A/N: To not spoil anything...the A/N is at the end.
Disclaimer, I don't own them.
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Hermione Malfoy sat at the dining table with her husband, parents and closest friends eating a lovely dinner. The celebration was five years after their actual wedding but Hermione couldn't be more pleased at the celebratory spirit that had brought the house alive over the last week. She had her life in front of her now. There weren't any deadlines on her time with Draco. They had lived through things most people couldn't imagine and survived. Their love had survived. Hermione kissed the rune that was on Draco's wrist. The tattoo had remained hidden since Hermione had been hit with the memory charm. It was one little addition to the spell Hermione had made. She warned Draco, if the tattoo was hidden it was confirmation the Weasley family hadn't messed up their plan. If the tattoo remained, they would need to execute their backup plan. Not that Draco wanted to, but he had promised Hermione he would place the charm on her if need be. He was beyond thankful at not having to remove his wife's memories.
Even hidden, Draco could still feel the mark and used it to get through his darkest days. Now, the sun had risen on his life. No longer was he bound to the lovely house he built. They would be returning to England in a few days. Her friends should be returning from their trip to Australia tomorrow. Kingsley had confirmed they did arrive and Ron was almost arrested for the attempted murder of the Australian Minister. Hermione was pleased the Minister had surrounded himself with capable aurors but she was not surprised when she heard Ron had been ranting about "who they were". It seemed four years was about the right length for people to be tired of the reminders of the war and the histrionics of those who wanted everyone to know their importance in the war.
Hermione was laughing at a story her mother was relaying about one of their new friends. Draco gazed at his wife and didn't expect them to remain in England very long. It was no longer home and he suspected once Hermione took in this house fully, she would not feel the need to return to the mother land often either. They would have to decide what to do about their landholdings and such. But property management could be done anywhere and with the small army of house elves, it's not like Draco was worried about the security of their multiple properties. Draco tightened his hold on Hermione and the witch snuggled back into his arms.
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Before Hermione knew it, she had been back with her family for two weeks and it was almost time to return to England. Kingsley had sent word of the return of Harry, Ron and Ginny. Apparently they had been arrested and charged with public disturbance. Kingsley asked if he should keep them at the Ministry but Hermione told him no. And to let them go tangle themselves so deeply in their lies that once they were exposed, they would be shown for what they really were. Hermione wasn't sure how to handle Molly. She hadn't actually thought the older witch would be involved. Based on what Kingsley had been able to figure out, the witch thought Hermione was supposed to be with Ron. Ron had told Molly that he didn't want to marry Hermione but they would look good together until he found someone better. Molly apparently didn't respond and just kept living in her world where Hermione would give up her life to live for her husband. The additional glory it would bring to the Weasley name went without question.
Hermione stretched and stood from her desk. Before should would allow herself to fall into her passion and learn about the company her husband had nurtured for her, she had to complete her revenge. When she realized what lengths her friends would take to keep her from living the life she wanted, she decided on doing something 'so Hermione' no one would be able to doubt her involvement. The year after the war had been incredibly stressful for the Malfoys. Not only did they both have to sit for their NEWTS but decided to each enter a mastery program. Hermione knew herself and used her revenge plan as a way to take a break from the intense program. She had finished as much of her part as possible before she was taken. That is she had written her perspective on what she had experienced since she was pulled into a middle the war. Draco swore to get the remaining chapters from everyone else.
On Hermione's third day back, Draco handed her the manuscript. His only comment had been he wasn't sure if she needed to add a chapter what happened after she was charmed. Hermione decided she had to think about that. She still wasn't sure; she had spent the better part of the past two weeks reading and editing the book. Draco continued to run the potions company and introduced Hermione to elf made wine. Apparently her father had taken great interest in the winery and with a little help from Kitmu, Rich was now in charge of the production line. The elves seemed pleased to have the muggle involved and Jean said it was to get him out of the house for a few hours every day.
Gazing back to the book, Hermione smiled. She was pleased with what she read. Before she released it for publication, she would read it one more time. Everything had to be spot on in order for those that tore her away from her family to pay. She set the closed manuscript on the table, the title being the only thing visible, 'Amor Vincit'. For Hermione and Draco, love would conquer everything.
