Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

In the immediate aftermath of the Battle of Hogwarts, the magical world was met with unnatural silence. Rather than lingering spells or falling stones, Hogwarts castle was full of whispered conversations and the occasional healing spells muttered. Everywhere Hermione turned, she saw spell damaged corridors, blood mixed with the dirt and rubble, and broken souls in the eyes of every survivor, regardless of which side of the war they fought in. The few remaining witches and wizards who had worked as Aurors before the fall of the ministry were already stepping up to round up the remaining Death Eaters and Snatchers; many recent Hogwarts alumni joined, trying to distinguish between those who fought willingly and those who were imperiused or otherwise coerced into fighting for Lord Voldemort. As Hermione made her way through the Great Hall, she made eye contact with Neville. Hermione breathed out a sigh of relief at his survival. She noticed that his grandmother, Augusta, personally confirmed that all of her son and daughter-in-law's torturers were amongst the casualties of the battle. Hermione could see both the relief in Neville’s eyes and the struggle to accept that any chance of reversing a lingering curse died with the last of the Lestranges.

Eventually, shouting mixed with anguished yells as parents, siblings, and friends began to process each of their losses. A corner of the great hall seemed to be overflowing with red hair as the entire Weasley family was surrounding the lifeless form of Fred, and unconscious forms of George and Percy. It was unclear from the quick trauma assessments done by Madam Pomphrey and her apprentices, if Percy would survive his injuries from the same falling wall that claimed Fred’s life. George’s body seemed to drop once he no longer felt his bond with his twin the adrenaline of battle was no longer enough to keep him going. Hermione wanted to comfort the Weasley family, but after Ron and Ginny’s inability to accept that the “brightest witch of the age” didn’t know any spells to fix their brothers, she was sure she would be unwelcome in the corner.

Hermione turned away from the Weasleys in order to search for Harry. Her brother in all but blood (though, after all of their adventures, it was likely that that technicality was covered too). As she dodged groups of people reuniting in the great hall, she kept her eyes peeled for any indication of where Harry ended up. He hadn’t reunited with Ginny or the rest of the Weasleys; he wasn’t speaking with Professor McGonagall; he wasn’t helping Kingsley round up stray Death Eaters. At last, she found him trapped in conversations with classmates and families as he desperately tried to get away from the crowds. While Hermione could find comfort in Harry managing to defeat Voldemort once and for all, she could feel his anguish over the number of causalities the light had suffered. The guilt of not finishing the war sooner was written all over his face as people tried to interrupt his obvious grieving to thank him. Hermione could tell he was becoming more and more uncomfortable and needed an escape. Hermione looked him in the eyes and nodded as she grabbed Luna’s arm and whispered a small request to try and distract people so Harry could get away. The relief was obvious as Harry heard Luna start to speak.

“Look everyone, the nargles have arrived. How fortunate that they are here to promote healing,” Luna murmured to the crowd gathering around Harry. Several heads turned to search for the made up, invisible creatures, allowing Harry to make a quick getaway.

Before they could turn back, Harry disappeared under his invisibility cloak and out of the great hall. Hermione began to casually follow him before she stopped dead in her track. Two of her favorite mentors were laying with their hands intertwined in the row of Order losses. Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks; brand new parents, friend, teacher. Two of the only adults who tried to help Hermione transition from young student to order member, it broke the little bit of her heart that had survived, and Hermione raced out to the edge of the courtyard.

It was too much. Too many dead bodies. Too much magic lingering in the air. Too few people fighting for the light. Hermione was so used to being the person who had the answers, planned for any potential scenario, and carried the others when they couldn’t carry themselves. For years Hermione had carried the responsibility of keeping Harry alive, often at the detriment of her own well being; she pushed her wants and needs aside to put him first. Hermione dropped to her knees as her grief and magic surged. The only people to notice Hermione’s devastation were the owners of two pairs of grey eyes.

----

Draco exchanged a nervous look with his mother. He managed to force his parents to turn back before they fully ram away from the final push of battle because he knew it was right to fight against the Dark Lord regardless of any potential punishment should he have won. He was tired of the lies of blood supremacy, and seeing his fellow students and friends tortured for no reason. Draco had long admired many members of the light, but his long-standing obsession with Hermione Granger meant he had been tracking her movements as the dust settled. Narcissa had been aware of Draco’s fascination with Hermione Granger and was in awe of her strength as she survived the torture at the hands of her sister Bellatrix just a few weeks prior. That day at Malfoy Manor, the mother in her had been torn between two impossible choices; trying to further protect her son, should he accidentally reveal the Golden Trio’s identities or his connection to them, and as a mother watching a young child soldier suffer needlessly for simply being a woman and born to two muggle parents. Ignoring his parents, Draco rushed to Hermione’s side.

“Granger. I’ve got you. You aren’t alone”. He was startled as he felt her magic reaching out to meet his, but he carried on speaking softly to Hermione.

After several minutes of whispered reassurances, Hermione’s sobs began to turn into soft whimpers, and she eventually began to piece together who was comforting her. Shock overtook her features as she blinked incredulously at Draco Malfoy’s arms wrapped around her own.

“Malfoy?”

“Hey, Granger. Gotta be honest about a couple of things here. One, I’m glad Potter won. And two, I’m so sorry for everything I have ever said or done to you. I know that chances are that in a few minutes I’ll be wrapped up with the rest of the bad guys, but I needed to apologize before I go.”

Hermione was speechless for a few moments while she processed his hasty apology. As she searched his eyes for the truth hidden behind his eyes, a quiet acceptance settled in her heart.

“Thank you, Malfoy but…”

Draco’s shoulders began to droop as he anticipated her rejection.

“…you won’t be going anywhere if I have anything to say about it. How many of our classmates really believe in this shit? Goyle? Montague? Nott? Zabini? Parkinson? Flint?”

It was Draco’s turn to be speechless. His brows furrowed as he tried to piece together why Hermione Granger would be asking after other students. As he looked her in the eye, he noticed her burning fire blaze brighter. She wasn’t asking for revenge but to help.

“Just Crabbe in our year. A few of the older Slytherins like Montague and Flint, but most of us were just trying to survive sadistic parents and trying to avoid being killed by the evil megalomaniac.”

“Understood. Kingsley!” Hermione turned and shouted after Kingsley Shacklebolt as he returned from taking another group of snatched to be processed for war crimes.

“Hermione? How can I help you?

“How many students, how many *children* are you and the others trying to take in for crimes committed during extreme duress?!” The Malfoy family was shocked at the vitriol Hermione was spewing at someone on her own side.

“Hermione. I thought you knew me better than that. The only students we have started to look at have been those we have had to inform of their parents' incarceration or death. I have no intention of allowing any to be charged for their involvement in the war until we have had a chance to talk to students and staff about abuse during the school year. I can’t promise that all of them will walk away in a few months without being charged for *something*, but I know you will help hold me accountable to make sure they receive fair trials, and any punishment will still give them a new start in the world.” Kingsley tried to offer a reassuring smile to Hermione and the Malfoys.

“So, Draco and his parents can go home right now, and they won’t be ripped away in an hour? Good.” Draco was relieved to hear the familiar bossy tone in Hermione's voice as she seemed to take charge.

“Ah. Well, I’d like to take Lucius and Narcissa in, at least for questioning tonight…”

“No.”

Draco and Kingsley both looked sharply at Hermione. While he admired her, Draco was still surprised at the audacity she possessed to tell a high-ranking Order Member and presumed new head Auror that he effectively could not do his job.

“Kingsley. You have no idea…” Hermione took a deep breath. “Make an unbreakable vow that they won’t flee if you must but give them a day with each other before you take them away for questioning. You don’t need to talk to them right now, especially when you and I both know that they would just be sitting around for hours before anyone can actually spare the time to talk to them.”

“Why is this so important to you?” Kingsley tilted his head as he assessed Hermione's motivation to help a family so famously on the other side of the war.

“Granger, you don’t have to do this. We knew this would happen when we didn’t leave ages ago.”

“No, Malfoy. Kingsley can come pick up your parents tomorrow. Just in case—you shouldn’t have to say goodbye to them before you’re ready.”

Draco was taken aback by the tears and sorrow welling up in Hermione’s eyes. Kingsley remembered the steps Hermione had talked about taking to protect her parents, and felt shame as he knew no one in the order took her fears seriously; he knew in that moment Hermione had taken a drastic step to limit the chances of Death Eaters finding and torturing her parents for information.

“Hermione. I am so sorry.” Kingsley and Hermione shared a look of understanding.

“Don’t worry about it Kings. Just do this for me, yeah?”

“Mr. Malfoy would you and your parents take an unbreakable vow that you won’t disappear before we can ask questions tomorrow? If so, we will allow you to return to Malloy Manor for the night— “

“Respectfully Auror Shacklebolt, none of us have any desire to return there until you all can have curse breakers and aurors go through everything left behind. Instead, we have a Black family holding we would prefer to go to if that’s acceptable.” Narcissa finally intervened.

