All things Harry Potter come directly from the mind of JKR. I am here to twist her words to my way of thinking.
Chapter Note:
Picture a very handsome, adult Matt Lewis.
Previously on The Taint Of Her Name Chapter 3: Looking Forward From The Past
Hermione made quick work of dinner. She fixed steak and potatoes with a large Greek salad on the side. She asked Harry to knock on Lyra's door to tell her dinner was set. Soon they were all at the table with Lucius happily ensconced at the head of the table enjoying the lovely dinner.
For dessert Hermione served pecan pie with vanilla ice cream. Harry had everyone laughing when he asked for his third serving. Harry's request led to stories about him and treacle tart which had even Lucius smiling. Harry owned up to all of it by admitting he used to be a treacle tart lover and was proud of it.
/*/
Orion returned home in time to have the last sliver of pecan pie along with a few drops of vanilla ice cream. I noticed the look that passed between him and mum, but smartly put my eyes back down on my plate. Whatever had transpired between mum and Orion was theirs to rectify privately.
Mum looked over at Orion, but he was keeping his eyes either on his pecan pie or on Harry, dad or grandfather.
Dad had looked from Orion to mum and back as well. "What's going on Orion? Is there an issue?"
"No sir. No issue," answered Orion as he rose from his chair. "If you all will excuse me, I have some things I need to look over."
Mum caught Orion by the hand as he passed by. "Let's talk Ori. I owe you an apology."
Chapter 4: Surprises Surprises and Surprises
I had to move quickly to get out of dad's way because he moved over to mum and Orion so fast he was a literal blur. "There's no issue Orion? What's this then?"
But mum was just as fast only in a different way. "Calm down love" she said reaching out to touch dad's cheek. "My son and I need to have a discussion and I am capable of handling a discussion with him on my own. Come on sweetheart. You and mum need to talk."
Grandfather who had been taking everything in looked over at Harry and smirked. "I believe my grandson is much more like his father than I previously thought. Raising a family will keep a wizard on his toes. Right Draco? If you don't mind, I would like a bit of your time when you can manage it. I have something to discuss with you."
Dad who had been quiet since mum and Orion left the room grinned at his father, "I was a model child father considering I came up in one of the wealthiest, most elitist, pureblood families in Britain. I followed all the pureblood rules. Orion who doesn't have an elitist bone in his body is a prince compared to me."
Both Harry and grandfather smiled as Harry commented he could vouch for my dad being a wealthy, elitist, snarky, pureblood git. With that comment, I excused myself from the table and went to my room.
/*/
Draco, Harry and Lucius remained at the table with Draco and Harry throwing good natured digs back and forth.
"You could always tell when Draco Malfoy was in the vicinity because his sneer came round the corner before he did," cheeked Harry.
"And there was so much to sneer at Potter especially the abnormally large scar which took up most of your forehead. We won't even get into that head of hair which never met a comb it liked."
Lucius sat quietly listening to the two wizards going back and forth before commenting. "While your conversation has been enlightening, I would like to speak with you Draco and I'd rather we speak before your bushy haired wife, know it all wife is through giving my grandson a telling off."
Draco stiffened as he turned in his chair. He was ready to take on the once fearsome Lucius Malfoy only to find him smiling.
"Do I have your attention now?" asked Lucius. "I meant no disrespect, but I felt neither of you boys would have the courage to say anything about Hermione. So I said it for you. All in good fun boys. All in good fun."
Harry who knew the reformed Lucius was first to recognize the joke while Draco remained on the verge of drawing his wand. No one and Draco meant no one would ever say anything demeaning about his wife. That included his father.
Lucius knew Harry realized his intent having spent the last fifteen or so years in his company. But Draco still had visions of the father he had walked away from all those years ago. He did not like what had been said.
Lucius was quick to apologize. "Forgive me Draco. I had no right to make the comment. Even though it was meant in a light hearted spirit. You are remembering the arse of a father you left behind. That wizard disappeared a long time ago. I respect all you have done and all you gave up to keep Hermione safe. As a Malfoy, I know you will never accept any slights against those you love. You love her and therefore I love her and would not be so crass as to malign her. She is my daughter-in-law after all."
