Author's Note: There are so many people that need to be thanked for this story's existence. First, I would like to thank Dramione84 for pushing me to write this and get out of my comfort zone. If it wasn't for her, this brilliant thing wouldn't exist. Next, I need to thank my Alpha SquarePeg72 and my Beta starrnobella. You both kept me sane during the revision of this chapter, and I know you will with the chapters to come as well. I cannot stress how much the both of you mean to me. Lastly, I want to thank you, the readers for loving this story so much. I have no words for the kind reviews and all the favorites and follows that I have received for this story. T&T is, hands down, my favorite story I have ever written. It's touched me, and I'm so honored it's touched you too. If ever you feel like my Hermione in this story, please know that you can talk to me. I've been there, and it sucks. Don't go through it alone.
This story has been edited and revised (5/30/17) in preparation for two companion pieces that will be added as a series of their own within the coming weeks. This story still remains a part of the Wolves without Teeth series, but you may read it as a standalone if you wish. Trigger warnings are listed below and are there for a reason. If any of those irritate you or cause you discomfort, please do not read this story. Thank you and enjoy! xxDustNight
Disclaimer: All non-original characters, plot points, and information belongs to J.K. Rowling. The cover photo is a mashup I created from photos found on Google. The story plot and dialogue belong to me. I do not write for profit.
Full Summary: Forced to end her relationship with Draco because of a betrothal contract, Hermione launches herself into her work. She spends the next four years traveling the world researching, interviewing, and working towards eradicating all the remaining Pureblood laws that still seem to dictate the Wizarding World even after all this time. In the process, Hermione battles inner demons and learns more about herself than she ever could have imagined.
Awards & Recognitions Teardrops & Teacups has received:
The #IsItHotInHere16 Dramione Fanfiction Awards
First Place: "Insufferable Know-it-All." Best Hermione Characterization category
First Place: "If you love me, don't let go." Best Drama/Angst fic category
The #SomethingWicked16 Dramione Fanfiction Awards
Runner Up: "Two is Better than One." Best Threesome/Moresome Fic category
The Haven Awards 2017 (Hosted by Hermione's Haven)
First Place: "Brightest Witch of Her Age" Best Hermione Characterization category
Runner Up: "I can't give you my soul 'cause we're never alone." Best Drama/Angst category
Runner Up: "Two is Better than One" Best Threesome/Moresome category
Playlist: htt*ps:*/ope* *ify.c*om/u*ser/12*464013*51/pla*ylist/4ZL*4lGjmTxdyJnAC*uIjFzo
Teardrops & Teacups
Pairing: Hermione/Multi
Rating: M
Mini-Fic/Prequel to Wolves without Teeth
Trigger Warnings:Adultery, Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, Threesome - F/M/M, Threesome - F/F/M, Near Death, Minor Character Death, Light Dom/sub, Mildly Dubious Consent, Infidelity, Suicidal Thoughts, Dark, Angst, Miscarriage
Part One: 2006
Song Recommendations: "Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol, "Bad Day" by Daniel Powter, "What Hurts the Most" by Rascal Flatts, "Because of You" by Kelly Clarkson, "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield
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"The saddest kind of sad is when your tears can't even drop and you feel nothing.
It's like the world has just ended. You don't cry, you don't hear, you don't see.
You just stay there. For a second, the heart dies."
— Anonymous
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Teardrops and Teacups
Part One: 2006
25 December 2005: 8:00pm
The fireplace burst to life, igniting the small living room with green light. Ron Weasley stepped out of the flames and strode over to the couch where Hermione lay curled on her side. Her legs were pulled up to her chest and a crumpled newspaper was clutched in her hands. The witch stared straight ahead, her tangled curls fanned out on the cushion behind her head. Eyeing her warily, Ron slid an empty teacup out of the way before sitting down on the sturdy coffee table.