Lucius nodded his head in agreement and conjured a scrap of parchment and quill to write down the floo address for the Auror department to use.

Kingsley took the parchment then held out his hand to complete the vow.

“Hermione, would you consent to bind us? Or would you rather I grab one of the aurors floating around?”

“Sure Kings, I can do this,” Hermione tried to offer a reassuring smile that came out as more of a grimace. She then shocked the group with her word choice.

“Do you, Kingsley Shacklebolt, as a current representative of the Order of the Phoenix and Auror for the Ministry for Magic, agree to allow Lucius Malfoy to return to the agreed upon family home for a night with his family—only coming to bring him in for questioning about his involvement in the second wizarding war after breakfast tomorrow morning?”

Kingsley chuckled to himself at how shrewd Hermione would be to cover as many bases as possible to avoid a midnight raid that would rip the Malfoy family apart prematurely.

“I do so agree,” came Kingsley’s response.

“And do you, Lucius Malfoy, as current head of the Malfoy family and alleged supporter of Lord Voldemort, agree to return to the agreed upon family home with Narcissa and Draco Malfoy, and remain there until a representative comes to bring you for questioning about your involvement in the second wizarding war after breakfast tomorrow morning?”

Lucius’ eyes narrowed slightly as he tried to find reasoning for her clarifications. “I do so agree.”

Similar wording was used for both Narcissa and Draco, giving the Malfoy family as much reassurance as Hermione was capable of that they would have quiet time as a family to regroup before questioning. Kingsley then excused himself from the group so he could make sure the list of Draco’s classmates was not left in holding but instead returned to family homes. Narcissa had offered theirs as a central location is they needed supervision for the night.

As the Malfoys and Hermione began walking towards the newly designated apparition point, Lucius lingered next to Hermione.

“Miss…Granger.” Lucius looked like he had swallowed a lemon as he searched for words to convey his gratefulness for her wording. Hermione met his eyes and held her chin up high.

“Thank you for giving us more grace than we deserve and allowing Draco and Narcissa more time. I—truly, I do apologize for the horrors we put you through in our old home. Are you quite healed? If you can send your lawyer’s contact information to us, or in case of our incarceration to any of our house elves or Gringotts account manager, I would like to cover the cost of any healer to look at your wounds and reimburse you for any treatment you received before today.”

Both Draco and Narcissa were shocked by Lucius’s offer, but before Hermione could decide whether to accept or decline, she was interrupted by the incredulous sputtering of Ron and Molly Weasley as they dragged Harry over to “rescue” Hermione from the evil Malfoys.

“Get away from her!” Hermione’s attention was drawn to Ron’s angry eyes.

“Hermione dear, come here and let us get you back home so you can rest,” Molly tutted.

“Mione, are you okay? Kingsley said you were here, but he didn’t say why...” Harry trailed off as he tried to make sense of the image of Hermione standing with the Malfoys.

“Oh, do shut up, Weasley. We weren’t doing anything; your precious golden girl is perfectly safe.” Draco drawled.

Crimson began to overtake Ron’s face as he grabbed Hermione’s arm roughly to pull her away from Malfoy.

“Ouch, Ronald, you’re hurting me!”

“See, Ferret! You hurt her!”

Molly began fussing over Hermione trying to inspect her for any sign of damage, despite her protestations that she was fine. Harry tried to step in front of Hermione and get in Draco’s face but before they could step up, Hermione wrenched her arms away from both Weasleys and threw her hands up.

“Honestly. You all are exhausting. After all this time, do you seriously think I can’t handle Malfoy if I needed to? I broke his nose in third year and started further training with Moony, Padfoot and Tonks all after that. His spell work may have been close to mine in school, but I still throw a better right hook than him”. Narcissa looked at Lucius with amusement while he seemed shocked that Hermione would speak highly of Draco’s academic abilities. “I appreciate your concern, but Kingsley and I have the Malfoys covered with an unbreakable vow, I was just about to escort them out so there is no need to worry right now.”

“Escort them out?! Are you crazy?! They’re Death Eaters! They should be sent away with the others.”

“Hermione, dear, maybe you didn’t quite understand what Kingsley meant? I’m sure he wouldn’t just let them go.”

"I understood what Kingsley meant, Mrs. Weasley, as I am the one who bound the vows. And not that it’s any of your business, but he isn’t just letting them go. They will be going in for questioning tomorrow morning. This just frees up our very limited resources for the bigger threats today.”

If you asked any of the Malfoys later if they had doubts about Hermione Granger’s powers, they would tell you about the magic felt in the air as her entire demeanor turned cold towards those challenging her.

“Hermione. I trust you, and I do trust Kingsley. I just…I need to know you’re still safe. Are you ready to go? Professor McGonagall has said that repairs won’t begin for a couple of days. She wants to send letters to other ministries to see if people will come help while we all rest. I’m going back to the burrow for a few hours before we check on Percy. You coming?”

“Of course she’s coming.” Ron snapped as he once again tried to grab at her arms.

Hermione raised one of her hands to stop all three Malfoys from reaching towards her and stepped away from Ron’s hold.

“Thanks for checking in, Harry. I think I’m going to stop by my parents though. I want to let them know I’m okay.” Hermione’s obvious dismissal of Ron and Molly did not go unnoticed, but what was more concerning to the Malfoys was her declaration of where she would be going. Lucius and Draco paled as they made eye contact with Narcissa. They knew that the Granger household had finally been breached after the trio escaped from Malfoy Manor and was burned down; they didn’t know if her parents were inside when it happened.

“Oh, great, Mione!”

“Tell them hi and we’ll have lunch soon!” Both Weasleys were seemingly unconcerned with letting her go off by herself, as long as it wasn’t with the Malfoys.

“Sure, Harry. And thanks, Mrs. Weasley. I’m sure they’d love to. I’ll let you all get out of here and reach out this week.”

Mrs. Weasley marched Ron and Harry back towards the other Weasleys, only Harry looked back over his shoulder to Hermione before she turned away. A moment lapsed while the Malfoys silently debated who would have to break the news that her childhood home was no longer standing.

Hermione chuckled as she saw Draco lose and brace himself to tell her more bad news.

“Draco, it’s okay. My parents are fine. They haven’t been in Europe for a few years and none of the wards placed on their safe house have been breached. I know my childhood house is gone; I’m just surprised it made it this long.”

“What do you mean?” Narcissa interrupted.

“I mean, I knew a few years ago that they would eventually be targeted for the connection to myself and Harry; the Order certainly wasn’t going to spare any resources or guards for them when they were barely staying afloat trying to keep Harry going. So, after the Battle at the Department of Mysteries,” she silently reveled in the uncomfortable face Lucius quickly tried to school before she continued, “I gave them new identities, wiped myself from their memories, and set them up on the other side of the world. It was a bitch getting that done with Snape checking in on my recovery every couple of days, but I managed.”

“Why would Severus check up on you?” Draco interrupted, shocked by both his godfather's involvement and hearing her swear.

“Ah. Dolohov’s little gift left me taking about a dozen potions a day for months.” She lifted the corner of her shirt and removed the glamour over the scar that bisected her chest and stomach. “Snape brewed them and helped siphon out the lingering dark magic that summer.”

“We were still underage then. How’d you get away with that in Muggle London?” Draco asked incredulously. Once again, the Gryffindor's got away with too much.

“You were, yes. Technically, I became of age sometime between the Yule Ball and Second task 4th year. May have overused my time turner a touch 3rd year. Plus, Snape, Pomphrey, and McGonagall were there frequently enough that it hid the “underage” magic I needed to pack up my life.”

The Malfoys each were taken aback by how easily Hermione revealed the information.

“If you aren’t going to the Weasley hovel, where are you planning on going then?” Draco sneered.

Hermione shrugged, “haven’t gotten that far. May just pitch a tent and camp out here for a few days. See where I can help.”

“No.”

Three sets of eyes turned to Narcissa. “No. You are coming home with us. We have already opened our home to several other of Draco’s classmates, and you are coming too. I know that there is more than enough bad blood between our family and you, but as a mother I will not see another child alone because of this war. No more.” Her eyes were hard as she dared her husband or son to challenge her authority on the matter.

“Thank you for the offer, Mrs. Malfoy, but”

“No. I was not offering, I was informing. You are coming home with us. Now, move.” She turned and started walking towards an apparition point. When no one followed right away, she stopped, snapped her fingers, and both Malfoy men hopped to fall in line behind her. Hermione hesitated one moment longer, until Draco gave her a pleading look over his shoulder.

“What the hell am I doing”? She asked herself as she began to follow.

Chapter Text

Draco offered his arm to Hermione once they reached the boundary for the apparation point. For a few seconds she looked at the arm before raising her eyes to meet Draco’s earnest eyes. She took a deep breath and placed her hand in the crook of his elbow. Instantly Hermione was taken via side-apparation to another of the Black Family homes. Unlike Grimmauld Place surrounded by Muggle London, this stately home was in the quiet countryside.