After several minutes of silence, Draco glanced from Harry to his father commenting in a low voice. "We missed so much. There were so many times when the Death Eaters were hunting Hermione and her friends had spirited her away from me I wished I had someone to turn to. Someone to assist me. Someone I could trust. Someone on my side who would make it possible for me and my witch to remain in Britain unencumbered. I guess it's better late than never. Looking back with regret serves no purpose. My only intention was to keep the witch I loved safe and alive. And that I have done. Everything else is secondary. That was a good bit of humor father. Now go say it to Hermione."
A bit of color came into Lucius' face as he replied he did not have a death wish or want to feel the wrath of his grandchildren. He would keep his humor among the three of them.
The three wizards smiled among themselves each thinking how narrowly they had missed an entirely different outcome.
"Father and I are going to step away for a few minutes Potter. I believe he wants to give me the muggle birds and bees speech I never got to hear. Even after a wife and two children there are probably things I can still learn. Orion and Hermione should be finished shortly. So I do not feel badly about leaving you on your own. If you choose to go out and about, please remember to cast a sun block charm or Hermione will have my arse for sure. If all else fails, there is a TV in the sunroom which should hold your short attention span quite nicely. Back in a bit."
/*/
Harry watched as Lucius led Draco towards his bedroom. He had the idea Lucius was about to give his son something very unexpected. The simple matter of watching a wizard and his son walk away took Harry's mind where he normally didn't allow it to go. Back. It had been eons since his mother, father and Sirius died. But watching Draco and Lucius walk away together caused so much emotion in Harry he had to slap his chest to break up the lump which had begun to form.
Harry knew Draco had spoken some prophetic words when he commented that looking back with regret served no purpose. What was over and done was over and done. He hadn't gotten to grow up with James and Lily or gotten to live with Sirius. However, he had been fortunate enough to find a wonderful wife and have two amazing sons with whom he was making a history of their own. After pulling himself out of his reverie, Harry decided to take in a little more of the California scenery before going back to Britain. He was on his way out when Hermione and Orion came back into the room.
"Dad and grandfather left you to your own devices then Uncle Harry?"
"They have Orion. I was just about to go catch a bit more of the California scenery before I have to leave for home."
"Let me take you on a tour. I'll show you some things your boys will love to see when you bring them to visit."
Bending down to kiss his mother on the forehead Orion winked at her as he told Harry they would be taking the car.
Hermione grinned as Harry started to pale. "No need to worry Harry. Orion is a very good driver who will also remember to cast a sun block charm on his uncle. Have a good time boys. I'm going into the den to return a few owls. I know the entire staff at PWBC (Pavo Wizarding Bank of California) is wondering if all is well. Leo….Draco hasn't taken a day off since he opened the small, wizarding bank. I'll see you when you get back."
/*/
Draco followed Lucius into his room and remained standing as he waited for Lucius to invite him to sit down. Lucius turned to find his son still standing and gestured to a chair. "You're in your own home Draco. I'm sure you don't have to be invited to sit down."
"It's called manners father. I was raised with them. What's this all about then? We've been separated far too long for you to have things that couldn't be said in front of Potter."
Lucius moved over towards the closet before replying. "It's not so much what I have to say. It is more what I'd like to give."
The first packet Lucius pulled, returned to size and handed to Draco was a family portrait showing the Malfoys when Draco was about eleven. Probably just before he went off to Hogwarts. The next portraits showed the Malfoys with Draco about age thirteen and fifteen. Draco looked at the photos one at a time spending most time on the one of himself at age eleven.
Draco thanked his father. He once again gazed upon the photo of himself at eleven noting the arrogant Malfoy stare which had carried him through much of Hogwarts. Draco didn't know how to feel. These were photos of a wizard Draco hadn't known for twenty odd years. They were him, but weren't him. For a second, a wave of hate for this father and mother who had taught him every evil thing he had known passed through his body. The wave of hate passed very quickly. That was then and this was now. Leo Pavo had overcome it all.
Draco laid all the photos on the bed and glanced at Lucius. "I'm sure Orion and Lyra will love to see what their grandmother looked like and how I looked as a child. I'm over my life in Britain father. These photos while important to you, may be more important to my children than they are to me."
Lucius had hoped Draco would be happy to receive memories of his mother and his younger self. Now in retrospect, he wondered. Why would he? Although Narcissa was dead by the time Draco made the decision to leave the only home he'd ever known. The feelings of not having anyone he could count on were probably being pulled to the surface.
"I didn't bring those photos to upset you Draco. I just wanted you to have something from your youth."