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Harry Potter sat in his home with nothing to do. After being arrested he had been placed on administrative leave until the outcome of his hearing. It wasn't the first time he was in this situation. A couple of years earlier he had come across Theo Nott and knew he was up to something. After following the git for almost a month, Harry had been arrested for stalking. Harry had been interrogated, but continued to believe Nott was involved in the formation of a new Death Eater group. With the disappearance of Malfoy, Harry was sure the group was meeting and plotting against all the Light fight. Harry was just trying to do his duty in saving the wizards of England. He was suspended for three months without pay and forced to take sensitivity training after seeing a Ministry assigned mind healer. All that Harry learned was to keep his theories to himself. His observations of the new Death Eaters was kept quiet and only done on his time off.
Harry wasn't too concerned with the outcome of the current hearing, per say. Maybe he'd get suspended again but it wouldn't be that bad. After seeing the bureaucracy and just how the Ministry still bowed to the followers of Voldemort, he knew he wouldn't be able to do anything of significance as an auror. Maybe getting out of the Ministry would be the best thing for him. He could spend the time on his other investigations. Besides Nott, Harry had been following the activities of other Death Eaters. All of the individuals were from the Slytherin House and had ties to the organization. Harry had yet to see them together in public which was was surprising. When they seemed to cross paths Harry transcribed the exact conversations and was working on breaking the code. He knew it held the key to where Malfoy was hiding.
Across the walls of Harry's apartment were pictures of the individuals Harry was tracking and how they were related to the organization. Harry had created a scenario where after the fall of Voldemort, Malfoy had taken over and reorganized the group. After five years the next round of terror acts should start. Harry suspected they were giving everyone a false sense of security before attempting to regain their power. What Harry needed was to be prepared and glancing at the arsenal of items he had collected he felt calm. The items scattered about the room were taken directly from the Ministry. When no one noticed, Harry continued to take more and more items until rumors started to circulate about it. He stopped then, no need to push the limit. Besides, he had enough items to take out the entire Death Eater group in one go. He just had to find out their next meeting.
Harry failed to notice the small red light on one of the items he had stolen. He didn't really know what all he had taken, but if it was secured in the Department of Mysteries it had to be of use for him. The small item was a recording device. It was modeled off something muggles called a 'camcorder' and recorded for an indefinite amount of time. As Harry paced he spoke out aloud about his plans. The recording was reviewed daily by the Minister of Magic. What Harry didn't know was the recordings would be used against him, as would everything in his house, at his hearing.
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Ron Weasley had also been suspended from his job but not because of the events after his return from holidays. It was the attempted attack on the Australian Minister. After the Minister mentioned the act to Kingsley, he requested Ron's boss to determine what had happened. Blaise Zabini sat across from the red head and asked him about the event. Instead of explaining anything, Ron went into a tirade about how this was just an excuse to get rid of him because he was a Gryffindor. Blaise was actually a bit surprised by that but was prepared when the red head pulled his wand. Blaise stunned him and called for assistance.
After reviewing the recording (all disciplinary meetings are recorded magically), it was determined that Ron would be suspended until he completed mandatory sessions with a mind healer. After the first meeting, Ron refused to attend any additional appointments. The Ministry had just received notice of the third missed appointment. What Ron didn't know, because he didn't read the suspension notification, was if he missed three sessions without a valid reason, the Ministry had the right to terminate employment immediately.
The tapping of a Ministry owl on his window was Ron's first indication of the start of a very bad week for him.
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Nothing too bad had happened to Ginny, yet. She didn't work and lived with her parents. While she would have loved to have her own place, it was nice to not have to worry about cooking or cleaning. Her mom loved to do that so Ginny let her. Plus it's not like she could afford to support herself. She typically used her time to try and figure out new ways to get Harry to propose. Her wedding notebook was finally complete and all that Ginny needed was for Harry to give her the traditional Potter engagement ring. With that, Ginny would be able to access the Potter vaults and begin to redecorate the Potter Estate. She could not wait to have a better home than her brothers.
After returning from Australia and listening to Harry's comments about Hermione's memory coming back, Ginny didn't believe it. She pulled the old notebook off the shelf and read the charm again. No, there was no way but even if there was, Ginny could just hit Hermione with the charm again. It said the potion would remain in the person's body so it seemed, at least to Ginny, all that would need to be done is just do the charm again.