Doubt once again crept in as Hermione felt like an outsider to the Malfoy family. As she and Draco separated, they noticed Lucius and Narcissa in a private embrace. Hermione averted her eyes, hesitant to witness such an intimate moment. Tension noticeably was being released from both Lucius and Narissa’s shoulders each second they spent holding each other. Draco gave his parents a moment longer before he cleared his throat to announce his and Hermione’s arrival.

Both elder Malfoys schooled their faces and stepped away from each other, but did not drop their hands. Hermione recognized the need to be connected to your person in order to feel grounded. Narcissa broke into a welcoming smile as she indicated the home behind her.

“Welcome to le Domaine de la famille noir. This estate was given to me when I became a prefect, and Lucius and I lived here after we married before we moved full time into Malfoy Manor.”

“It’s a beautiful home, Mrs. Malfoy. Thank you for inviting me,” Hermione graciously nodded her head towards Narcissa.

Like his son, Lucius cleared his throat to announce his presence. The relief that his wife and son would not be ripped out of his arms was evident on his face as he turned once more to Hermione.

“We didn’t finish our discussion earlier Miss Granger.”

“Hermione, please, Mr. Malfoy.”

“Hermione, then. Lucius and Cissa to you then. Anyways, would you follow me into one of the studies so we can finish getting your lawyer’s contact information?”

“Lucius, with all due respect my family is well off, but not ‘lawyer on retainer’ well off. I have no lawyer,” Hermione seemed to fondly roll her eyes as a small smirk appeared on her face.

After a moment, Lucius seemed to accept this answer and nodded. “This changes now. Follow me”.

----

Draco and Narcissa followed Lucius and Hermione into their home. While Lucius escorted Hermione to one of the studies, Draco offered his arm to his mother before entering the first floor sitting room. As they seated themselves on a pair of armchairs, Narcissa’s eyes moved over Draco’s body, finally allowing herself a moment to assess him for any signs of injuries or spell damage. “My dragon, do you need me to find any blood-replenishing potion or a pain potion?”

“No, Mother, I am fine. Perhaps it may be beneficial to find each of us some calming draught or dreamless sleep before we go to bed tonight, though.” Draco reached out to grasp his mother’s hand. “Truly, Mother, I am not harmed. I’m sure Hermione may benefit from some potions, but it also will not surprise me if she decides she has everything she needs with her. She may have agreed to come here, but that does not necessarily mean she will trust any potions that we offer her yet.”

Narcissa tilted her head as she considered this and finally nodded her head in agreement. She remembered a small potions lab connected to the small greenhouse and thought that Hermione might like to have space to brew her potions after lunch. Before she could voice this to Draco, they were sidetracked by the sudden appearances of Blaise Zabini, Theo Nott, and Pansy Parkinson.

“Honey, we’re hoooooome” Theo sang.

Narcissa quickly raced to gather her surrogate children in her arms.

“Oh, my dears, I have missed you all so much.”

Since Lord Voldemort and his followers had taken up residence in the Malfoy family home, and they were always under scrutiny, Narcissa knew it wasn’t safe to see the other children too often. Thankfully during the school year, she knew they would be relatively safe at Hogwarts if they could manage to keep their heads down, but she had not been able to keep in constant contact with them for over two years.

Pansy and Theo melted into her motherly embrace while Blaise shook hands with Draco.

“Thanks for letting us crash here. I’m sure my mother would open our estate again if it would be easier,” Blaise sheepishly offered.

“Not necessary, Blaise. We’ll have rooms squared away here momentarily. You lot are always welcome here.”

“Where’s your father? I didn’t see him detained when we were talking to Auror Shacklebolt.”

“He’s in the study with…” Draco cut himself off and looked to his mother, unsure if they should reveal Granger’s presence.

Narcissa locked eyes with Draco over Theo and Pansy’s shoulders as she answered. “We have another guest he is speaking to at the moment. I’m sure it won’t be too long”. She squeezed Pansy a final time before clapping her hands together. “Now, Draco, could you and the boys handle setting up rooms? Pansy and I will see about dinner and some entertainment tonight”.

“Of course, mother,” Draco walked over to Narcissa and gave her a small kiss on her cheek, before doing the same to Pansy. “I’m glad you’re here, Pansy. Theo, Blaise? Race ya.”

Narcissa and Pansy smiled as the boys took off running through the halls, knowing that they would end up setting up adjoining rooms upstairs. Narcissa clapped her hands and called out for her family house elves, Remi, Nori, and Lena. With three soft pops, they appeared next to the witches.

“Madam! You is home!” Lena exclaimed! “We is missing you while you be gone!”

“Lena, it is so good to see you all. Were you able to stay safe here? No one came to bother you? I am so sorry we had to send you away, but we were so afraid that you may be harmed.” Tears welled up in Narcissa’s eyes that Pansy graciously refused to acknowledge. “Lucius, Draco, and I find ourselves hosting a few guests here. Nori are you able to make us all a light lunch? I would like for Remi to take an inventory of our potions and ingredients, and perhaps Lena can oversee Draco and the boys. They are supposed to be getting the bedrooms set up, but I think we all know they have probably gotten distracted already.”

Pansy snorted out a laugh as she noticed Narcissa’s fond smile.

“Guests? These be the same guests--” Lena and Nori’s faces had begun to pale at the word, while Remi made tiny fists at his side. Noticing the elves’ distress, Narcissa quickly moved to reassure them.

“No. This is only Theo, Blaise, Pansy, and one more witch, but I promise each of you that she is good and welcome here. Never again will we allow such evil into our lives. You have been so brave taking care of us; please allow me to do the same for you now,” she earnestly pleaded with each elf.

“Madam Cissy, we trust you. If yous says these be good guests, we will makes them welcome.”

“Excellent. Let’s be off then, I want this squared away before Lucius and our other visitors finish in the study.”

Pansy offered to help Remi in the potions lab, while Narcissa went over the menu with Nori.

---

Lucius offered his elbow to Hermione much in the same way his son had done so before they arrived. He raised his eyebrow at Hermione’s initial hesitance to take it before escorting her into the home and down the hall to one of the side studies off of the library. He was taken aback by how much her eyes lit up at the possibility of getting to explore. Pride swelled his chest as he saw her eyes glisten with hunger at the brief glimpse at the books filling the library shelves. This was replaced with shame as he recognized how unsafe it could be for her to browse, so he quietly promised to check for curses before allowing her to browse to her hearts’ content.

Lucius was confident that Hermione had never been in a proper wizarding home; even behind his occlumency walls he refused to consider her visit to Malfoy Manor in the same way that he refused to acknowledge the Weasley hovel as a proper home. He found himself disappointed that the Dark Lord and his followers had tainted the opportunity to share the far superior Malfoy Manor library with someone who would so clearly appreciate it. As much as he found himself fond over this estate, his wife’s family homes never held the same appeal as his own.

Hermione squared her shoulders as she walked in step with him, oblivious to his inner monologues. The further they walked into the Black family estate, the more portraits began to line the walls. Hermione recognized many of the subjects of the portraits, and unfortunately the portrait of Walburga Black recognized her, too.

“FILTH. HOW DARE YOU BESMIRCH ANOTHER HOME OF MY FAMILY! YOU ARE NOT WELCOME HERE! MUDBLOODS IN OUR HOME!” bellowed Walburga, to Lucius’ shock and dismay.

“Hello, Wally. Lovely as always.” Hermione deadpanned. The only other acknowledgment she offered was a raised eyebrow at Lucius as she flipped off Walburga and marched past her into the office.

Lucius entered behind Hermione and closed the door, enacting a few silencing charms. Hermione settled into one of the armchairs and waited for Lucius to begin.

“Miss Granger,”

“Hermione. Please, call me Hermione.”

“Of course, Hermione. I find myself wanting to have two different conversations with you. Naturally, I would like to finish getting your lawyer’s name and contact info, but I now find myself even more curious about how you could possibly recognize Narcissa’s Aunt Walburga’s portrait. As you could gather, it isn’t often that muggleborns are invited into family homes like this one.”

“Once again, I would like to remind you that I don’t really have a lawyer, Mr. Malfoy. The only lawyer I have interacted with handled my parents’ investments and my trust, but I cashed out most of that a year ago before we went on the run. Not to mention that even if I wanted to get back in contact with that lawyer, she is a muggle and would not be able to coordinate with a Gringotts’ account or our currency.”

“I apologize, Hermione. I forgot that not every witch and wizard has as many lawyers around as we do. Would your Gringotts’ account manager be able to handle any transfers?”

Hermione snorted out a laugh before asking him, “what account manager? When my parents and I set up my Gringotts’ account before my first year, the goblins never offered me an account manager. My trust fund was large, but not that large. Not to mention that I emptied out and closed my account at Gringotts’ the same time as the rest of my muggle trust fund.”

Lucius tilted his head as he tried to piece this new information together. “Then, why did you and your friends go to Gringotts the other day? I assumed it was either to take out more funds or perhaps to receive treatment from your injuries? I assume you and the rest of the Order,” he sneered at the mention, “had been aware that St. Mungo’s had several Death Eaters stationed inside to intercept your fighters looking for treatment?”