Lucius stood to gaze out the window. "It seems as though I'm making misstep after misstep when all I'm trying to do is fit in with my son's current life. After the children have a look at the photos, I will repack them and take them home with me. The problem will be solved."
Draco rose from the chair going to stand beside his father. Although it was awkward. For possibly the first time in his entire life Draco quickly hugged his father then stepped back.
"You had the best intentions father. I appreciate you taking the time to collect the photos and bring them with you. Orion and Lyra will be pleased. Thank you again."
Lucius took a deep breath and turned to his son. "I have brought other things which I hope will make you happier than the photos."
Draco laughed. "Well let's see them then. Perhaps I'll be happier by bed time."
Lucius smiled as he carefully removed all the other items he had brought to his son. The items were all carefully labeled. Lucius explained as he laid them out on the bed.
"For the first several years after you left, I was furious you would leave Britain without a word. After the fury came the dull anger which caused me to hide myself away wallowing in my own misery. However, when I finally got myself sorted. My only hope was that you were alive and well and would someday return to Wiltshire. These items are the result of my hopes."
Draco began picking up the items in the order Lucius had laid them out. Each item had the notation Happy Birthday Draco or Happy Birthday son. As Draco picked up each item he began to realize that no matter what they had gone through, his father loved him and had thought about him year after year.
There were watches, robes, dress robes, books, socks, underwear, bags of galleons, a ring with the Malfoy crest and Muggle suits in different shades of black and gray. The lot also included parchment for a Gringott's vault, parchment establishing him as current owner of Malfoy Manor and one establishing Draco as part owner of Malfoy Investments. There was much more laid out on the bed, but Draco was overwhelmed. He had to sit back to catch his breath. Lucius Malfoy had put all this away for a son he hoped would return someday.
Draco also noticed that beginning somewhere around the time he would have turned twenty two, Lucius had begun putting gifts away for a grandchild as well. He probably figured Draco would only ever have one son as had most men in the Malfoy line.
To break the silence of the room, Draco jokingly chastised his father. "Everything for Orion. That will not go over well with your granddaughter."
Lucius smiled. "We are both powerful wizards Draco. Can you not think of a way we can fix this?"
Sorting out the items which were obviously for children, Draco laid them out separately. After choosing two rings, the two wizards magically changed the stones to represent Orion and Lyra's birthstones. Then they adjusted Lyra's to a female setting. When Draco and Lucius were through, there were two magnificent rings lying side by side. One engraved with Lyra Pavo Malfoy. The other engraved with Orion Pavo Malfoy. On the inside both were engraved, From Lucius Abraxas Malfoy.
"Well done father," exclaimed Draco as he gathered the gifts. "Very well done. Your grandchildren will be very pleased. Thank you so much for all of this. We've been in here for quite some time. Let's go make sure Potter hasn't blown up the house with that temper of his."
"Yes let's," drawled Lucius as he followed Draco out of the room.
/*/
Hermione sat in the den in the dark. It was true she had owls to send, but she had other things to think about as well. Did she really want to uproot her family to go back to Britain? Lyra and Orion were grown and had attachments in California. Would they even want to live in Britain? Additionally, she had attended Hogwarts with many witches and wizards, but had left Britain a year after what should have been her graduation year. There hadn't been time to build any type of adult relationships with her peers. From what Harry said, most had left Britain anyway.
The Pavos had weathered the hard parts. They had settled down in a foreign country learning to fit in. What reason was there for them to return to Britain after building a wonderful life in California? I was barely twenty when I left. My life is here. So Annabel…..Hermione made her decision about permanently returning to Britain. They would not be moving back.
Hermione was sure she wanted her children to visit Britain. Maybe stay a month or two. But that's all it would be. Life had forced her and Leo….Draco to make a home elsewhere. They had done that. A short trip to Britain wouldn't disrupt their lives. It would serve to let wizarding Britain know Hermione Granger was alive, happy and had ultimately beat the Death Eaters.
Thinking about Hogwarts and her old housemates reminded Hermione of something Harry had revealed. Neville was somewhere in the states. She decided to look him up. After checking two or three sources, Hermione dialed a phone number. She was suddenly very nervous as she waited for someone to pick up the line.
After three rings, a male voice answered. "This is Neville. How can I help you?"
"Am I speaking to Neville Longbottom?"