Hermione's eyes briefly flickered to the large golden R on his new sweater before meeting his blue eyes. Relaxing her grip on the newspaper in her hand, she thrust it towards her ex and longtime best friend before curling further into herself to try and alleviate the pain she felt in her chest. She swallowed roughly, her throat feeling blocked by the heart that was threatening to claw its way out of her body.
Ron gave her another once over before dropping his gaze to read the headline on the front page of the Prophet despite already knowing what he would find there.
"Draco Malfoy weds Astoria Greengrass in extravagant Christmas Eve Celebration."
Standing from the coffee table, Ron returned to the fireplace and tossed the treacherous newspaper into the flames, relishing at the crackle and pop the blasted thing made as it burned into nothingness. Then, he returned to the couch he and Hermione purchased when they first moved into the flat, pulling the blanket off the armrest where it was meticulously folded. Unfolding the warm quilt, Ron draped it over Hermione before bending to place a kiss against her temple.
"We missed you at the Burrow today. Get some rest and I'll see you in a few days."
Ron's heart clenched when she merely squeezed her eyes shut and nodded as if she were in pain; and to be fair, she probably was. Heartbreak was one of the most painful things one had to endure in life. He should know…
With one last fleeting look over his shoulder, Ron returned to the fireplace and used the floo network to travel back to the Burrow where Harry awaited, hoping for an update on the mental status of their best friend. Things were not looking good.
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1 January 2006: 12:30am
Ron,
I've switched the flat back over into your name. I know you've only just put my name back on the lease, but I won't be needing it. I've gone to spend the New Year with my mum and dad in Sydney. I'll send word once I'm settled. I'll be back when the Ministry reopens after the winter break in a few weeks. I hope you and Pansy have a lovely holiday in Madrid!
Love,
Hermione
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6 January 2006: 12:18pm
Hermione sat at a small table on the terrace of The Crabbe Hole, sipping an iced tea and watching as the tourists strolled by on the beach below. Bondi Beach was busy this Friday afternoon, and Hermione couldn't determine whether she was happy or disturbed at the distraction that being out and about with her mother provided. Feeling the sweat dribble down her spine underneath the pale blue sundress she wore, Hermione took another sip of the cool liquid she'd ordered instead of her regular cup of its scalding counterpart. Her mother had popped off to the loo for a moment, which, unfortunately, allowed Hermione time to dwell on the entire reason she'd up and left London on a whim.
Slamming her glass back down on the red tabletop, she crossed her arms and glared out at the ocean, her chest aching with both anger and sadness. At that moment, Jean Granger returned, sliding onto her stool and smiling warmly at her daughter. Hermione tried to return the smile, but found herself incapable.
"Oh darling, are you thinking about him again?" Jean reached across the table and patted her daughter's arm. "None of that now—let's order some dessert and then take a walk on the beach before we head back to the house to meet your father."
"You're right, mum. A slice of cake does sound rather good right now," she deftly lied.
"That's the spirit."
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14 January 2006: 9:53am
Headline from the morning edition of the Daily Prophet:
"Draco and Astoria Malfoy return from honeymoon abroad in France."
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14 January 2006: 11:37pm
The scalding water poured out of the shower head, running down the top of Hermione's head and easing the tension she'd felt since earlier this morning. She was due back at the Ministry Monday as everyone resumed working after the holiday season, but, honestly, she just wasn't feeling it. Besides, her father planted an interesting idea in her head regarding all the Pureblood Laws still restricting so many witches and wizards from certain rights. If the Pureblood Laws hadn't been so strict, then Draco could have annulled the betrothal contract, allowing them to continue being together.
As the water continued to pound Hermione on the back, a sob bubbled up in her throat. A hand coming up to cover her lips, she allowed herself to cry for the first time in weeks. Dropping to her knees, she wrapped her hands around her midsection and let the tears flow freely as she fell to pieces under the spray. She barely even registered, nearly forty minutes later, when her mother finally managed to get the bathroom door open to turn off the freezing water and wrap her daughter in a large, fluffy towel.