“Treatment? Are you saying that there are healers in Gringotts? Why isn’t that information shared with people when they enter? I’m sure it would have been far superior to anything done at St. Mungo’s...pity, that I doubt I will ever be welcome to try it in the future.”

“Why would you not be welcome? As far as I can remember, the Goblins have never truly bought into blood purity, they only care about money and magic, not heritage.”

“Exactly; they won’t welcome thieves back into their bank, I’m quite sure of it. I anticipate quite a few issues for the three of us should they decide to press charges.”

“You’re telling me you tried to break into Gringotts? What in Merlin’s name could have prompted you to try something like that?”

“No, you must have misheard me”. Lucius visibly relaxed at that before Hermione continued. “We did not try to break into Gringotts; we made it into the Lestrange vault and then made it out on the back of the dragon that previously kept watch.”

Five entire minutes passed while Lucius processed this information. Not only had he been forced to confront prior misconceptions about muggleborns over the past few weeks, but now in the span of just a few hours he had to comb through dozens of misconceptions about Hermione Granger in particular. Years of hearing Draco describe her as a stuck-up know-it-all, Severus describing her as a competent but simple student, and even the Dark Lord describing her as nothing more than Potter’s Mudblood, all fell short of the brilliance and power radiating off of her. Lucius tried to center himself before he could continue.

“Forgive me, Miss Granger—Hermione. I find myself baffled at most of what you have told me, but I am not sure I can fully wrap my mind around it all at the moment. For now, would you permit me to reach out to one of our family lawyers on your behalf? Almanzo Greengrass is a fair man and has often rebutted me over the years for my less than savory beliefs on muggleborns; I am confident that he would be able to handle establishing a new Gringotts’ account for you, and if you truly did break in then it would be wise to have him on retainer before you find yourself getting arrested.”

“That is incredible generous, Lucius. Thank you.”

Hermione and Lucius engaged in small talk as Lucius penned a letter to Almanzo Greengrass. Despite the unbreakable vow that Hermione had engineered with Kingsley, they both agreed that it would be wise to have a lawyer or two there to ensure that the Malfoys were not taken advantage of or falsely blamed for their involvement in the war. As Lucius finished wrapping up the letter, Hermione took the opportunity to discretely take stock of the office. It was relatively simple in decor, while holding several magical artifacts that she longed to inspect. Before she could work up enough Gryffindor courage to ask Lucius about the contents, he stood and indicated that it would be time to find the others.

“Hermione, I have one last question before we rejoin Cissa and Draco, if you don’t mind” Lucius spoke hesitantly for the first time since they entered the office. “When we were walking past the portraits it seemed like you knew quite a few of them,” he paused waiting for confirmation.

“That was not a question, Lucius.”

“My apologies. How do you know the portraits?” They stopped in front of Walburga Black once more, and Lucius nodded his head at her image. “Cissa’s aunt Walburga in particular never would have hosted a muggleborn witch or wizard before she died, and that would have been well before you began at Hogwarts.”

“We go way back; we’ve lived together on and off over the years at Grimmauld Place and have had the unfortunate opportunity to speak like this fairly regularly. Gotta be honest, I get the impression that she does not like me all that much,” Hermione joked with a faint smirk.

Lucius took a moment to take a closer look at Hermione’s face as she almost lovingly rolled her eyes at Walburga’s continued ranting.

“Walburga, please cease your shrieking. Miss Granger—Hermione—here has been invited to stay here. I ask that you speak to all of our guests with the respect they have earned.”

Hermione’s jaw dropped momentarily before she remembered to school her emotions in front of others. Earned. Lucius Malfoy, famous blood purist and Death Eater, implied that Hermione, member of the Golden Trio and a mudblood to boot, had earned his respect.

“Thank you,” Hermione softly offered to Lucius. They took another step towards the sitting room before Hermione stopped once more. “Before I forget, Walburga, I should let you know that Regulus’s death was not in vain. I am aware that you may hate me, but I do feel that you should know that he is resting peacefully now.”

“Did you just say Regulus? What do you mean his last mission? How do you know about his involvement with the Death Eaters? He went missing before you were even born.”

“Now, now, Lucius. This is not the time for that conversation. If things go well tomorrow for you at the Ministry, I may be willing to share some of my better stories with you all, but for now it stays between Wally and myself. Yes?”

“Regulus. My boy. He did it?” Hermione struggled to hear Walburga’s whispers over Lucius’s sputtering.

“Technically, Ronald and Harry finished it, but yes. I hope to let Kreacher know, too, as I know how fond he was of Regulus.”

For the first time since Hermione had been introduced to the portrait of Walburga Black, it was quiet without the need for multiple silencing spells. She took pride in the moment where she saw relief and acceptance flash across Walburga’s eyes. Without another word, Hermione turned back towards the sitting room they had passed on their way to the study, assuming Narcissa and Draco would be inside.

---

Narcissa reentered the sitting room to find her boys piled on the couch devouring a plate of cheese, crackers, and fruit that Nori had sent ahead. She chuckled to herself at how young they looked, reunited without the pressure to present perfect images to the outside world. Only a few moments passed before Pansy rejoined.

“Remi and I were able to clear a space for a few cauldrons, and found several unexpired vials of calming draughts, dreamless sleep, and some soothing balms. You mentioned that the other witch may want to brew her own potions?” Pansy spoke softly to Narcissa.

“Yes, Draco thought she may prefer her own brews to any we offer.”

“I don’t see how that is possible. Draco brews near perfect potions every time; they only people who can out brew him are Professor Snape and Granger,” she laughed at the idea that Hermione Granger would be the mystery visitor, before she remembered Professor Snape’s fate. Narcissa squeezed her arm as she noticed Pansy’s turmoil, before turning back towards the boys.

“Draco, did you manage to open enough bedrooms? I’m sure we all would like to get cleaned up before lunch.”

He snorted before he responded. “I’m not sure why you sent us to do that, when you and I both know that Lena squared it all away with the snap of her fingers.”

“True as that may be, I thought it might be nice to have something to do before lunch. Maybe after you all would like to go flying? It may be uneven teams, but surely all of our guests may enjoy the fresh air?” Narcissa was clearly trying to determine how welcoming the others would be to Hermione without revealing her identity.

Oblivious to his mother’s schemes, Draco snorted at the idea of Hermione Granger willingly flying on a broomstick. Theo and Blaise stopped pelting the other with grapes as they tried to work out who this mystery guest could be.

“Cissa, who is this witch? I don’t think there were any other unaccompanied Slytherins left behind at Hogwarts.” Theo took a step towards Narcissa as they heard footsteps coming down the hall.

“That’ll be them now. I love you all, but if I catch any of you being disrespectful to our invited guest, I swear I will see to it that you never get dessert here again.” Narcissa hissed to each of her children as she turned towards the doorway.

The door opened to reveal Lucius escorting Hermione into the room.

“Granger?!” Three stunned Slytherins voiced together at Hermione’s sudden appearance.

“Oh, hey guys”.

Chapter Text

As the initial shock began to wear off, Narcissa moved to stand between Hermione and Lucius. She was trying to portray a strong united front to all of the children under her roof.

“Seriously, Granger?” Theo furrowed his brows, “this is your mystery guest?”

“Not to be rude, but what are you doing here?” Blaise, along with Theo, remained relatively neutral in school, but he struggled to piece together why Hermione would be here of all places. He snuck a glance at Draco, who like his mother, had begun to inch his way closer to Hermione’s side.

“I thought we were safe here? Are the rest of your little friends here too?” Pansy literally looked down her nose at Hermione’s presence. Her hackles were raised, anticipating a severe reaction to her panicked request to hand Harry over at the beginning of the Battle of Hogwarts.

“Just me, myself, and I. I know we were less than friendly in school, but I truly am glad to see you all are alright,” Hermione offered a tentative smile to her classmates as she tucked a stray curl behind her ear.

“Sure you are, Granger. Want to braid my hair later?” Pansy scoffed, refusing to believe Hermione Granger would care about her well-being.

“Sorry, can’t -- I’m braiding Lucius’s after lunch. Maybe we can have a pillow fight tonight though,” Hermione deadpanned.

Everyone held their breath as Pansy and Hermione stared each other down, except for Lucius who had started to get used to Hermione’s sense of humor and chuckled to himself.

“Pansy, I understand your trepidation here, but it is only because of Hermione that Lucius, Draco and myself were able to be here instead of ministry holding. I already asked you to be respectful, I will not ask again,” Narcissa chastised Pansy, while also making eye contact with both Theo and Blaise. “You do not have to become best friends in the blink of an eye, but I do expect civility or silence. You choose.”

“Yes, mum” Theo chirped, while Blaise simply nodded his head in acquiescence.

“Pansy, please.” Draco quietly pleaded with one of his oldest friends to accept that Hermione was not there to cause any more pain, but likely to help them all.

“No pillow fight, but I will be teaching you some beauty charms. How you managed to pull off your Yule Ball look, but cannot tame your curls on a regular day has baffled me for years,” Pansy told Hermione imperiously.