Ginny spent the first few days back locked in her room practicing the charm. She was unaware of the storm that was brewing in the world around her.
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The British Minister of Magic read the morning paper on a typical English summer morning. The headlines, as always were ridiculous. He scanned the first page and noticed the small article reviewing a soon to be released book. It was unusual for a book review to be on page one. He suspected most of the other readers of The Prophet would take notice as well. After reading the first paragraph Kingsley expected a flood of letters and went to warn his assistant. Percy Weasley looked to the Minister quizzically.
"That's right, you read the paper after going through the morning duties." Kingsley handed the man the paper and watched his expression change once the article had been identified. Flipping to the continuation of the review, Percy read it all and sat shocked.
"Did you know they were doing this?" Percy's whispered his question nervously. His own job may be in jeopardy because of what his family was going to be accused of doing. If Kingsley confirmed their actions…Percy didn't want to think on that.
"Yes, which is why I selected you for this position. You had nothing to do with these actions and this was the only way I could think to show my faith in your innocence. I have always known this was book was going to be released. I was also aware of the involvement of everyone in the book. I didn't want you or your father to get caught in what is going to be a very visible and public investigation. The book tells exactly what happened in the two years leading up to the Final Battle. Unofficially, none of the rumors that were spread around after the battle were accurate. My official response is the book hasn't been released and until such time no judgements will be made by this administration. Clear?" Percy nodded after noting the response.
"Are you staying sir or going to take off to avoid the maelstrom?" Kingsley laughed as he waved his assistant off.
"I can handle the press, but just make sure you follow the official line. Maybe, you should see if you can get your father on board." Kingsley had sent Arthur on a sabbatical into the muggle world six months earlier. The man was going to entrench himself in a regular muggle. Minerva had made the suggestion when yet other muggle studies professor taught the children blatantly inaccurate and dangerous information. Arthur's work would be used re-write the curriculum. When Molly was approached about spending a year away and seeing things they would have never had the chance, she had flat out refused. Arthur was so enraptured with the idea he grasped at the opportunity of his lifetime. He was currently living in a French village about 25 kilometers from Bill and Fleur. Percy immediately agreed his father and brothers aboard should be informed.
After sending a patronus to Bill and asking for their dad to call him at the office, Percy set about his normal morning duties. He was ever thankful that Kingsley had protected as much of the Weasley family as he could. It was after the first round of messages had been answered that Arthur got in contact with his son. After Percy explained the article and what Kingsley had said, Arthur was shocked. Bill stepped in and after confirming what Percy had said the elder Weasley son promised to keep Arthur with them until everything there calmed. Bill also agreed to contact Charlie and to make sure he wasn't caught unaware.
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The Malfoy and Granger families returned to Wiltshire and were exploring the new Malfoy Manor. This home was markedly different from the one Draco razed five years prior. The new mansion was built in the middle of the property and reassembled a French country home but was significantly larger. The library, while as large as the one in the original Manor, was bare as Draco had relocated the books to their everyday home but promised, if Hermione would prefer to live in England, it would not take much effort to bring all the books back. Hermione just shook her head, she wasn't ready to make those sorts of decisions yet.
The portraits were pleased with the new home but also enjoyed the options of moving between all the Malfoy holdings. Draco had allowed the house elves to set up empty frames in the other homes and charm the current frames to allow them to travel between countries. The family was happy to be able to relive their mortal times, at least in their memories. As Abraxas had suggested, Draco retained his father's portrait. It was currently hanging in the same study as Abraxas. Abraxas may have mentioned locking the portrait to Kitmu. The little elf happily ensured the dour man, who had treated him poorly, would not be able to escape his painting until released by someone. It had been decided that Abraxas would be the first person to speak with Lucius after his death. Lucius, while still living, had refused visits from his son. Draco wasn't exactly sure why but didn't fight the issue. In fact, the request from Lucius came out of the blue as Draco had never made any attempt to visit the rocky island in the North Atlantic. Draco had no desire to see the man who Draco held as responsible for his mother's death.
