Theo’s eyes met each other, before they nodded. Pansy, Aunt mode activated, began barking orders.

“OPERATION BABY MALFOY IS A GO! Blaise, owl Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy immediately telling them we’re flooing to St. Mungo’s. They’ll alert Doctor Ainsworth who will meet us there. Theo, go grab the go bags in our room and meet us at Professor McGonagall’s office.”

“But I haven’t packed my bag yet!” Hermione cried out, clutching onto Draco and he tried to help her stand up.

“I’ve already had one packed for months. You think I would let you deliver the newest Malfoy Heir in those clothes?” 

-------------

“Stop pacing, Draco, you’re going to make us all sick.” 

Draco didn’t respond, having tuned out the group of Slytherins ages ago.

“Draco, darling! Father and I are here now, where is Hermione?” Narcissa glided into the waiting room, the picture of elegance. 

Seeing his mother brought him back to life, and he immediately ran into her arms. 

“She’s in the room. Those bloody nurses kicked me out. Said I was a mess and to pull myself together. I want them fired.” Draco seethed.

“Oh darling, it’ll be fine. Take a deep breath, and I’ll go speak with Doctor Ainsworth.” Narcissa calmed him, but just as she was about to head to the labor and delivery unit, the doors swung open. 

“Mr. Malfoy, it’s time for Miss Granger to start pushing and she would like you there.” One of the nurses came out, holding the door open. 

Narcissa pulled him into a hug, before releasing him with a kiss on his cheek.

“I’m proud of you, son. Now, go help Hermione.” 

-----------

“She’s beautiful. Look at these blonde curls. Didn’t I say she would have blonde curls?” Draco cradled their daughter as he walked her around the room. 

Hermione laughed despite her exhaustion as she laid in her hospital bed. 

“I’m just glad she got something of mine. If it wasn’t for the curls, she’d be your twin. Platinum blonde with light blue eyes and all.” She scoffed good naturedly. 

“She has your nose!” 

“Ah yes, a distinguishing trait of the Granger family.” 

“Sarcasm doesn’t suit you, love.” 

Hermione stuck her tongue out at him, before beckoning him to bring their daughter back. She was absolutely perfect. Despite having been born nearly a month early, she was six and half pounds and had a head full of blond curls that rivaled hers. She was already an overachiever like her mother as well, and an eager one at that given the entrance she made into the world.

“What do we call you, darling girl?” Hermione hummed as she cradled the sleeping baby. 

“If it’s okay...I’d like to keep our family’s naming tradition. I know it’s silly, but it would mean a lot to my parents as well.” Draco was shy, nervous as he asked Hermione something that he had been thinking about for awhile now. 

“We’re running out of stars, you know. I’ve seen your family tree.” Hermione laughed. Draco smiled, noting that she hadn’t said no at least. 

“Remember my mother’s book? The one about the stars?” Hermione nodded. “Well, there’s a story in there that’s a favorite of mine. Zeus had an affair, and to protect his lover and their son from the wrath of Hera, he turned them into bears and sent them into the sky, creating Ursa Major and Ursa Minor. I thought...maybe, maybe we could call her Ursa.” 

Protection. The Malfoy’s and their desire to protect the ones they love. It was perfect.

“Ursa is perfect, my love.” Hermione smiled. “Ursa Euryphaessa Malfoy.” 

Draco smiled back.

“Our light and salvation.” 

Chapter 21: Epilogue

Notes:

THANK YOU FOR JOINING ME ON THIS JOURNEY! This was my first HP fanfic ever, and I'm really proud of how it all turned out and I hope that it brought you even the tiniest bit of joy.

I have several other plots working through my brain and in my handy dandy slytherin notebook, so I shall be back soon. <3

"I just don't understand why I can't have a time turner! Mummy had one, and look at how many classes she was able to take!"

It was an old argument that had come up every year before the first day of term ever since Ursa had read about the magical item. 

"And mummy told you it nearly killed her! It's final, Ursa. We're not having this argument every year on this godforsaken platform. You're already the top of your class, try to relax this year, will you? Draco attempted to quell his daughter's ambition a bit, but like her father, she was a true Slytherin.

"But daddy! I --"

"Now, now, Ursa. Listen to your father." Hermione provided backup for her husband before offering a conspiratorial wink to her eldest daughter, much like the children's grandmother would do. "Plus, you'll have more time for Rory this year." 

Ursa blushed, but attempted to keep her composure. Draco on the other hand groaned loudly. 

"I know we're family friends and all, but I didn't expect that they'd someday be in-laws. I should have known from the start too...Rory has been following your every word since you could talk."