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15 January 2006: 1:22am
Harry,
I've decided to stay in Sydney for the time being. I'm going to conduct some research at the Australian Ministry on Pureblood Laws. If you need me for anything, send word via owl. In addition, please make sure DM is placed in charge in my absence.
Much love,
Hermione
PS: Congratulations to you and Ginny! I'm so happy to hear you're expecting again!
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31 January 2006: 8:00pm
Headline from the cover of the Witch Weekly:
"Pregnancy Rumors Abound! Astoria Malfoy seen leaving Maternity Ward at St. Mungo's."
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10 February 2006: 9:12am
The heels of Hermione's black pumps clicked upon the marble floor as she walked briskly through the file room in the Austrian Ministry of Magic's basement. In her arms she carried an abundance of folders she'd angrily pulled from the shelves after dealing with an incompetent worker just moments ago. Apparently, the daft prick thought she was wasting her time attempting to change the Pureblood Laws that governed the Wizarding community. When she'd made a minor comment about his obvious Pureblood heritage, he'd promptly refused to aid her in compiling the files she's requested any longer.
Thankfully, with one quick flash of her MLE Head of Department badge, he was thoroughly silenced, and she was sent on her merry way to collect any and all files related to her request. Arriving at her destination, Hermione dropped her stack of folders onto an old table with a thud, causing dust to fly into the air. Quickly waving her wand, she dispersed the dust and slid into the folding chair to begin her work. Conjuring a fresh cup of tea, Hermione pulled her parchment and quill forward and set to work.
Addendum to Blood Purity Laws, Draft #1
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14 February 2006: 8:14pm
Rolling her eyes, Hermione couldn't believe she'd allowed her mother and father to talk her into coming out tonight. Granted, they were going to the Sydney Opera House, but still. Didn't they realize that one year ago she and Draco started dating? Didn't they realize that one year ago Hermione discovered she'd somehow fallen for the insufferable git who'd been the bane of her existence all through school and the earlier parts of her career in the MLE? Didn't they realize that watching Kiki & Herb was the absolute last thing she wanted to do today?
As the lights dimmed and the curtain rose on the stage, Hermione figured that perhaps being out at a show determined to make her laugh was preferable to sitting at home, crying in her room as she worked on her research. Sighing to relax herself, Hermione pulled her lips into a smile as her father bumped her shoulder jovially. Being with her parents was definitely preferable to being alone on Valentine's Day.
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26 February 2006: 1:04pm
Hermione,
Potter tells me that you're staying away for a while. I want you to know that you don't have to do that. I'll step down from the MLE department if you would like. I just want you to be happy. Please forgive me. You know I had no choice.
Draco
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7 March 2006: 3:38pm
Excerpt from an interview with Chris Grant (Halfblood)
Head of the Australian Ministry's Marriage License Department
H: In your experience, have you seen a drop in the amount of Pureblood witches and wizards applying for marriage licenses?
C: I have. In fact, I believe that as the years move forward, we're going to see less and less Pureblood marriages.
H: What makes you say that?
C: To be honest, there's not many Purebloods left these days. Mostly Halfbloods.
H: Are you aware that there are laws that restrict Pureblood witches and wizards from marrying outside of betrothal contracts and stating that they should only marry other Purebloods?
C: Unfortunately, I do. That's why we see less and less applications coming in. Most of our kind prefer to live in sin, so to speak, rather than deal with the laws. Most Ministries turn a blind eye and allow the mixed marriages to happen, but if there is a betrothal contract, there's nothing we can do. Essentially, our hands are tied.
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17 March 2006: 10:30pm
Hermione stared at her reflection in the bathroom mirror of Seamus Finnegan's flat. It was his annual St. Patrick's Day party, and for some absurd reason, Hermione thought it was a good idea to return to London and join in the celebrations. That was until her ex-lover and his new wife walked into the place. Now, Hermione was holed up in the loo glaring at herself and trying to keep the tears at bay. Deciding it was ridiculous to keep avoiding the inevitable, she squared her shoulders and smoothed out invisible wrinkles on her emerald green cocktail dress. She gave herself one last look in the mirror before opening the door and rejoining her friends.