“Aw, Pansy, I thought you’d never ask”. All three Slytherin boys exchanged panicked glances at the idea that Pansy and Hermione could team up; they’d never know another moment of peace again.

Oblivious to the boys’ concern, Narcissa clapped her hands and stepped to bring Pansy and Hermione closer together. “I have quite a few books on beauty charms if you would like to read through it later, Hermione. Pansy is familiar with many of them, but your hair texture is not too different from my own and I have a few tricks up my sleeve. I always wanted daughters to pass them on too, and now I have two beautiful witches to share them with.” Narcissa lovingly stroked each girls’ cheeks with an indulgent smile.

“That sounds lovely, Cissa. Thank you.” Hermione leaned a little into her hand, longing for a familiar mother’s embrace.

Suddenly, Lena and Nori popped back into the room to announce that the lunch spread was ready. “Welcome Mister Theo, Mister Blaise, Missy Pansy, and Missy Visitor. Yous be joining the family for lunch now, yes?” Lena spoke quietly, yet authoritatively to the gathered witches and wizards.

Hermione slowly turned towards Draco with her eyebrow raised, still uncomfortable with the idea of house elves in general but far more accepting when they were treated kindly. As she expected, Draco’s eyes were wide as he clearly anticipated a stern lecture from her about their presence. To his surprise and relief, Hermione instead dropped to her knees and reached a hand out to both elves. “It’s nice to meet you both. My name is Hermione, thank you for making lunch. I’m sure it is quite delicious.”

“Missy Hermy. Yous be mystery guest?” Lena glanced at Lucius and Narcissa for confirmation.

“Yes, I am,” Hermione smiled at her shortened nickname.

“Let’s all head into the dining room for lunch. After we shall give you a better tour of the rest of the home. I’m sure you are looking forward to cleaning up some,” Lucius indicated towards the adjoining dining room.

“Food!” Theo bounded out of the room, forgetting his pureblood upbringing entirely. Hermione found it endearing that he was clearly so comfortable around Narcissa and Lucius that he would be so open and carefree.

Blaise smirked slightly before coming over and offering Pansy his arm to escort her into the dining room. Meanwhile Draco and Lucius were each offering their arms to Narcissa and Hermione, respectively. Blaise and Pansy locked eyes as they noticed the interaction between Lucius and Hermione. Growing up they had heard Lucius Malfoy frequently complain about muggleborns invading the magical world and had assumed that if Hermione was here, it was truly only because Narcissa or Draco had insisted for whatever reason. Seeing Lucius willingly engage Hermione in conversation and coming into physical contact with the muggleborn of all muggleborns, they anticipated that quite a lot would be revealed over lunch.

As they made their way into the dining room, Hermione once again took stock in the artwork up on the walls; not only were there more portraits of Black family ancestors that she had recognized from her visits to Grimmauld Place or from reading on magical families in Britain, but there were also several other paintings that Hermione recognized from her visits to museums and art galleries. She snuck a glance up to Lucius’s face to try and determine if they were copies or the originals, and his gloating smirk told her that they were surely originals. “Prats,” she whispered to him as he pulled out her chair.

“So, Granger, care to share with the rest of the class how you managed to make your way here? I thought Minnie might have opened up an entire wing of the castle for Gryffindor’s Princess. Why are you bumming it out with us peasants?” Theo shot Hermione a smile that did not quite meet his eyes.

Blaise hummed in agreement, indicating he was also curious about why she was with the Malfoy family, instead of the Weasleys or off with Potter.

“I was told I didn’t exactly have an option,” she offered as she began to make a small plate of food. Scarce as food was on the run, she had yet to build her appetite back up even after the short recovery time spent at Shell Cottage.

“Lucious, tell me you did not kidnap the Golden Girl!” Pansy accused.

“Not me, Pansy,” was his short reply.

Blaise and Theo then turned to Draco, both pointing their fingers at him as he began to blush. “I knew you were still obsessed with her! Why would you make us your accomplices! When we said to snatch her up, we didn’t mean it literally!”

Hermione sat there stunned watching Draco stutter over his friends’ accusations, looking between Pansy and Lucius for some sign of confirmation. Had Draco had some sort of crush on her at school? They both were laughing at Draco’s embarrassment before Lucius decided to take pity on his son. “No, not Draco either.”

Slowly, Blaise, Theo, and Pansy all turned to Narcissa who was primly wiping her mouth with her napkin, looking undisturbed at the accusations being tossed around. “I did not kidnap Hermione. I simply offered her a place to stay for a few months.”

“Offered? I distinctly remember you informing me that I was staying here, not offering,” Hermione smiled at Narcissa.

“Ah, that makes a little more sense, I suppose,” Blaise commented as he poured a glass of wine for Pansy and then himself. “That’s how she adopted each of us. Offered us a home that was open anytime, but when we did not take advantage of the offer, she then informed us that we would be taking advantage of it moving forward.”

“I don’t know what either of you are talking about,” Narcissa pursed her lips, but her eyes softened at the memory.

“Narcissa informed you that you would be joining them here, but you just accepted that? Why not shack up with Potter? Aren’t you dating or something?” Theo was like a dog with a bone, trying to get to the bottom of Hermione’s presence.

Hermione choked on a sip of the wine at the mention of Harry’s name. “Ew, no. Harry’s my brother, not my boyfriend. I know you purebloods have a history of interbreeding, but that's a bit too close, don't you think? I suppose I could have asked Professor McGonagall if I could have stayed at the castle, but I didn’t think I would manage to get any sleep there. And even if I felt welcome at the Burrow, there’s too much grief there. I would feel like I was intruding. Coming here I figured I would mostly be left to myself, but I also want to make sure that Kingsley doesn’t try to find some way to work around the vow before tomorrow morning.”

“You and Auror Shacklebolt are in an Unbreakable Vow? Why?” Pansy tilted her head as she tried to read between the lines spoken.

“It’s just a small one,” Hermione waved her hands dismissively, “allowing Lucius, Narcissa, and Draco to come here, before they go in for questioning tomorrow morning”.

“Speaking of, Remi!” Lucius called for their house elf, who appeared next to the table with a quiet pop. “Can you please see if there is an owl in our owlery to send this missive out? If none of our owls have made their way here yet, would you or Lena please deliver this to Almanzo Greengrass? We’ll need his immediate reply.”

“Yes, Mister Lucius. I did nots sees any owls on the way from the greenhouse with Missy Pansy earlier, sos Is will take to Mister Manzo myself,” Remi assured his master before popping away.

“Will Mister Greengrass come with us to the Ministry tomorrow, Father?” Draco quietly asked Lucius. He tried to maintain a calm facade, but his eyes betrayed the nervous feeling he hid.

“You have a greenhouse? I would love to see it on the tour later, Cissa,” Hermione requested.

“It’s quite lovely, and has a potions lab as well. Draco thought you may like to set up a small brewing station after lunch. We did not want to assume that you would want to take our potions, but you are more than welcome to use any of the ingredients to brew your own stock as needed”. Narcissa replied to Hermione as Lucius and Draco began to discuss what exactly they would need to talk to Almanzo Greengrass about.

---

The rest of lunch passed smoothly. Despite feeling hungry and wanting to replenish their magical cores, everyone was too exhausted from the battle or anxious for the next day to stomach much food. As Lena and Nori popped into the dining room to clear the plates, they informed the witches and wizards that they would be expected to eat more at the next meal. Hermione smiled at the thought that Narcissa may have learned to inform her loved ones from the elves.

Draco offered to help give the household tour to Hermione, but Lucius and Narcissa assured him that they would handle it. When Hermione agreed, she quietly told Draco that he should spend time with his friends, as he likely hadn’t gotten to spend much time with them over the last year or so. He gratefully accepted the out, and brought Pansy, Blaise, and Theo to his private sitting room upstairs. Nori sent up some more snack foods and a tea cart that his friends helped themselves too while he took the opportunity to shower and change.

“Do you buy Hermione’s story? She didn’t have anywhere else to be so she came here? Not the Weasleys’, not the Leaky Cauldron or Three Broomsticks, but home of Draco Malfoy—childhood bully and family of Death Eaters?” Theo spoke in a hushed voice while Draco was in the other room.

“She’s always been better than Weaslebee, I don’t blame her for not wanting to spend time there,” Blaise dismissed Theo’s incessant need to break apart conspiracy theories.

“I don’t buy it for a minute. She is after something from the Malfoys. It may not be gold—I never got the feeling that she needed much in school—but if she put Auror Shacklebolt under a bloody Unbreakable Vow for the Malfoys...” Pansy trailed off as she searched for the right words. “Granger has always been too smart, there has to be something that she wants”.

“Do you think she’s going to murder us all in our sleep?” Theo’s eyes widened at the thought.

“I sure hope not. It would put quite the damper in my first real sleepover if she did,” Pansy quipped. “No, I think Granger wants information. She’ll probably spend the night camped out in the library or drilling Lucius and Narcissa for intelligence that she can take back to Auror Shacklebolt herself.”