"Daddy! We're only fourteen, really now, you're being very dramatic." Ursa crossed her arms and huffed, feeling a bit defensive of her not-exactly-boyfriend-but-not-exactly-platonic-best-friend. 

"All I am saying is that I better receive an owl with the proper courting documents from him and the Longbottoms before things get out of hand while you're both at Hogwarts. You're a prime example of that, you know, Ursie." 

"Daddy!"

"Oh, Draco, stop that." Hermione beckoned the arguing duo towards the edge of the platform where she stood holding her two youngest children's hands. 

After the birth of Ursa and their very small Ministry wedding, much to Lucius and Pansy’s great dismay, Draco and Hermione spent the next few years working on establishing their careers. Draco, with his affinity for Potions as well as a stellar N.E.W.T.s results, quickly found an apprenticeship and received his mastery all while managing the Malfoy Family Foundation and the Malfoy-Longbottom Corporation. Neville, his best friend and cofounder, started out working jointly on creating potions for pregnant witches and selling them at Apothecary in Diagon Alley. Since then they have turned their pet project into a successful business venture, and were currently working on various low-cost herbal treatments for mental disorders in conjunction with St. Mungo’s outpatient clinic. 

Hermione, her N.E.W.T.s results coming back practically perfect as well, despite the delay in taking them once again due to the surprise birth of Ursa, had landed a Ministry job and quickly worked her way up the political ladder. She was planning on announcing her run for Minister the following spring, having heard from Kingsley himself that he would be retiring next year. 

They were an ambitious couple all around, and that certainly didn't stop in the bedroom. They welcomed their first son Scorpius Hyperion three years after Ursa, and he was soon followed by their second son, Eridanus Helios a year later. 

"Mummy, I don't want Scorpius to go with Ursa. Why can't I go to Hogwarts too!" Eri complained, tugging on his mother's arm. 

"Next year, my little light. I'll need you at home this year to help me anyways, with your little sister due so soon."

Eri nodded, excited to finally have a baby sister and to finally be the older brother he had always wished to be. He had been begging for a younger sibling for years as he was tired of being babied as the youngest Malfoy.

In all honesty, having a fourth child came at a surprise for the entire Malfoy family, despite having joked previously about having a child in every leadership role in the wizarding world. Secretly, Hemione was grateful at another chance at having a child resemble her. Ursa and Scorpius were the spitting images of their father, minus their curls. Eri favored her in coloring, and was the only Malfoy child with dark brown hair, though it was as straight as could be. Overall, the only downside was once again having to find a constellation to continue the Black/Malfoy naming convention. 

“Mummy, who is that man? He keeps staring at us.” Scorpius asked his mother as the rest of the Malfoy bunch came together to wait for the train. 

Hermione and Draco both looked up, only to see Harry Potter staring back at them. 

Oh.

Oh.

They hadn’t seen Harry in years, having left his auror position two years after he started at the Ministry, not that they interacted much. He had done everything to keep his distance, most likely due to Ginny’s influence. Hermione had read in the Prophet that he and Ginny had a son born a few months after Scorpius, so she supposed that’s why they would cross paths today. 

Hermione and Draco eyed each other, before deciding to leave it alone. 

“Just an old acquaintance, darlings. Don’t let it worry you. Oh, is that the train I hear..--” Hermione tried to redirect their attention, but then to their great shock, Harry actually approached them. 

Harry was obviously nervous, clenching and unclenching his fist as he greeted them.

“Uh, hello, Hermione…Malfoy.” 

“Potter.” Draco spoke evenly, if not a bit coldly. 

Hermione simply nodded. “It’s been awhile, Harry.” 

Harry released a deep breath. “Yes, it’s been a long time.” 

“Are you dropping off your child? It’s Scorpius’ first year as well. Ursa is a seasoned veteran at this point, with it being her fourth year and all.” Hermione attempted to lighten the conversation, despite the shift in Draco’s body language screaming abort, abort, abort. 

“Ah, yes. It’s Jamie’s first year.”

“Is he…nearby?” Hermione craned her next to look for a miniature version of Harry.

“No, not yet. It was Ginny’s weekend, so she’s bringing him here from her flat. I’m just here for the send off.” Harry paused, examining the surprised looks on both Draco and Hermione. “We got divorced about six months ago. It’s all…a bit new.” 

“I’m sorry to hear that, Harry.”

“I should have done it years ago…or maybe never have married her at all, I don’t know. I’m grateful for Jamie, I am, but…you were right, Hermione. I just couldn’t see it then.” 