If she was going to have to deal with Draco and Astoria, at least she could get rip-roaring drunk with all the liquor Seamus provided. Ignoring the worried glances from Harry and Ron, Hermione grabbed the nearest bottle and brought it to her lips, tipping her head back and taking a long drawl of the amber liquid. To her surprise, she managed not to choke at the burning sensation the fire whiskey created as it made its way down her throat.
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18 March 2006: 1:56am
The cool tile provided minimal relief to the pounding in her head. She could still hear the faint blaring of music from behind the closed bathroom door, but that wasn't what roused her from her unconscious state. No, that was the heated whispers of her two ex-lovers as they debated what to do with her.
"Why the bloody hell would you allow her to get so wasted? Alcohol poisoning affects wizards just as much as it does Muggles, in case you forgot."
"How is this my fault, Malfoy? Here you are parading around with your wife right in front of her. Is it any surprise that she drank as much as she did? Astoria doesn't make things any easier, hanging all over you like a bloody-"
"Don't you dare finish that sentence Weasley; or so help me, I won't stop myself from punching you in the fucking face."
"Fine. I'll refrain, but the problem at hand is that I need to get her home somehow, no thanks to you."
There was a short tapping at the door and both men turned their attentions away from Hermione.
"Ron? Ron, is everything alright in there? We heard shouting."
"It's fine, Pans. I'll be right out."
"Look, Weasley, I know Pansy is insecure about the whole Hermione issue, so I'll apparate her home while you rejoin the party. Astoria won't even know I'm gone. Just cover for me, alright?"
Hermione heard Ron sigh heavily, the sound indicating how truly torn he felt trusting Draco to get her home safely. Hermione opened her bleary eyes just long enough to see Ron nod once before slipping out the bathroom door. Next, she felt the floor vibrate with Draco's footsteps as he moved closer.
"I've got to pick you up, Hermione. Please, don't puke on me."
She heard the mirth in his voice, but couldn't reply as her world slid into darkness once again.
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18 March 2006: 2:25am
The scent of crisp apples and expensive cologne permeated her senses as she snuggled into her blankets. Vaguely, she felt the touch of warm lips against her forehead before sleep overtook her once more. Teardrops leaked from her eyes as she slept, weeping unknowingly for reasons she couldn't remember but her dreams made sure she wouldn't forget.
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21 March 2006: 9:09pm
Ron pushed open the door to Hermione's bedroom, surprised to find her still in bed. He walked over and sat down on the end and frowned when she didn't budge. Observing the state of the room, he noticed the abundance of teacups that littered the nightstand. Lifting his eyes, he was startled to discover Hermione watching him with heavily lidded eyes.
"I didn't mean to wake you," he said quietly. Gesturing towards her, he added, "Have you left the bed at all?"
"No."
"Okay."
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22 March 2006: 9:55am
Mum & Dad,
London is the same. I'll be staying for a few weeks to get some research done, but I'll be back sometime in the next month to conduct more interviews.
Love,
Hermione
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1 April 2006: 6:20pm
"Happy birthday, George!"
Hermione pecked George on the cheek before handing him a small, brightly covered gift box. He accepted the present with a flourish, holding it up to his ear and shaking it. The lopsided grin on his face grew at the metallic rustling that echoed from inside.
"Thanks, Hermione. I'm glad you made it!" Wrapping an arm around her shoulder, he led her towards the living room. "I hear you've been having a rough go lately. Tonight, just relax and enjoy mum's fantastic cooking!"
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1 April 2006: 7:34pm
"No, when I got back to the flat she was already tucked into bed. That's not what bothered me though. That was the sobbing she was doing in her sleep. I thought she was going to hyperventilate!"
"You said she stayed in bed for three full days?"
"Yeah, it was awful. She just laid in bed scribbling in her notebook and crying over cups of tea."