Narcissa, through a multitude of frames, had given Hermione the official tour. The final stop was the conservatory where, as the lady of the manor, Hermione would hold court. To signify Hermione's place in the family, Narcissa presented Hermione with a broach. This piece was extremely old and had been handed from one Malfoy matriarch to the next. Using Mitzy in her stead, Narcissa pinned the broach and passed the responsibility of the Malfoy line to the muggleborn. The portraits, even those that believed pureblooded were better, cheered when the mantle was passed.
There was a nervous anticipation on the morning Hermione's book review was in the paper. The reviewer was someone Hermione trusted and knew because she experienced it, just how true Hermione's book was. Susan Bones had lived through the hell that was Hogwarts that final year and helped secure the victory in the end. When Hermione was deciding the best way to get publicity she happened upon a review Susan had done in the paper. Susan's writing was excellent and even though she did not care for the book, her review was fair. That was what Hermione wanted. She had contacted Susan who eagerly agreed after screaming in joy of hearing her friend's voice.
Hermione silently read the review preview on the front page. She was actually surprised to see it on the first page but she was pleased. After reading the continuation of the article Hermione's eyes slid shut. Draco watched his wife for signs on how the book was received. Closing her eyes shut everyone out and it wasn't until a large smile graced her face that everyone else released their collective breath. Draco grabbed the paper and read the article. He laughed before grabbing Hermione and spinning her in his arms. Rich and Jean read the paper in amusement. It wasn't until Kitmu made his presence know that the celebration slowed.
"Master Snape wishes entry." Draco nodded and the elf popped to the floo to allow the man entry. Severus and Rosmerta entered applauding the pair.
"I must say Hermione, I didn't doubt you but I don't think this review could have been any better." Shaking her head no, Hermione raced over and hugged the couple.
"Thank you for all you did."
The celebration continued in the afternoon. It wasn't until almost dinner that an owl appeared. Kitmu relieved the owl of its burden and provided it a treat before it left. Entering the dining room, Kitmu found everyone eating. Severus was confirming a few of the things Susan had mentioned in the article to the Grangers. Narcissa and Abraxas relaxed in two frames adorning the walls of the dining room and watched their family. Both portraits were enjoying the carefree happiness that was being displayed. Draco noticed Kitmu standing to the side with a letter in his hand. He beckoned the elf over. Kitmu winked at Draco when handing him the letter popped away. Draco recognized the handwriting and smiled.
Hermione cocked her head to the side at the smile on her husband's face, she glanced at the letter and saw it was from Theo Nott. The students in Slytherin were not evil, regardless of what Harry and Ron said. They had been raised to believe things that were focused on proving they were better for one reason, but none of the boys were inherently evil. Looking at the time Draco knew it would be too late to invite anyone else over.
"Hermione, what if we invited people over tomorrow. I know there are a handful of people that would love to see you again." Hermione nodded happily. Draco quickly wrote out a number of invitations and had a few of the elves deliver them.
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Malfoy Manor was full of laughter, joy and happiness the next day. In the largest ball room, Draco had the elves set up a buffet and bar. The dance floor was cleaned and music was playing in the room. Hermione was in a small group of people receiving hugs and well wishes. Draco was off with a group that he hadn't seen in years himself. After the debacle that was Harry Potter's stalking of Theo, the group of friends decided it would be best if they weren't seen together. After Harry's hearing there were rumors running around the Ministry and Blaise had been able to "find" the report from the investigation. He informed the group of friends about Potter's belief they were reforming the Death Eaters and who he had included in the new group. Neville Longbottom, Ernie Macmillan and Terry Boot, who had become friends with the other boys during their seventh year, were shocked at what Blaise told them.
After Draco reminded the men of Harry's unstable personality and uncontrolled anger during sixth year, the agreement was quickly reached to remain in contact but not see each until Hermione returned. While no one was fully aware of what happened to Hermione, they all knew something was done in order to separate her from Draco. If war and the Wizengamot couldn't do it, a simple spat wasn't the cause. The fact that Draco was angry but not despondent gave credence to the theory that someone did something to the witch. But that Draco also had plans already in place. Neville believed that Hermione also had something planned, there were times during their seventh year he saw just how cunning and vindictive his friend could be when pushed into a corner.
All the men had read Susan's review and each took away the most important tidbit, Hermione Granger had been charmed to remove her from those she loved most. The wizarding world began to look more closely at the witch and started to see a drastic change in her after the first anniversary. The day after the review, there were articles and editorials asking just where the most lauded muggleborn of many generations had gone. The Ministry would only say she was taking a holiday and would make a statement when she was ready.