“Harry…–” 

“No, no, please, let me apologize. I really made a mess of things. I was just so tired; so over the war. And you were a constant reminder of that, and I just couldn’t cope so I pushed you away. And when you and Malfoy got together, well, it was easy to just tow the line for Ginny. She was so angry at you, Hermione. She’s still angry, actually, which was a big part of divorce. I thought it was because she thought you were a traitor, but I think really she was just jealous. She didn’t want to see you succeed, especially when the Weasley’s still struggled so much after the war.” 

Harry was full on ranting now, and Hermione couldn’t help but feel a small chuckle emerge from the back of her throat as she watched him flail about. 

“Ron hasn’t spoken to her in years, they had a big row when he and Parvati got married. Apparently Parvati slighted her in some small, petty way. I thought it would be the end for Ron and Parvati, but Ron finally grew a pair and stood up for her. Ginny could never forgive him for taking the side of another outsider. It worked out fine for them, anyways, as Ron got a Quidditch deal in America and they’ve been there ever since.” 

That was news to the couple, as they hadn’t heard a peep out of Ron or Parvati in years. Being in America explained quite a lot. Ginny…that was unfortunate. Hermione wasn’t surprised to hear of her developments. She had long suspected her unresolved anger would be the end of anything joyous in her life and would ultimately destroy her. 

But she couldn’t destroy Harry, no. Here he was, worse for wear, no doubt, with dark circles and some gray peaking through his dark hair, and he apologized. And Hermione didn’t realize just how desperately she had needed to hear that. 

He finally understood her, where she was coming from, and why she made the decisions she did all those years ago.

“It’s okay, Harry. We –, I forgive you.” Nearly fifteen years of unresolved feelings fell off her shoulder. 

“I suppose if she’s forgiven you, I can as well.” Draco said, as if he was simply ordering the same as her at a restaurant. The little prat. 

Harry looked relieved as well, before tentatively stepping forward to shake Draco’s hand and give Hermione a chaste hug.

“And these are…?” Harry asked, gesturing to their children. They were well trained by Narcissa, and hadn’t so much as let out a peep as the emotional display took place before them. 

“Ah, yes – this is Ursa, our oldest and the next brightest witch of her age. Scorpius, our future Quidditch star, is the same age as your Jamie. Our youngest at the moment, Eri, a potioneer in the making, is ten and will be heading to Hogwarts next year.” Draco rattled off proudly. Being a father had been his greatest joy, and with children as brilliant and well behaved as his, he couldn’t help but brag.

“And this little one,” Draco wrapped his arm around Hermione’s shoulders as he lay a hand on her stomach, “is Vela Astraea, or at least, will be as soon as she’s born. I’m counting on her to be the business minded one of the bunch, my future star.” 

“It’s lovely to meet you all.” Harry smiled genuinely, pleased to see that Draco and Hermione had built a loving, strong and powerful family despite their struggles in the beginning.

“Harry!” Ginny Potter called from across the platform, with Jamie standing by her side. The poor child looked miserable. 

“Ah, well, that’s me I guess. I should be off now.”

“Potter, if you’re interested, we go down to the pub on Fridays with the Notts, the Zabinis and the Longbottoms. There’s plenty of space, if you want to join us sometime.” Draco offered at the last second.

“I’d like that, thanks…Draco. I’ll see you both soon.” And then he was off. 

Hermione smiled, pleased with the interaction, before bending down to face Scorpius. 

“Scorp, love, when you get on the train, will you sit with Jamie? He looks like he could use a friend.” 

“I suppose…though, what if he isn’t a Slytherin?” Scorpius tentatively asked. 

“It doesn’t matter what house he’s sorted in, and you know there’s no guarantee you’ll be a Slytherin no matter what your father says.” Hermione laughed a little as Draco scowled. 

Scorpius digested this information, before coming to his final conclusion. “Just not a Hufflepuff.” 

“Right you are, son!” Draco beamed proudly. 

Hermione shoved Draco, to which he just rolled his eyes.

“I mean, Hufflepuffs are fine friends as well, and if you happen to be sorted there they’ll just be gaining an incredible mind.” He bit out in a monotone, as if he was reading it off a script. 

The train sounded, signaling for the students to prepare for boarding.

“Alright loves, we’ll see you at Christmas, alright? We love you both so much.” 

Ursa and Scorpius nodded in between hugs. 

“Protect him, okay Ursa? You know the family motto, Familia super omnia.” Draco whispered into Ursa’s head of curly blonde hair. 

“I will, daddy. I promise.” 

Ursa held out her hand for Scorpius to grab hold of as they walked onto the train, finding the closest open window to wave goodbye. 

“We did okay, didn’t we love?” Hermione leaned her head against Draco’s shoulder as they waved goodbye to their two eldest children.

“It’s thanks to them, really. They saved us. You saved me. Everything I am is because of you and our little family.” 

“Salvation…we found it.”