"Yes. You've got me," replied Neville.
"Mr. Longbottom. This is Annabel Pavo. You may remember me as Hermione Jean Granger."
Silence from the other end.
"If you don't have anything better to do than prank call a bloke, perhaps applying for a position will fill your time splendidly. Don't call here with this bullshite again."
Before Neville could hang up Hermione started talking.
"Neville. You killed Nagini, the last of Voldemort's horcruxes. You ran the Room of Requirement all through what should have been Harry, Ron and my seventh year. You led us through the tunnel from Aberforth's tavern when we came looking for the diadem. It is me Neville. I had to be taken from Britain on the run to keep from being killed by Death Eaters. It's a long story. But it is me."
"Helena on a Horse Hermione! We thought they got you. How are you? How did you find me?"
"I'm doing well Neville. Finding you was easy once Harry told me you were living in the states. I looked you up in the American Registry of Wizards."
"Harry? Harry Potter? How is he? I haven't seen the bloke in fifteen years."
That's why I'm calling Neville. Harry is here visiting us. I wanted to see if you could stop by to say hello. He'll be leaving here tomorrow at noon so…"
"I would love to see Harry, but I can't just up and leave for England. Even if it is to see The Boy Who Lived."
Hermione laughed. "If you call him The Boy Who Lived, you might run into a problem. Anyway, we haven't been back to England since we left in 1999. We live in Rolling Hills, California. Where are you?"
"Believe it or not Hermione. We live in Ashland, Oregon just north of San Francisco. I'm a Herbology Professor at Southern Oregon University and Luna works at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
"Luna?"
Neville laughed loudly into the phone. "You have a long story to tell and I have one as well. Luna should be back shortly. If she is up to apparating this time of evening, we can be there in a couple of hours. Give me your apparition address and we should see you shortly. Wow. Hermione. This is fantastic. We'll see you in a bit."
Hermione was chuffed, but decided not to mention Neville to anyone in case he and Luna couldn't make it. With all the extraneous matters out of the way, Hermione got back to answering owls.
/*/
Brett owled me that he was on his way back to the house so I left the relative safety of my rooms to meet him. When I passed the den, I heard mum chatting brightly with someone. I had to smile. There were only a certain number of things which made Annabel Pavo aka Annabel Critten aka Hermione Granger laugh at the decibel of a pet whistle. Those certain things usually had something to do with Uncle Harry.
/*/
Dad, grandfather and Brett were sitting in the living room holding a boisterous conversation, but stopped talking as soon as I walked into the room.
Looking at them all in turn I made some testy remarks. "The only reason a conversation stops when a person walks into the room is because they were being talked about. So sing out wizards. Was I the topic of your conversation or were you in here plotting against mum? Either way, I don't think any of you three will come out of this unscathed. Start talking. I want to know everything if it involves me."
All three wizards smiled, but no one answered.
Brett must have received a warm welcome from dad and grandfather because he was comfortable enough to hold out his hand to ask me to sit beside him. Brett was comfortable, but I was uncomfortable. There wasn't any snuggling in front of Leo Pavo. At least not when it came down to me. I was in semi shock. Instead of frowning up as he normally would. Dad was totally ignoring the fact I was sitting so close to Brett our legs were touching. I'm pretty quick on the uptake. In this case, instead of pursuing my line of questioning I sat back waiting for my reinforcement to appear.
The wizards were still smugly talking among themselves when mum appeared. Before I could give my opinion, mum asked if Harry and Orion had returned.
"I haven't seen them mum," I replied. Knowing she would get to the bottom of all the male smugness.
"They're not back yet love, dad answered quickly. "They should be here soon. You do remember that Potter is afraid of the dark."
Mum swatted at my father as he caught her by the arm and pulled her down beside him.
"I have some things I want you and Lyra to see. I wanted to wait to show it to….."
Dad was interrupted by a windblown Uncle Harry and a grinning Orion coming in through the back.
"Harry is not used to a convertible," chuckled Orion. "I had to promise to drive under the speed of light (his words) before he would get back in the car for the ride back."
Orion, Brett and Dad laughed like mad men while Lucius muttered that Harry was crazy to have gotten into one of those muggle contraptions in the first place.
As Uncle Harry stood there glowering patting his hair into place, dad was howling.
Feeling bad for her brother, mum cast a quick spell to get Harry's hair under control before getting him a drink.