Blaise contemplated both thoughts for a moment, before he shook his head. “I think Granger camping out in the library is far more likely. She practically lived in the Hogwarts’ Library for 6 years and we all know this one is far more impressive; she’s a muggleborn and probably won’t get the opportunity to see another family library like this one anytime soon. I bet you 30 galleons she tries to read every book in there by the end of the summer.”

Draco made his way back into the sitting room as Blaise joked about Hermione’s reading habits. “50 says she tries to read them all by the end of the month”. They all laughed at how likely that was to happen.

---

Lucius offered both of his elbows to Narcissa and Hermione as they began the rest of the house tour. After only a few hours spent in conversation with Hermione Granger, Lucius was finding himself more and more fond of her. Not only was she brilliant and magically gifted, but she was also witty and carried herself in a similar manner to Narcissa or other pureblood witches. He wondered if she had some sort of formal training, or if all muggles had similar manners. These thoughts took most of his focus as he walked with Narcissa and Hermione, often tuning out Narcissa’s narration.

“I do apologize for many of my family’s portraits, Hermione. You are likely the first muggleborn we have had visit beyond a formal floo call or the like. I will speak to them about not muttering about your presence here”.

“Thank you Cissa, but I believe Lucius took care of that earlier. If it was going to remain an issue, Walburga surely would have been vocal by now,” Hermione dismissed kindly.

“Walburga? Lucius what is she talking about?” Narcissa stopped Lucius and Hermione in their tracks as they entered the solarium at the back of the home.

“Nothing to worry about, Cissa. Hermione has apparently been introduced to Walburga’s portrait where it resides at Grimmauld Place before, and I believe they have come to an understanding about mutual respect”. Lucius paused and looked at Hermione’s smug face and amended, “or at least an understanding about not speaking at all if one does not have anything nice to say”.

“Grimmauld Place? You’ve set foot in that awful home?” Narcissa looked shocked at the revelation. “The last time I set foot in there it was falling apart, and that was almost twenty years ago. It cannot possibly still be standing”.

“Yes, Sirius opened it as headquarters for the Order before he passed away,” Hermione recalled the fallen Marauder. “Harry, Ron, and I also used it as a safe house for a few months last fall but we worried that Yaxley was invited inside of the Fidelius Charm after our break in at the ministry, so we haven’t returned since. Lucius, do you know if the Death Eaters were able to enter? If it’s still protected, I want to let Harry know as soon as possible. Sirius was his godfather, and it’s the closest thing he has to remember him and by extension his parents by”.

“What, don’t want to break in there too? Is there anywhere left in the magical world that you lot didn’t break into?” Lucius teased Hermione fondly. “Yaxley must not have been let entirely inside the boundary. I recall the meeting after you visited the ministry, and he was tortured quite severely for letting you get away. Before you return, I would recommend sending in more curse breakers to further assess any traps. That is another service that Gringotts offers, beyond the employed wizards you may be familiar with”.

“Of course it is. Please tell me that somewhere in that beautiful library we passed earlier, there is a book or a dozen on all of the finer points of the magical society that I am missing out on. It is so frustrating that there weren’t classes at Hogwarts to teach the other muggleborns and me about not only pureblood society, but the rest of the magical world. Weren’t you on the board of governors for a few years, Lucius? Are you still in contact with any of the other governors? I would like to petition them for an overhaul to the education system.” Hermione broke into her usual swotty voice as she ranted about how the education system failed her.

“There may not be books on the social aspects of our world, Hermione, but I would be more than willing to teach you. Pansy would also be a good resource, as I know she learned from several of the same tutors I had growing up,” Narcissa stopped Hermione’s rant with a soft squeeze of her arm.

“Believe it or not, education reform is one of the main reasons so many purebloods like us butted heads with Dumbledore. It was less about the admittance of muggleborns into Hogwarts, and more about taking away many of our traditions. I don’t recall there being classes when we were students at Hogwarts, but there were certainly informal clubs that celebrated the traditional holidays. Many of them included muggleborn students who wanted to learn our ways, but they fell out of fashion not long after we graduated. Several of your classmates have family still on the board of governors; I would be willing to help you get in contact with several to present a solid plan to reform the Hogwarts curriculum,” Lucius offered Hermione.

Hermione looked Lucius in his eyes, trying to discern if his offer was genuine. When Narcissa nodded too, she bobbed her head once, ready to move on both in conversation and on the tour.

“Shall we head to the greenhouse? I would like to start some potions to brew while I get changed,” Hermione indicated that Narcissa should once again lead the way.

“Changed? Oh, Hermione, we didn’t think to have you grab your trunk before we came here! Thankfully you and Pansy are of similar size, and I have maintained closets with spare clothing for each of my children here over the years. I’m sure she would not mind loaning you some robes until we can get your belongings,” Narcissa rambled as she led Lucius and Hermione across the lawn to the small greenhouse. “If none of her robes will work, Lena can help alter mine. Or perhaps she could pop out to pick up your things or even shop for you”.

As Narcissa continued to offer alternatives, Lucius snuck a glance at Hermione. After revelations that Hermione had broken his son’s nose in school, had organized a break in into Gringotts, he noticed her smirk and knew she held more than secrets in her tiny beaded bag.

“Earlier when you said you might pitch a tent rather than go stay at the Weasleys’, you meant that you had a tent in your bag and could pull it out wherever, didn’t you?” Lucius interrupted Narcissa, and turned fully towards Hermione.

“I have a change of clothing in my bag. Well, no that’s not true. I have all of my changes of clothing and then some in my bag. It does also contain a tent, a small amount of food and provisions, my travel library, and other necessities,” Hermione held up her bag. As she registered the inquisitive looks on Narcissa and Lucius’s faces, she shook it. “It may or may not have an undetectable extension charm on it. What can I say? I travel light”.

“You are aware that those charms are illegal, yes?” Lucius raised his eyebrow at Hermione’s faux innocent face.

“Oops. It's a good thing I now have a hotshot lawyer on retainer then, isn’t it, Lucius? Someone ought to make sure they earn their wages”.

Narcissa, who had yet to hear about Hermione’s hidden devious side, was shocked at the banter between her husband and the younger witch. She tilted her head as she further assessed the muggleborn witch. “How many more secrets do you plan on dropping on us, Hermione? And I thought we got away with a lot when we were younger,” Narcissa quipped to Lucius.

“I can’t share too many, Narcissa. If I did, you may decide to inform me that I am no longer welcome in your home,” Hermione joked between the planters inside the greenhouse. “Is this the potions lab through here? I really would like to get a few potions started, if you truly don’t mind”.

“Oh yes, it isn’t much. Severus spent some time here teaching Draco while he was younger, though they both preferred the potions lab at Malfoy Manor; I’m sure it will be set up in a similar way to what you are used to at school. Severus spent a few years after he earned his potions mastery changing the layout of potions ingredients and tools in potions labs. It took us ages to get used to a different way than what we were taught in school, but his mind was brilliant and I must say it makes it much easier to find things” Narcissa spoke softly about Severus Snape. His death would be hard on all of the Malfoys, losing their friend and son’s godfather was another tragedy of the war.

Hermione made her way into the lab, and took her time reading the labeled ingredients before she pulled out her own potions supplies at one of the spare workstations. “Earlier you mentioned your own potions; what ones do you have already bottled?” Hermione inquired.

“We have blood-replenishing, some burn soothing balms and bruise paste, calming draughts and dreamless sleep. Draco and Severus often told us that you were gifted at potions in school, and Draco thought you may prefer to brew your own rather than take ours,” Narcissa shared.

“I would prefer my own, but not because I don’t trust you. The summer after 5th year, I spent a lot of time working with Professor Snape on many of his recipes and started making my own adjustments. While there may not ever be another potions master as gifted as Professor Snape, he taught me a lot—beyond the curriculum, and I suppose I just prefer those recipes to anything else these days,” Hermione moved to reassure Narcissa that she was not being ungrateful.

“Thank you for saying so, Hermione. I think I shall leave you here, if you don’t mind. I would like to scrub off all of this grime so I may feel like myself before tomorrow. Do not feel as though you need to entertain us with your presence tonight. Brew your potions, and then call Lena to show you which guest room you will be staying in. I anticipate most of the house will all indulge in some dreamless sleep tonight so we are well rested for the aurors tomorrow. I am so glad you are here with us, and look forward to getting to know you better, Hermione.” Narcissa kissed each of Hermione’s cheeks and squeezed Lucius’s hand on her way out of the potions lab.

Hermione and Lucius called out their own goodbyes as Narcissa left them alone in the lab. Lucius offered to help Hermione brew, but she declined, preferring to prep and brew entirely on her own. Not wanting to be rude to her hosts, Hermione countered his offer with an invitation to speak more about the many ways she could make use of having a lawyer on hand.

Narcissa took a few moments to gather herself in the greenhouse before she continued on into the main house. She stood outside of the doorway for a few moments until she heard, “BLACKMAIL?!” bellowed by Lucius. Deciding that she would rather live in ignorance for a few hours longer, she hurried inside to the peaceful quiet of her bath.