"What do we do?"
"I have no idea."
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1 April 2006: 7:42pm
"Are you leaving already, dear?"
"Yes...sorry Molly; I just don't feel well all of a sudden."
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26 April 2006: 3:55pm
Harry,
I'm fine. Honestly. How many times do I have to apologize for disappearing? I came back to Australia to continue my research. Anyway, I don't have long; I've got another interview with some Pureblood marriage counselors this afternoon and I have to get ready. Give Ron and Ginny my love, and little James too!
Hermione
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2 May 2006: 6:22am
Hermione watched the ocean churn from the balcony of her room at the Cottesloe Beach Hotel. A storm was rolling in, and she enjoyed the way the sea breeze seemed to invigorate her soul. She hadn't truly lied when she told Harry she returned Australia in order to conduct more research. She'd just fibbed a little. In reality, she was just sick and tired of being taken care of by others.
That's why she hadn't gone back to see her parents yet. she couldn't stand the pitying look she saw reflected in their eyes each time she emerged from her room, eyes rimmed with red and tearstained cheeks. As the first few drops of rain speckled her cheeks and bare arms, Hermione backed away from the railing and entered her simple hotel room. Solace was what she yearned for at the moment, and today was a day for reflection anyway.
Speaking of which, she should really be back in the UK preparing for the annual Battle of Hogwarts dinner, but her heart wasn't in it this year. Sitting down on the edge of her bed, Hermione covered her face with her hands. She knew it wasn't good for her to hide away, but right now all she wanted was to be alone. Being around her friends would only allow them to see how broken she was, and she didn't want them to worry.
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15 May 2006: 10:32am
Addendum to Blood Purity Laws, Draft #43
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15 May 2006: 11:55am
Addendum to Blood Purity Laws, Draft #47
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23 May 2006: 9:15am
Headline from the cover of the Witch Weekly:
"It's official! Baby Malfoy is on the way!
Exclusive interview with Lady Astoria Malfoy on pg. 7."
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31 May 2006: 5:03pm
Ginny,
Thank you so much for inviting me to the baby shower. Unfortunately, I'm not going to be able to make it. I've sent ahead the gift for you all the same. I think it's best I stay away for a while, for obvious reasons. I do miss you bunches though! I'm enjoying my time "down under" as they say. Can you believe I actually have a tan? I think I'm nearly done here in Australia...I've gathered as much information as I can from the local Ministry of Magic. I've got a lead on some prominent Pureblood supremacists in Moscow, so I might head there next. Everything is still so up in the air, though, and I hope to figure this out.
Love,
Hermione
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5 June 2006: 4:17am
Unsent letter to DM:
I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday. I wish I could tell you that I forgive you, and that I understand, but I don't. I want you to know that I am doing everything in my power to find a way so that this never happens to anyone ever again. No one should have to suffer like this.
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6 June 2006: 11:37am
Hermione stared blindly at the television in her parent's living room. She'd just returned from a fertility specialist, only to find out the same results the last three times she'd done the same. As it was, she was still unable to have children. She could get pregnant, but the possibility of carrying to full term was unlikely.
Pulling her gaze from the mindless game show her father had put on, Hermione stared down into her nearly empty teacup, fighting back the tears that were threatening to fall.
"Maybe if I could have children, Draco would have waited for me…"
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16 June 2006: 3:56am
Addendum to Blood Purity Laws, Draft #78
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30 June 2006: 7:00am
Hermione stood outside the Australian Ministry of Magic, her mother rambling on about having packed everything and whether or not she remembered her toothbrush—the usual "mum" things that were worried about. Allowing her mother to hug her for the umpteenth time, she made eye contact with her dad and playfully rolled her eyes, causing him to smile.
"Alright, Jean, let her go or she's going to be late for her port-key thingy."