The first statement from the Weasley family called the review rubbish and that Hermione had never been taken away from them. Molly and Ron Weasley were instantly on the defensive, which was also noted by those watching the story unfold. This was better than any show on television. There was silence from the remainder of Weasley family. Arthur Weasley was noted as away on sabbatical and a firm 'no comment' was stated by the remaining sons. Someone had even shown up in Romania. Apparently when he entered the pen where Charlie Weasley was working, the Hungarian Horntail, whose pen it was, took umbrage to the uninvited visitor and made it's feelings know. The man received burns and a rather nasty scar on his back. Charlie's 'no comment' went without saying. Ginny Weasley, only having heard about the book the next day after hearing the howlers sent to her family, avoided leaving the family home. Her notes to Harry remained unanswered.
Susan and Padma were alternating hugging and berating the muggleborn witch. They were pissed she didn't come to them for help. All the older students at Hogwarts, in the year leading up to the Final Battle, were part of the group that worked save the younger students from the 'professors'. None would have given a second thought to telling the populous the truth. Hermione was trying to quell their complaints with why it wouldn't work.
"Dumbledore had spent ten years telling everyone Harry would be their savior. The last five years of Dumbledore's life were spent spinning everything Harry did as more proof. In fact, trying to frame Draco for his death was another way to prove how right he was. Everything he did, every veiled comment, was leading people to believe evil only resided in one place. He wanted a world that was black and white. In the time after the war, that is what the world wanted as well. They wanted good and evil. Dumbledore made sure they had that in Harry. I think, had Dumbledore still been alive, he may have made sure Harry actually died. His plan had always been to be the hero." Hermione shrugged at her closest female friends and for the first time they saw just how manipulative their headmaster had been.
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Flourish and Blotts had received many calls about 'Amor Vincit' since The Prophet's review and had upped their order of the book three times in the prior two days. Right now the order was for every book not already ordered. Flourish and Blotts advertised the never ending supply of books and promised that anyone who was in line by the time the store opened the following Monday would get a copy. After what happened with the "advance" selling of the Dumbledore book, the store took the different approach. The store manager was extremely pleased with how his promotion was working when he slipped into the store on Sunday night.
By Sunday morning the line in front of Flourish and Blotts had made it's way to the end of the alley and started back toward the store. By Monday morning, queue ran the length of the alley three times. As the excitement over just what secrets would be revealed grew so did the theories. While some were blatantly false, like Hermione was the love child of Voldemort and a French witch, or that Voldemort had taken over Ron Weasley's mind and body were laughed about, some were hitting closer to home. All the theories were running up and down the lines at a fever pitch. It was only the opening of the doors that caused the whole of the alley to pause.
The first person with the book stepped out of the store already reading it. Everyone in line was shocked at the size of the book but silence reigned supreme as those in line waited to hear the response. It didn't take long for the first gasp to rend through the air.
As those who already had the book passed those still waiting, the dust cover was all many could see. 'Amor Vincit' by Hermione Malfoy was written across the front cover in elegant script. On the back was a picture of Hermione Malfoy dressed in simple but elegant robes with a happy smile on her face.
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Amor Vincit was a best seller by lunchtime. The line in the Alley didn't seem to decrease over the first week. Every day Flourish and Blotts opened their doors to an uncountable number of people. Response to the book had been slow at first. The book was very large and took, even the fastest of readers, a few days to finish. Then there was the time for introspection. No one had expected what they read. That led to a few extra days to read parts again to make sure nothing was missed. The book told the story of the war from an impartial point of view. Facts were laid out based on people's experiences and people were asked to make their own choice on what they believed. At the end of the book only one thing was clear, many of those that attended the five year anniversary were no better than the people they had killed in battle. There are no winners in war. Life is precious. Hate, regardless of reason, was the cause of pain.
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Hermione Malfoy read letter after letter. Some were favorable and others thought the entire book was rubbish. The majority of people seemed to sympathize with the witch. Kingsley had been by earlier and stated it was probably time she made a statement. Harry had been trying to access her file and Kingsley was about ready to throw the guy in Azkaban. Really, he needed help. No one helped him after the war and he had spent the last five years living in a delusion promoted by the people he thought were there to help him.