“How in the world did you not end up in Slytherin?” Lucius demanded of Hermione.

“Hello? Muggleborn, remember?” Hermione retorted.

“Oh yes. I...forgot,” Lucius sheepishly muttered.

“Lucky you,” Hermione dryly replied. Lucius glanced up quickly, anticipating a look of loathing to have crossed Hermione’s face, but instead was met with amusement.

“I truly am sorry for all of hateful rhetoric I spread, Hermione. I know I cannot change your experiences, but I want you to know that I plan to do better moving forward”.

“I know, Lucius. Turn me loose in that library of yours, and I think we can call it a draw”.

“This puny library? It has nothing on the one in my family home. When it gets the all clear from the ministry, I would like to share it with you,” Lucius hesitantly offered.

“Ah,” Hermione paused as she added several ingredients to her cauldron. “I’m not sure I will be ready for that any time soon, but I truly appreciate the gesture, Lucius”.

“I understand. Just know, it is an open-ended invitation”.

“Thank you”. She quietly added. “Well, this just has to simmer for a few hours, so shall we make our way back to the house? I would really like to get cleaned up now” Hermione led Lucius back through the greenhouse. When she finally noticed her reflection in the greenhouse windows, she gasped. “Wow. Pansy might actually be a better person than me. If I had seen myself earlier, I don’t think I could have limited myself to a small joke about braiding my hair or needing beauty charms to tame my curls. Someone could have let me get cleaned up before lunch, you prat,” Hermione smacked Lucius’s arm playfully.

“Shall I send Lena in to detangle your curls for you? If that’s how hard you can hit me, you may not have strength enough to lather your own hair. How’d you manage to break Draco’s nose with those twigs you call arms?” Lucius smiled fondly down at Hermione, much to her annoyance.

“You want to see the memory? If you have a pensieve hidden in that office of yours, I’ll pull it out for desert tonight,” Hermione giggled as they passed by the library to the main staircase.

“Please do! Narcissa and I would get a kick out of that, I’m sure,” Lucius guided Hermione down the hall to a guest room overlooking the garden. “I believe this room has been set aside for your stay. Help yourself to anything inside, but, if need be, Lena will answer your calls—should you find that you forgot something in that bag of yours”.

“Thank you, Lucius. I think I have it all in hand”.

Hermione made her way into one of the most beautiful rooms that she had ever been in; a soft neutral color palette enhanced the beauty of the furniture and the view out of the large bay window. Hermione knew that she would be reading many books curled up in the reading nook in the coming days. She walked into the ensuite bathroom and her jaw dropped open at the peaceful space. In her desperate need to take a shower with warm, running water after months of cold camp showers, Hermione barely took the time to vanish her clothing. She knew that between the permanent blood stains and the painful memories, she would never be able to wear any of it again.

Hours later, Hermione finally was able to run her fingers through her hair without encountering any tangles, and she indulged in several of the lotions Narcissa and Lena had set out on the vanity. Pulling on one of Harry’s old quittich jerseys and a spare pair of sweatpants, Hermione called for Lena to help take her back to the potions lab. After taking a few minutes to decant her dreamless sleep and calming draught, Hermione returned to her guest suite.

Too exhausted physically and emotionally, Hermione asked Lena to bring her a tray for dinner rather than attempt to rejoin the group in the dining room. When Lena returned, Hermione asked for one last thing before she crawled into bed.

“Lena, would you be a dear and deliver this to Lucius and Narcissa during desert? Please make sure Draco is still there when they receive this”. Hermione used her wand to pull the memory of her breaking Draco’s nose during their third year, followed by a short note to Lucius reminding him of what the contents would be.

“Yes, Missy Hermy, Lena bes taking this”.

"Thank you, Lena,” Hermione then softly asked if Lena would be able to wake her from a nightmare and bring her brewed potions if need be. Stubborn as always, Hermione was hopeful that she would not need any help, but was pragmatic to know that it would be better to have a backup plan just in case. She could give herself one night to grieve and wallow before she knew she had to move forward putting the world back together.

Tomorrow would be a long day, but for now she could sleep safely.

Chapter Text

Lena had the longest night out of everyone staying at the Black family estate; between the physical and magical exhaustion, and the grief everyone was experiencing, no one in the house slept entirely through the night. Draco and Hermione both woke in the middle of nightmares of shared horrors they were forced to experience during the war; Theo and Blaise shared a room throughout the entirety of the school year under the Carrows and were unable to sleep apart, Pansy woke hearing Hermione whimper and call out for Harry in her sleep; Lucius and Narcissa kept waking to reassure themself that the other was still in bed next to them; and poor Lena, she woke for them all—offering more dreamless sleep, calming draughts, tea, or just a soothing presence.

By dawn, it was painfully clear that there would be no more rest for anyone. Lena and Nori quickly prepared a wide variety of food for breakfast, knowing their family would need their strength for the day ahead. One by one, they each readied themselves for the day and made their way to the dining room. Each of the young adults were quiet as they moved through the halls. Draco met Hermione in the hall outside of her room to escort her to breakfast, knowing that Theo and Blaise were planning on walking with Pansy. After an awkward moment of way too much eye contact, they shared quiet looks of understanding. Only Narcissa and Lucius managed to fully hide their dark circles with glamor charms, looking immaculate as they awaited each of the young adults to join them.

Partway through the meal, Lena popped in to announce the arrival of the Malfoy family’s lawyer. Almanzo Greengrass was shown into the dining room, where Lucius and Narcissa had risen from their seats to greet him. The arrival initially brought down the mood for the young adults, until Almanzo’s warm voice broke through their racing thoughts.

“And who do we have here? I recognize Draco, of course, but I don’t believe I have had the pleasure of meeting the rest of you!”

“Almanzo, these are our bonus children, Theo Nott, Pansy Parkinson, Blaise Zabini, and this is Hermione Granger,” Narcissa beamed at each of them as Almanzo shook their hands. His gentle demeanor comforted them, until he did a double take at Hermione’s name.

Hermione stiffened slightly in her seat, allowing her eyes to drift to Lucius for reassurance. He met her eyes and offered a small smile, letting her know she would be more than safe speaking to Mr. Greengrass.

“It’s lovely to meet you, Mr. Greengrass. Lucius has brought it to my attention that I may have need for your services if you are available soon,” Hermione did not reveal much, but was matter of fact about her needs.

“Well, if Lucius says you could use my help, I am more than happy to advise or represent you as needed. I do anticipate being quite swamped in the coming weeks, but you can always send me an owl and I will get back to you whenever I am able,” Almanzo’s earnest offer was appreciated by both Hermione and Lucius. “Now, I do apologize for needing to discuss some more unsavory topics before we are to meet at the Ministry this morning. Lucius, Narcissa, shall we move to your study or stay here?”

Narcissa drew a quick breath and grabbed Lucius’s hand under the table. His thumb rubbed comforting circles as she looked towards the young adults. “I think we would like to stay here, unless any of you would like to leave, children?”

Theo and Blaise spoke softly, stating they would stay, while Pansy and Hermione nodded demurely. Draco had hardly moved since Almanzo entered the dining room, staring blankly at his plate. Hermione noticed, and softly nudged his side with her elbow, offering a reassuring smile. Draco sucked in a breath and met her eyes before he also affirmed his willingness to stay.

“Brilliant. Now, Lucius, your letter last night mentioned that you were only to be brought in for questioning, not a formal arrest. Is that correct?”

“Yes, we have Hermione to thank for that. I believe the vow specified questions about our involvement,” Lucius offered, silently hoping Hermione would reveal her cunning to more people. He had enjoyed watching her brain work.

“Hold on, what vow?” Theo set his glass down on the table with enthusiasm, not wanting to miss any gossip.

Hermione shrugged and waved her hand nonchalantly, “Kingsley vowed to give them through breakfast this morning, and is locked into questions about the second wizarding war”.

“How’d you get Kingsley to agree to that?” Pansy asked incredulously.

Hermione’s jaw clenched but was saved from answering by Almanzo following up about her word choice. “Second wizarding war? Interesting, Miss Granger. Why specify that?”

“Just Hermione, please. And correct me if I’m wrong, but you were given a trial after Voldemort’s first fall in 1981 and were found to have been acting under the Imperius curse, right?” At Lucius’s small nod, she continued, “my thought process is that we first need to get them to establish that his fall marked the end of a first wizarding war, and that the second began after the Ministry finally acknowledged Voldemort’s return. If they try to argue it began in the Graveyard with his resurrection, we may have a harder time with any actions you took at that time; if we can get them to state that it truly did not start until a year later when the ministry finally acknowledged Voldemort’s return, then we should have a little more wiggle room. You were arrested after that, convicted for your involvement, and sent to Azkaban,” Hermione spoke mostly to Lucius but occasionally glanced at Almanzo taking notes of her suggestions. “I know that Draco was marked after you were already in Azkaban, and I think we lean into him being largely underage and marked against his will. Narcissa and Draco were forced to host Voldemort and many followers under duress, and did not voluntarily participate in any raids, revels, torture, etc., during this time. I know at some point Lucius and many other followers were once again brought out of Azkaban, but who’s to say if it was actually a breakout? Mr. Greengrass, who does the burden of proof fall on in the wizarding world? If we can put it on the ministry to prove that the prior administration did not amend Lucius’s sentencing to be house arrest instead, especially if you remained without your wand for most of that time, then any information you can share about who were willing Death Eaters, dates, times, and more then I think Kingsley would be more than willing to offer you protection as a silent supporter of the Order of the Phoenix, even if you joined a little late to the game.” Hermione stopped when she noticed every pair of eyes trained onto her during her speech.