"Dad, it's just 'portkey', and I'm going to be apparating. I really do have to be going, though." Untangling herself from her mother, Hermione gave the older woman a quick kiss to the cheek before stepping back and picking up her suitcase. "I've had a lovely time with you both, but it's time for me to move on. Ginny really wants me home for the birth of Albus, and after that, I'll be headed to Moscow to follow up on a few leads for my research."
"Please make sure you write and keep in touch. Now that we have our fireplace set up for that floo it will be easier for you to see us, right?" Her mother seemed more worried about her than usual, which was unsurprising with how she'd been acting, but she was getting better. She really was.
"I can't travel internationally through the floo, but we can use it as a type of telephone. Just remember to keep the chimney clear, and let me know if you get low on floo powder so I can send you more."
With one last hug for both her parents, Hermione said her goodbyes and entered the Australian Ministry of Magic. She made her way to the International Apparation Department. Now, it was only a matter of filling out the proper paperwork and she would be on her way back to London.
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19 July 2006: 11:36pm
Mum & Dad,
Ginny gave birth to Albus Severus Potter at 10:34pm this evening. He weighed in at six pounds and ten ounces. He has a floppy mess of dark hair and stunning green eyes just like his father! To answer your question from your last letter, yes, I am fine. Now that the baby is born, I will probably leave for Moscow at the beginning of August. I want to stay and help Ginny and Harry out as much as possible. Besides, James has a birthday coming up as well, and Harry insists I stick around for that, being his Godmother and all.
Love,
Hermione
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20 July 2006: 1:23am
Addendum to Blood Purity Laws, Draft #84
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31 July 2006: 7:35pm
"Happy birthday, dear Harry! Happy birthday to you!"
Everyone in attendance for Harry's birthday finished singing and watched as he blew out the candles on the cake that Hagrid insisted on making for him every single year. There was a raucous applause that rattled the table and made the chandelier sway. Hermione smiled and danced around in a circle with James on her hip. The squirming toddler would be having a birthday of his own in less than a week, and he seemed thrilled by the amount of people singing and cheering for his father. Swapping James for a plate overflowing with chocolate cake and ice cream, Hermione was reluctant to hand the delightful little boy back to his mother. In the month she'd been home, Hermione spent an abundance of time with Harry, Ginny, James, and the rest of the Weasley family. It was almost therapeutic in dealing with her remorse over her inability to have children. Almost.
She'd also spent the time back in London at her position as Head of the MLE Department. Unfortunately, this meant she'd been forced to see Draco on a nearly daily basis. He'd been rather good at avoiding her where necessary, but they were thrown together on a number of cases and assignments. It was awkward, but not unmanageable. Hermione was ready to get away again, though.
Spying Draco and a very pregnant Astoria entering through the back door, Hermione set her half eaten cake on the counter next to an empty teacup. She then disappeared into the living room, where she collected her purse before slipping quietly out the front door.
Harry would understand.
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3 August 2006: 2:44pm
Addendum to Blood Purity Laws, Draft #92
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9 August 2006: 12:03am
Ron,
I made it to Moscow safely! It's really quite beautiful! I'll make sure to take loads of pictures for you to see when I come home for my birthday. Speaking of which, I really don't want anything too big-just a small gathering with maybe you, Pansy, Harry, and Ginny. I've got a few interviews set up next week and much research to get done, but I will make sure to write often.
Love,
Hermione
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15 August 2006: 1:38pm
Interview with Abram Vinokurov (Pureblood), Head of the Russian Ministry of Magic's Legal Documentation Department
H: Good afternoon. As Head of the Legal Documentation Department, you're in charge of enforcing betrothal contracts, is that correct?
A: It is. Among a variety of other duties, I keep track of which betrothal contracts are set between certain Russian families.
H: Can you elaborate on what that entails?
A: I contact the families when it is time for those under the agreements to be married. Sometimes I have to refer the families to our MLE Department for breaching the perimeters that were set within the betrothal contracts, or more often, for refusal to cooperate.
H: When you say, 'refusal to cooperate', you are referring to when the couple refuses to marry one another?