"Laugh all you want Mr. Pavo," mum chided. "You wouldn't want me to give away some of the things you did when we first moved here. What love? Nothing more to say?"
Dad became a tad grumpy as mum threatened to reveal some of his secrets. But she went over, wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered something in his ear. Suddenly he was smiling.
Orion and I looked at each other. We were pretty sure mum had just told dad she had something to show him later. Those words never failed to soothe my father. Soon his smile became a wide grin.
Mum had served up drinks and seated herself on the couch when grandfather suddenly spoke up. Glancing over at my dad he directed his words to me and Orion.
"I don't want this to be a maudlin conversation so I will keep it as upbeat as possible."
Orion and I glanced at each other not knowing what to expect as grandfather spoke on.
"When I learned I would be seeing my son after all these years. I was hesitant, overjoyed, impatient and above all I was unnerved. I didn't know what my reception would be. However, I still took the time to pack certain things. Your father and I had a chance to go through them today. Before I get to my last piece, I'd like to show you what I have chosen as the first piece."
At this point, dad handed the photos to Orion who shared them with me.
"Those are photos of the Malfoy family when your father was growing up," grandfather explained. "That lovely witch is your grandmother Narcissa. I would like for you to keep those as mementos of things we couldn't share while you were growing up."
Both Orion and I looked at mum to see how she was taking this. We had heard enough ugly, pureblood/muggleborn-why she and dad had to leave England stories to last us a lifetime.
Mum and dad were looking at the photos together with dad pushing mum's hair back off her face as though to comfort her.
Mum was holding onto dad for dear life.
"These are yours to keep Lyra, Ori. They are part of your heritage, You may select their proper places within the house. Thank you Lucius. It was very nice of you to think of the children."
"No thanks necessary Hermione. I have something else for my grandchildren."
With that, dad beckoned us over. When we were standing in front of grandfather, he pulled out two small boxes. Orion and I opened the boxes to find amazing rings in our birthstones marked with our names. I wasn't sure if it was proper, but I hugged grandfather anyway. Orion stood on the other side waiting to shake his hand. Mum was practically bouncing in place as she gestured us over so she could see the rings.
/*/
I saw movement out of the corner of my eye, but didn't pay it too much attention as mum was still gushing over the rings. I turned around to show Brett only to find him down on one knee. For a second it didn't register just what was going on. It soon became apparent as Brett began to speak.
"The ring your grandfather has given you is lovely. However you will have to choose the correct finger on which to wear it. Earlier this evening I asked your father and grandfather for their blessings on what I am about to do. As I am still in one piece, you must realize I received them."
It was then mum started squealing. Even as my gaze remained firmly locked with Brett's.
"We have been together for three years and separated for the last six months. I missed you and I love you. I do not want you to get away from me again. With this in mind, I ask for your hand in marriage."
Lifting the box he had been keeping out of sight Brett asked the question. "Lyra Pavo Malfoy. Will you marry me?"
I was stunned. Brett had pulled this off without me knowing a thing. With knees buckling and hands trembling I accepted Brett's proposal. He had to hold my hand steady as he placed the most beautiful gold, diamond and platinum engagement ring on my finger.
I was stoic right up until the minute Brett hugged me whispering. "I mean it. I'll never let you get away again."
Then he kissed me and my tears began to fall. After that, I was basically ripped from Brett's arms. I was hugged by Orion, Dad, Grandfather and Harry who were all trying to congratulate me at the same time. After they let me go, they descended on Brett shaking his hand so vigorously I thought I'd end up marrying a one armed wizard.
The last to congratulate me was mum who had opened her arms wide as she had when I was a child. I walked right into them.
"Congratulations baby. I heard some whispers while you were gone. But I'll have to admit the wizards in this family put one past me this time."
Gesturing, mum called Brett over to be enveloped in a huge hug as well. With tears running down her face, mum looked between Brett and I.
"I'm not losing my baby. I'm gaining a son. Congratulations to you both."
As the champagne was passed around, grandfather came over to tell Brett and I how pleased he was to have been part of the proposal. He also thanked Brett for asking his permission.
I beamed at my fiancé as he led me out to the garden so we could have a proper engagement kiss. Wrapping me in his arms, he kissed me with that same passion we had shared earlier. By the time the kiss was over, I wanted nothing more than to have him pushing into my naked body.