"Does St. Mungo's have the capability to handle him?" Kingsley sighed before shaking his head. "Is there anywhere that will be able to help him? He is going to kill someone because of what he thinks will happen and what he had been told since he was eleven. There are days I want to bring Dumbledore back just to kill him again." Hermione no longer considered Harry her close friend but what the boy had been put through was inexcusable. Kingsley just agreed.
"I've heard about a place in the States. It's a rehabilitation center in the middle of no where and it is for people who have had extreme trauma in their lives. I have been speaking with the administrator and without giving too much away, the man was aghast at just what Harry had been exposed to as a child. He truly believes the place could help him. Or at least keep him safe from himself." Since Harry had no relatives and wasn't married there was no one that could step in and claim power of attorney. Although Kingsley admitted to denying Molly Weasley's attempt to gain that control over Harry. As a ministry official with no blood relations, the Ministry has automatic power of attorney meaning Kingsley could get him placed with minimal fuss. "Hermione, he has an arsenal of things at Grimmauld Place that he's taken from the Ministry. Most of them were taken from the Department of Mysteries. If he doesn't go to the center I'm afraid it will be Azkaban."
Nodding Hermione knew there was nothing more she could do and just prayed to Merlin this place could help her former friend.
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Susan Bones stepped through the floo at Malfoy Manor. She was actually returning, as she and a few of their friends had taken up rooms since reuniting with Hermione and Draco, After breakfast, Susan had returned to her small flat and then to the office. It was there she received the official request for an interview. The Prophet had been trying to get some official comment from the Malfoy family and that morning they received notification of permission for an interview. The permission stated that Susan Bones would be the reporter to perform the interview. The Prophet jumped at the idea.
Up to now the Malfoy family had been reclusive in their activities. In reality they were bouncing between the Manor and their home in the Vindol Valley. When Susan had seen first seen the home and the Vindol Valley she fell in love with the area. She had Draco asking around for available homes or property. At the worst, she would do what the Malfoys did and just build a home.
Susan stepped through to see Kitmu standing waiting for the witch and her photographer. Susan winked at the elf whose eyes shifted to the photographer before flapping his ears quickly. Susan's eyes slid to Frank, the photographer, and confirmed he hadn't looked around yet.
"Hello, I'm Susan Bones and this is Frank Blackstone. We are with The Daily Prophet and have an appointment with Mrs Malfoy." Kitmu nodded in a regal manner befitting an elf in the employ of the Malfoy family. It took all of Susan's restraint to not laugh at the elf. They would all get a kick out of later. Following the elf, Susan knew where they were going but kept herself a couple of steps behind. Frank's camera was clicking away. No one had seen the inside of the new Manor since its completion a few years prior. Well, Susan had, but she didn't mention that fact. As they stood outside the conservatory doors, Susan noted the portrait of Narcissa hanging on the wall opposite the doors. When the doors were open Narcissa would be able to gaze over everything that happened in the conservatory. A mirror was hung to the side of the doors and allowed Susan to make eye contact without turning her head. Frank continued to be unaware of Susan's actions as he took pictures. Frank was one of the best photographers The Prophet had on staff. His mind was constantly looking at lighting and composition. It wasn't a wonder why some subtle interactions were missed by the man.
Kitmu opened the doors and led the pair into the room. Frank had taken a moment to prepare for a more well lit area and as soon as the doors opened he began to take pictures. What he saw through the viewfinder was a witch that everyone thought they knew but didn't actually know. Hermione Malfoy sat in a wingback chair with her hair elegantly twisted on the top of her head. Her clothing was obviously expensive but not outlandish. In fact, she looked to be perfectly comfortable in the conservatory. Frank mused to himself that if there were a few additional witches the meeting could easily be confused with a ladies tea party. Hermione motioned to the other chair for Susan.
"Would your photographer like to sit?" Hermione's quiet voice filled the room with polite question.
"No ma'am, if it's alright with you, I'd like to just walk around while you and Susan are talking. Maybe, after we could do some posed shots. If you agree, that is." Hermione gave a genuine smile to the man and nodded. The smile was not missed by the photographer who got a couple pictures snapped before she nodded.