A: That is correct. This is usually the case when a Pureblood falls for someone outside of their blood status. Betrothal contracts are legally binding only to those with the purest of wizarding blood.
H: You mentioned in our correspondence that your daughter is bound to a wizard by a betrothal contract.
A: Yes, and she will be marrying a Pureblood.
H: What if she were to fall in love with a Halfblood, or even a Muggleborn wizard? Would you force her to go through with the marriage, or would you want the contract annulled?
A: My daughter will never marry anyone other than a Pureblood.
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16 August 2006: 2:55am
Addendum to Blood Purity Laws, Draft #106
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26 August 2006: 5:08pm
Hermione sat on a barstool in Cafe Pushkin sipping her vodka on the rocks and flipping through her thick folder that contained all the research, interviews, and addendum drafts she'd compiled over the past seven months. In all that time, she'd written one hundred and twenty-two addendums, and still she was nowhere near finished. Throwing back the last of her drink, she placed the empty tumbler on the top of the counter. The bartender, hearing the clink of ice in her glass, wandered over to give her a refill. She thanked him with a smile and an extra ruble as a tip.
Frowning as she trailed a finger over her latest addendum, she wondered what the point to all of this was. Here she was hundreds upon hundreds of miles away from her home, while Draco prepared with Astoria to bring their first child into the world. When this was all said and done, would he even want to be with her? After all, she couldn't bear children and Astoria could. Astoria was from a family with the purest of wizarding blood, and she, well, wasn't. Closing her folder with irritation, Hermione gulped down her vodka before sliding from the barstool and pulling on her parka. Waving goodbye to the bartender, she tucked her folder inside her jacket before venturing out into the early evening. If she was going to keep up this train of thought, it was much safer to drink at the bar back in her hotel.
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17 September 2006: 8:43am
Mum & Dad,
I'm glad I received your package before travelling back to London for my birthday. Harry, Ron and Ginny have something planned for me, so I'm leaving a day earlier than originally intended. I hope you'll be able to join me here in Moscow for Christmas. I've managed to snag tickets to the Russian Ballet! Thank you so much for the new boots, they will come in quite handy as the weather is getting colder. As for my work, it's slow going, but I think I've made a bit of a breakthrough. The old literature here dates back to the beginning of wizards! The amount of books to read is beyond my wildest dreams! I'll never have time to get through it all!
Love,
Hermione
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19 September 2006: 11:23pm
Happy birthday, Hermione.
DM
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20 September 2006: 5:12am
Addendum to Blood Purity Laws, Draft #143
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29 September 2006: 3:10pm
"Welcome back to the Mercure Arbat, Ms. Granger."
"Thank you, Yury," Hermione returned as the bellhop helped her to store her luggage in the suite she'd occupied before heading back to London for her birthday. It was a relief to be back in Russia, away from all things that reminded her of Draco and what could have been. Tipping Yury a couple ruble, she closed the door to her suite and removed her jacket, hanging it on the hook by the door. Moving more into the room, Hermione slid her hands into the pockets of her jeans, her right hand wrapping around a worn, piece of parchment.
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3 October 2006: 6:00am
Headline from the early edition of the Daily Prophet:
"Draco and Astoria Malfoy announce the birth of their son, Scorpius!"
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4 October 2006: 8:33am
Addendum to Blood Purity Laws, Draft #160
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14 October 2006: 9:21am
Hermione,
We haven't heard from you in a while. We're all starting to get a bit worried. Give a call via floo when you receive this. I'm not sure it's a good idea for you to be alone right now.
Harry
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17 October 2006: 4:18pm
Hermione,
Your parents said they haven't been able to reach you either. Where are you? I called the hotel you told me you were staying at, but when they patched me through to your suite, no one answered. You're starting to scare us. Please get in touch.
Ron
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31 October 2006: 7:33pm
Hermione,
If you don't reply to this letter, Kingsley has asked for me to travel to Moscow and see what's going on. Clearly, you haven't been reporting in like you're supposed to be. I'm not surprised, but bloody hell, Hermione, you have to let us know you're okay. I'm worried out of my mind, as is everyone else. We're here for you—don't forget that.