Instead, Brett pulled us into a dark corner pressing me against a wall where he lifted my shirt and began to suckle my breasts while trying to slide his hand down my jeans. My jeans were tight and his efforts to play with my clit were thwarted. Regardless, Brett was breathing so heavily I knew it was time to step back. And we did.
Rubbing my hand across his erection, I asked if he wanted me to take care of it. Bracing himself against the wall he had whispered a soft, please. So right there against our back wall I used my hand to give him release.
With his head laid back against the wall Brett let out a groan. "I fucking love it when you do that."
When he finished cleaning himself and my hand, Brett came straight out with it.
"I will hold to decorum and leave at a reasonable hour. However, I plan to return to your bedroom under the cover of night to celebrate our engagement. We will also set plans to inform my parents. I love you Lyra. Thank you for accepting my proposal."
My Malfoy/Granger blood was running hot and I whispered back to him.
"I'll be waiting. Just so you know how I feel. If you hadn't come to me, I would have come to you."
After a few more chaste kisses, Brett and I moved back into the living room to thunderous applause.
The wizards were so proud of themselves for having slipped one past mum they were wearing permanent smirks. In the middle of all this male smirking, the front bell rang.
A blush spread across mum's face as she headed to the door calling over her shoulder.
"Although Lyra and Brett's surprise engagement is huge. I have a small surprise of my own."
/*/
Everyone turned towards the door as we heard what sounded like someone picking her up off the floor and complimenting her.
"You are as beautiful as you ever were Hermione. Good to see you."
Mum was now in full blush as she led two strangers into the living room. The witch was blond and fairly nice looking. But the wizard. Wow. Even though he was older. He was as tall and handsome as my father only in a darker way.
I guess I was staring too hard because Brett pinched me on the side fixing me with a glare. I pinched him back then kissed him on the cheek.
/*/
Harry was first to stand, stride towards the wizard and grab him up in a hug. He then turned to the witch and hugged her as well.
Dad had tensed up not knowing who had picked mum up offering compliments.
Orion shrugged. "I thought they said Weasley had red hair."
I wasn't sure who it was. But I was more than sure who it wasn't. It wasn't a Weasley. "That can't be a Weasley. He looks intelligent."
And we both laughed.
Finally mum introduced the witch and wizard around. He was Neville Longbottom and she was Luna Lovegood Longbottom. They were friends of mum and Harry from the old days. They didn't mention having been friends with dad. Orion and I rightly assumed they were friends who fought on the side of light who hadn't had much to do with the Malfoys. Although, when Harry brought Neville over to dad and grandfather he had greeted them graciously.
"Nice to see you again Draco, Lucius" as they shook hands.
Dad was being sulky. He responded with a one word reply. "Longbottom."
When they found out I'd just became engaged, both Luna and Neville gave us their most hearty congratulations. They wished us well apologizing for interrupting an important event.
"No need to apologize Neville," mum remarked. "The engagement came as a very big surprise or I would have put off your visit until another day. But you are here now. Let's visit."
Since it was a reunion of sorts for Harry and mum. Brett, Orion and I decided to visit Gillian to share our news. After wishing everyone a good night, we left them to their visit.
/*/
Brett whispered into my ear as we were leaving. "I won't have to sneak back into your room. We can go to my flat. I can shag my fiancée all night long."
I was in the middle of a giggle when Orion made several smarmy remarks.
"You whisper too loudly Brett. I heard everything that was said. I think a double dose of contraceptives is in order. We wouldn't want the next generation of Pavo-Malfoys running around anytime soon."
I told Orion to shove his advice up his arse. He was to keep his mind off Brett's dick and on his own. Then I scathingly remarked that any children Brett and I had would be named Davies.
Brett and I left Orion standing there in the yard huffing because I'd gotten the last word.
/*/
Harry was chuffed to see Neville and Luna. He and Hermione were happily chatting with the couple in one corner of the room while Lucius and Draco talked softly in another corner.
Draco was irritated that Hermione hadn't told him she was inviting Longbottom into their home. It was Lucius who had to remind him that certain things were in the past and he should concentrate on being a good host.
When Lucius heard Neville ask Hermione how she ended up in California married to Draco. He nudged his son.
Draco took a deep breath before standing to put his arm around Hermione. Glancing around the room then back at Neville he answered for Hermione.
"That Longbottom, is a very long story."