“Salazar, Granger,” Pansy muttered.

“Merlin, Lucius. Are you sure you even need my help?” Almanzo broke the tension. “You in need of a job, Hermione?”

“Thank you, but I do not want to visit the Ministry quite yet. I may trust Kingsley, but I would prefer to remain out of sight, out of mind for the next few weeks. The fewer people that know of my location, the better,” Hermione blushed at Almanzo’s offer, then cut her eyes to the other Slytherins at the table.

“Marry me, Granger,” Blaise and Theo both jokingly proposed then broke into quiet laughter at Draco’s firm “No”.

Pansy and Narcissa locked eyes and smirked at Draco’s possessiveness, while Lucius tilted his head in consideration knowing of Draco’s longtime crush on the witch.

“Let us brainstorm any details we can share with Kingsley’s team and that will help me determine a more specific plan of attack. I doubt they will allow you all to be interviewed at the same time, but I will be with each of you the entire time. Hermione, do you have any other tricks up your sleeve that may help move this along?”

“Yes, actually. I think if I can get a letter or Patronus to Harry quickly enough, he might be willing to corroborate Narcissa lying about him dying directly to Voldemort in order to get to Draco, as well as Draco lowering his wand when Dumbledore died,” Hermione locked eyes with Draco as he paled at the mention of Dumbledore. “I would also be more than willing to write out my own accounts of Draco’s refusal to identify us at Malfoy manor, and the help he provided during the final battle. Tossing his wand to Harry, having our back in the hallways, and so on.”

“Oh, Hermione,” Narcissa brought her hands to her mouth.

“I think letters would be impactful. I’d like to save them as a last resort, if possible, maybe even as a final push if they decide to push for a trial,” Almanzo spoke almost to himself in a sort of trance. “Thank you for the suggestions. This gives me an idea of some past laws that I can reference while we are in the ministry.”

---

Longing for a moment to herself, and conscious of the hidden desire for the Malfoys to spend time together before they were potentially separated permanently, Hermione excused herself from the table and sought out the library. She found a table in one of the alcoves in the library and pulled out some parchment to begin a letter to Harry. Beginning with reassurance that she remained safe where she was, Hermione asked after the Weasley family, baby Teddy and Andromeda, and checked in with Harry. She briefly touched on the request for Harry to either show up in person at the ministry to speak to Kingsley about Narcissa’s lie, or to write a statement for Draco and Narcissa. Hermione remembered Lucius’s words that Grimmauld Place’s Fidelius Charm was most likely still standing but included the advice of having it checked out before he returned alone anyways. She missed him, not being apart from him for more than a few hours for almost a year; while she wasn’t up to visiting the Burrow and the Weasley family yet, Hermione wanted to see Harry at some point that day. Perhaps they could meet up in Hogsmeade to check in on any progress being made at Hogwarts.

---

Glancing at the clock on the mantle, Narcissa sucked in a breath. She moved to gather all her bonus children in her arms before leaving for the Ministry of Magic.

Clock chimes rung out, indicating that it was now 10am; right on cue the floo turned green, announcing the arrival of Kingsley and two other aurors here to collect the Malfoys for questioning. All three were waiting in the reception hall, along with their lawyer. During breakfast, Narcissa asked Theo, Blaise, Pansy, and Hermione to remain tucked out of sight; she was protective of her surrogate children, and recognized Hermione’s desire to remain out of sight-out of mind for the foreseeable future.

“Good morning, Lord Malfoy, Lady Malfoy, young Mr. Malfoy,” Kingsley nodded to each of the Malfoys as he shook Lucius’ hand. “Are you ready to go? We have a direct floo connection established to the DMLE, so we can avoid the chaos of the Ministry atrium. I assume there are no objections to that?”

“None, Auror Shacklebolt. This is Almanzo Greengrass. He is our solicitor and will be joining our conversations today,” Lucius indicated the man standing opposite the fireplace.

“Pleasure, Mr. Greengrass. I recognize you from around the ministry, though I don’t believe we have ever been formally introduced,” Kingsley kindly offered.

“You as well, Auror Shacklebolt. I do believe we are ready to head in now if you are amenable. No reason to delay.”

---

While the Malfoys were being questioned at the Ministry of Magic, the three remaining Slytherins were making several laps as they paced around the main library. Theo and Blaise were worried that despite Draco’s reluctance to be involved in any Death Eater activity, he may face severe consequences for his actions. The past two years had been hard for them to be kept at arm’s length away from Draco; it wasn’t until Hermione’s revelations at breakfast that they found out Draco had been more involved with Dumbledore’s death. Pansy, however, kept her focus on Hermione. She was trying to figure out why Hermione was still here, instead of reunited with the rest of the “Golden Trio”.

“So, Granger, any ideas on how to pass the time today?” Theo flirted as he passed by the alcove she had claimed for the tenth time that morning. “Got any muggle games you can teach us? Any hidden talents to share with the class?”

“Yes, I’m going to see Harry. I got a letter that said he was already planning on meeting with Kingsley at some point this afternoon, so I’m optimistic that the Malfoys will all be home in time for dinner. I think Harry and I may grab dinner out somewhere. It was hard to be away from him last night. Sorry for disturbing your beauty sleep, Parkinson,” Hermione sheepishly looked up at Parkinson, perched on the corner of the desk.

“How long have you two been together?” Pansy assessed her nails as if the answer was not important.

“Together?”

“Yes, Granger. You and Harry have been on and off since the Triwizard Tournament, right?”

“Harry and I? Ew, no. He’s my brother. Besides, you and I both know that you started half of the rumors that cow Rita Skeeter published that year. Never been romantic between us.”

“Ah, so you’re a free agent then, or did the Weasel sink his claws in you?” Theo smirked and stalked closer towards Hermione, while Blaise tilted his head in consideration.

“Interesting. Is this common knowledge that you are an unattached witch? I assume the Weasleys don’t follow the old ways, you know, no betrothal contracts in the works for you and the Weasel?”

“Betrothal contract? Don’t make me laugh. Plus, wrong Weasley,” she winked before turning her attention back to her parchments on the desk.

“Which Weasley is the right one if it isn’t Ron? Don’t tell me little Miss Goody two-shoes is in love with the pompous prefect we had?” Pansy wrinkled her nose as if she was offended by the notion. “At least pick one that would help loosen you up a bit.”

“Percy. And no, it wouldn’t have been him,” Hermione trailed off as a fresh wave of grief hit her. “Not that it matters anymore, but I don’t think there would have been a betrothal contract. They aren’t really done in the muggle world all that much, though prenups are more common.”

Theo and Pansy made eye contact with each other as Blaise began to see the grief Hermione was trying to hide. Accepting the need to take a break from her writing, Hermione stood and asked Pansy if she wanted to take a walk out in the gardens before lunch was served. The boys were not invited to girl time and chose to break into the firewhiskey hidden in the library. As they watched the girls disappear along the pathways, they were struck with the fear that a friendship between Pansy and Hermione could spell trouble for the whole wizarding world.

---

Lunch passed with little fanfare, and despite the efforts made to get to know Hermione better, she kept her cards close to her chest without any of the Malfoys there to act as a buffer between her and the rest of her classmates. Hermione retreated back to the library to dive back into the reference books that Lucius recommended and had practically rewritten the entire education system in the wizarding world by the time the sun had started to set.

The later it got, the more antsy everybody became. Even the elves were not immune to the rising stress as the Malfoys had not returned home yet. Theo especially was struggling with the idea that he may not see them again, despite Hermione’s constant reassurances that they should be home any moment.

Finally, all four classmates heard the floo go off and raced to greet the Malfoys on their return. Theo practically leaped into Draco, almost knocking him over, as Pansy rushed back into Narcissa’s arms. Blaise and Hermione were far more composed and shared a conspiring look before they beamed at Lucius. Before they could fully cross the room the floo went off again and out stepped the intimidating figure of Kingsley Shacklebolt.

“Lena, can you please set the table for nine people for dinner? We have a few more guests for dinner, though you do not need to set up guest rooms tonight,” Lucius spoke to the house elf that had wrapped herself around his legs at his return.

“I bes doing that, yes,” and out she popped.

In the chaos of the Malfoys’ return home, no one noticed the last figure that stepped out of the floo behind Kingsley. A throat cleared, and all the heads turned.

“Harry!”