"That would be perfectly fine. Feel free to grab a drink or snack while we talk." Hermione motioned to the buffet on the sideboard before turning to Susan. "Hello Susan, it's good to see you again. Your review was quite nice." Susan had pulled out a recorder and non-verbally asked Hermione for permission. Hermione nodded and Susan clicked it on before asking any questions.
"Thank you Hermione, it's nice to be here. You are looking quite well. The Minister said you had taken a holiday. Would you care to give us some details on that before we start discussing your book?" Susan had also pulled out her quill and parchment to add anything extra she may notice and want to include in the story.
"My holiday was more surprising than I had expected but once I had arrived it was lovely. I was able to spend a couple of weeks with my family." Hermione didn't need to mention how long she had been apart from her family.
"I want to thank you for this opportunity. If there are any questions you feel are outside of this interview, just let me know and I'll move on. Are there any areas you would like to have as off limits?" Hermione actually hadn't thought about that. She had spent the morning thinking about everything in the book, not about things that she didn't wish to discuss.
"I don't think so Susan, but I reserve the right to amend that and add something if it comes up." Susan agreed.
"Well, we all know that you are married to Draco now. Can you tell me and our readers how that happened?" Hermione had a thoughtful look on her face as she remembered her first thoughts on Draco.
"I guess I should start the beginning. Draco and I weren't exactly friends. I guess anyone who was at Hogwarts for our first few years could testify to that. I punched him third year actually. But we are very similar creatures. We are both studious and while it wasn't as obvious with him, we both spend hours of time in the library." Hermione thought back on all the things Draco had told her during sixth and seventh year.
"It was sixth year where our relationship actually became something more than just two rival students. He found me in the library one day and after a pretty intense conversation he helped me get the potions necessary to heal the curse from the Battle of the Department of Mysteries. Without Draco, I don't think anyone would have come up the correct potions mix. And I would still be suffering the aftereffects of the curse. After that, well as the book details, we worked closely to find and destroy the horcurxes and end Voldemort."
Susan, having been party to those years knew that part of the story and would run anything she thought was too personal past Hermione and Draco later. But, she needed Frank to hear the discussion as well. "So you and Draco became friends sixth year and that started to grow into something more seventh year?"
This was the point of the book that had caused the most uproar. The story of the "golden trio's" seventh year was epic and solidified their place as heroes in the war. But it was all a lie. "Yes, once the Death Eaters got into the school at the end of our sixth year, our plans had to be adjusted. At that point, there were only two horcurxes left. We knew what and where they were. It was a matter of timing and figuring out how to destroy them. When the Ministry mandated attendance for students from magical families only, we knew our first priority had shifted and we now had to ensure the safety of our friends and peers." Hermione remembered how all the houses worked together to ensure students had the necessary potions to recover from the torture they experienced. The older students taught the younger ones how to temper their spells while still appearing to be sending as powerful a spell as possible. "By the time of the Final Battle, Draco and I were in love. It was a love forged in the fear of death and we knew we were intended to be together."
"So after the Battle, Draco was arrested because of complaints by certain people. Can you give a little more detail than what was in the book?" Hermione almost laughed at the glee on Susan's face. She had waited years to put Molly Weasley in her place. Molly had been one of the few who continued to point out that all of Susan's family had been murdered and just how tragic it was. Molly never offered the girl assistance or anything other than a pitying look before going on with her life. One would have thought a woman whose own brother's were killed in the same manner would have felt more empathy.
"Yes, I knew that because of Draco's last name he would be a target for retribution. I documented the information he provided and all the actions he took to ensure our victory in those two years. I had extensive pensive memories that had been secured by Kingsley immediately after the events. These were all presented after the trumped up charges were read. Draco was released within three hours of the session being called. The reporting of the case was minimal as the people who had voiced his guilt most loudly were still being lauded as heroes." The bitterness in Hermione's voice seeped out a little in recanting that information. Molly Weasley had spent a week after the verdict writing letters and trying to get people to form a mob. She wanted Draco to suffer solely because he was Lucius's son. Not because he did anything wrong.
"After Draco's successful trial what was next?" Hermione smiled at this memories.