Love,
Harry
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5 November 2006: 1:21am
Addendum to Blood Purity Laws, Draft #254
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November 6, 2006: 11:13am
Harry,
I've been admitted to the Wizarding hospital in Moscow. I've been diagnosed with severe dehydration and exhaustion. Please, send word to my parents that I'm alright. Don't tell them what happened. They're probably worried enough as it is. I've already contacted Kingsley.
Much love,
Hermione
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23 November 2006: 9:55pm
Exhausted from her trip to the Red Square, Hermione set aside her empty teacup and relaxed under the luxurious quilt on the bed. Ever since being admitted to the hospital, she'd realized just how far she'd fallen. After finding out about the birth of Draco's son, she'd spent weeks secluded either in her room or the records room at the Russian Ministry of Magic writing addendum drafts until her hand was numb. If the bellboy, Yury, hadn't come to bring her fresh linens when he did, well, Hermione didn't really want to think about that. Snuggling further under the covers, she used her magic to turn out the lamps in the room she'd come to consider her home away from home. After the holidays, she would be moving on. She wasn't quite sure where to yet, but she knew her time in Moscow was coming to an end. Once the room was ensconced in darkness, she allowed her eyes to drift shut, sleep taking her to dreams of what could have been.
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8 December 2006: 3:01am
Addendum to Blood Purity Laws, Draft #276
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12 December 2006: 6:46pm
Addendum to Blood Purity Laws, Draft #299
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20 December 2006: 7:00am
Ms. Granger,
Your assistance is required on a case. Please return to London when the Ministry of Magic reopens after the holiday break in January.
Minister for Magic,
Kingsley Shacklebolt
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25 December 2006: 12:02am
Jean and David Granger had gone to bed an hour ago, but Hermione lay wide awake, staring at the dark ceiling above. The Russian Ballet's rendition of The Nutcracker was the most beautiful ballet she'd ever been to. Her parents were staying in Moscow with her until the New Year, and then they would return to Sydney. She would then travel back to London to prepare for whatever case Kingsley needed her for. She wasn't worried about returning to London, she was more worried about what would happen when she got there.
She knew, without a doubt, that she would have to work the case with her partner, just like always. Only this time, things were a lot different. This time, Draco was married and had a newborn child. Her heart broke all over again just thinking about it. Harry and Ron were already prepared to help her through the ordeal. Ron even offered to come back to the Auror Department to make her feel better, but she'd declined. She knew he was much happier working alongside George at the Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. This was just one more obstacle she would have to get through.
Besides, she was still uncertain where her research would take her next, and this time home would grant her the chance to discuss her addendum plans with Kingsley and a number of other Ministry officials. Her time home in London would not be wasted, no matter how heart wrenching she anticipated it to be. Rolling onto her side, Hermione tried to ignore the few teardrops that slidd down her cheek to dampen the cream-colored cotton of her pillow case.
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31 December 2006: 11:58pm
Hermione watched the night sky above St. Basil's Cathedral, anticipating the beautiful firework display she'd only ever seen in pictures or on the telly. Next to her, her mother and father were talking animatedly with a Russian couple, who managed to speak a good bit of English. Music was blaring from somewhere and making her head pound, but in a good sort of way. It was hard to believe that it had been an entire year since she'd decided to leave London, but she didn't regret her choice.
Turning, she saw the large smile on her mother's face as the crowd began counting down to midnight. Her dad joined in, wrapping his arms around both his women and hugging them close. As the crowd screamed 'ONE', fireworks exploded in the sky, illuminating the Cathedral and the crowd scattered around the historical site. Hermione accepted the hugs and kisses from her mother and father. Excited for the arrival of a new year, she happily returned the greeting and plastered a true smile on her face for what felt like the first time in ages.
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This chapter has been edited as of 30 May 2017