"We married quite soon after the Battle. We didn't want to be apart from the other. After our wedding we took the Ministry's offer to study and sit for our NEWTS. While our seventh year was far from traditional, it did provide us the chance to learn a full years worth of knowledge. I was able to learn most of the things I needed. Our classmates would provide copies of their notes and assignments so Draco and I were able to keep up. We both sat for our NEWTS before the end of that July and immediately began our mastery programs in August." This was actually news as she didn't include that in the book.
"So you and Draco are both masters. What subjects did each of you study?"
"I studied potions under Severus Snape and Draco is a charms master. He earned his status from Filius Flitwick two years ago. Draco, of course, was able to focus on his studies longer than I was. Based on my NEWTS score, only Master Snape scored higher, I was able to accelerate through the first two years of the four year program by the end of December. Once January rolled around, I had delved into the depth of the program. Master Snape pushed me so that by that spring I had completed the coursework and only had to sit for my final evaluation."
Hermione failed to mention her memory potion was selected to be her dissertation topic. Draco had used the charm that worked with the potion. "During Master Snape's recovery after the Final Battle, he was relegated to his hospital bed, which he complained bitterly about. Luckily, the hospital allowed for us to option the room next door and create a potion's classroom. The rooms were connected and allowed for him to move between them. We spent majority of each day in the classroom. It was intense, but, as I mentioned, we succeed in finishing the coursework and writing up my created potion before…". Hermione didn't mention before what, that was now well known.
"So are you officially a potions mistress now or do you still have some time left in the program?" Susan chuckled to herself remembering the debate Hermione and Severus had the day before. After the first round of yelling had calmed, Draco had appeared with bowls of popcorn. Hermione's parents followed with drinks and amused smiles on their faces. Susan, Draco and the Grangers settled onto the couches and watched the show. Hermione remembered it as well based on the huff that came from her.
"Master Snape and I have been discussing it. I need be retested to ensure I remember everything he previously taught me. After that I have to present the potion and provide results on how the effectiveness of it in real world cases. I hope to have my certification accepted soon. I want to have that finished before I start working in the field." Draco had shown Hermione their potion's company and she was very excited to begin the next part of her life.
"Now onto some of the more difficult questions, you spent a great part of the book working up to you losing your memories. It seems everyone knew what was going to happen and yet, you allowed yourself to taken away from the life you fought to live. Everyone wants to know why the 'smartest witch of our age' allowed it happen."
"That is a question Draco and Kingsley asked me many times. At the time, you have to remember what the world was. We had just barely survived the war. Our numbers were down and people needed a scapegoat. Those that served on the losing side were easy targets. But as they were sent away, the need for vengeance was still strong. Families that didn't side were slowly targeted for being neutral. I knew that standing up to expose what would be done would just put a target back on my back." Hermione sighed a little before continuing.
"I was being selfish. We had all just fought for our lives and the target that I had been carrying since starting Hogwarts was finally gone. I didn't want it back. I also didn't want the accusations against Draco to have a new and more powerful fuel. I am sure those that wanted Draco sent away would twist our relationship to attain their goal. So I sacrificed myself to ensure I could return." Looking out the doors of the conservatory Hermione noticed the portrait of Narcissa. She was still but looking directly at Hermione. It was that moment that Hermione realized that she and Narcissa were similar. They would both sacrifice themselves before allowing harm to come to those they loved.
Susan finished with the official interview and Frank took dozens of photos before the pair departed the Malfoy grounds. After their departure, Draco wrapped his arms around his wife as they stared over the gardens from the Conservatory windows. "You did excellent." Draco kissed the nape of his wife's back as she leaned into his embrace.
*R&R**R&R*
A/N: So this is the final real chapter of Rest & Revenge. I have a shortish epilogue that I will post in the next day or two. That will really just wrap up what happens to the conspirators after the books release. Hermione and Draco get to live their lives as they wanted and without having to justify themselves to anyone.
Thanks to everyone who read and reviewed and favorited and followed. It really is a cool feeling to know people like it.
In writing the story there were parts that just didn't fit into the narrative. The detail in the parts, while not really necessary, clarify some comments made in the story proper. Especially the changes to seventh year. So I decided to turn those smaller sections into excerpt from the book. I will post those after the epilogue. I suspect everything will be up in the next couple weeks. But since these chapters are add-ons, I'm going to mark this one as complete.
Thanks again and I'll see you all next time.