A/N: for anyone who is actually reading this story. Sorry I took down chapters 7 & 8 and reposted them. I was going one way with this story originally and then realized it just wasn't working and those two chapters needed massive editing to fix it so I removed them and then fixed them. Just in case I confused anyone. I'm also not going to have a set day for the update of this story anymore except that it will be weekly. I was trying Mondays but it isn't working. Too much to do on Mondays for me. So now it'll be when I can get to it but most likely will be between the other two stories I'm posting which are Thrusdays and Saturdays.
also, for reference, I stated that Balthazar Zabini defected just before Snape. After careful research, Snape defected anywhere between Harry's birth in July of 1980 and a week prior to the Potter's death in October of 1981. Blaise in my story was born in September 1979 like Hermione- there isn't a set date for his birth. Therefore when Harry was born he would have been a year and two months old. So Balthazar could have defected anywhere between before the boys birth and prior to or just after his turning two. I'm telling you this so you know that it is plausible that Blaise won't remember his father at all.
Chapter Nine
Hermione
As Draco flew off with Alrakis, Hermione's heart leapt into her throat. That horse was so fast and they were so high. The only thing that stopped her from panicking was that she had watched Draco use a Sticking Charm on the girl and he was a good flier. He had to be after all if he was to be a Seeker for Puddlemere. They wouldn't have accepted him if he hadn't some modicum of talent.
Just as they took off, Ron came back for the next child. For the next two hours they flew the horses- switching out when one became too tired, which provided excellent exercise for the animals. Either that or a few of the children went with Goyle into the gardens to look at what was planted in the flowerbeds and what they might wish to plant when spring came again. He may not be as good at Herbology as Neville, but he knew a fair few plants and a few trees.
When the sun had moved closer to the western horizon Hermione called for everyone to go inside and get cleaned up while she cooked dinner with Draco's help. Ron and Goyle, were asked to stay of course. There wasn't much point in them leaving since the meeting was after the kids went to bed and they were already there.
As Hermione watched Draco manually cut up Daniel's food and answer questions Sarah had about her and her brother's new parents, exclaiming her excitement quite shrilly when Draco told her he would be their brother as they were his parents too, she saw that he seemed lighter. As if a weight had been lifted in those few moments he was in the air taking the tots in turns on his new stallion.
She knew that feeling. When you found something you loved doing so much that nothing could intrude when you were doing it. For her it was when she was interacting with her tots. They had such a fascination and joy for everything around them- from their magic, to the creatures that inhabit their world, to anything remotely muggle- and the easiness of their laughter and the fact that they looked upon life as a great game helped her be able to shuck the past.
When the war ended she was too consumed in learning things for her final year of Hogwarts, in taking her N.E.W.T.S and starting her orphanage to really enjoy the fact that she didn't have to fight anymore, that there wasn't yet another danger lurking around the corner.
Now here they were, facing danger again and while she should probably be going through strategies and plans in her mind, she found suddenly that she didn't want to. She didn't want to be the decision maker this time around. She probably would help, they might come to her at some point. But with Draco by her side she knew she wouldn't have to do as much as she had during the war.
Plus Harry, the top Auror in the department already, and Ron had come into their own and both no longer looked to her all the time for any sort of wisdom or knowledge- which was a novelty to be sure. No, this time she could sit back and let others handle the decisions while she protected herself and her own.
Let the brothers come. They wouldn't accomplish their goals easily. None of the wizards and witches they were facing were green kids that didn't know all they could about magic. This time around the enemy was facing formidable foes that wouldn't be taken easily.
After all, the only reason they succeeded in hurting Narcissa was because she was taken by surprise. With that act the brothers had lost the element and none of them would be unprepared. With the precautions they would be taking they would be ready for them.
And with that final thought Hermione settled in to have a pleasant chin wag with her mates and boyfriend; and maybe later she could get Draco to continue where they had left off that afternoon like he had said he would. A good shag was what they both needed.
Draco
Spending time in the air had helped Draco worry less about his mum. But that didn't help when it came to Hermione and the tots that sat around them. If Rodolphus and Rastaban came for him or Hermione, he couldn't even think about what could happen to the kids. They had already suffered enough. They had to be proactive. They couldn't just sit and wait for the brothers to come to them. They needed to find the brothers first.
Tomorrow he would go to the Ministry and speak with Ron and Harry. Maybe they could get Snape to bring in Mr. Zabini and they could hear from the original source about what he had heard the brothers planning. Maybe then they could come up with more than a defensive plan like they would work on tonight. No matter what, it was down to them to keep everyone else safe. He knew Hermione could handle herself but his natural instincts demanded he protect her himself.
To bad they couldn't get the man there for the meeting later, once the kids were alseep, then it would save some time and Blaise would know his father was alive. Draco knew they'd need to support his friend when that moment came though. He couldn't fathom what would happen when Blaise found out the man he thought dead all his life was really alive and had never contacted him. Blaise would probably be bloody gutted.
Their meal over, the tots were sent up the stairs to prepare for bed as Goyle and Weasley cleaned the kitchen. Draco followed Hermione to help her bathe the younger ones, thinking as he went that she had a fantastic arse. He couldn't help watching it as it bounced and moved in front of him as they climbed the stairs.
Baths taken, kids tucked in and sleeping or reading- with firm instructions to only read for another thirty minutes before they too needed to go to bed- the two went back down the stairs to be greeted by their loved ones. The Weasley's red hair stood out among all the black, brown and blonde and Draco counted eight- the second oldest son Charlie was actually safer in Romania than any of them and Bill told them he'd fill him in about this meeting later.
Hermione moved everyone into the formal dining room where there was more seating and got things in order, summoning snacks and drinks, making sure the cups would refill themselves- as well as the plates- so the meeting could continue uninterrupted. They were just about to sit when Severus came gliding in with a new addition, the blatant reason he was late, following behind. He was tall, well muscled and had black hair and brown eyes just like Blaise. The only way you could tell he was older was the touch of gray in his beard.
Draco knew immediately that this was Balthazar Zabini. His uncle must have gotten ahold of the man or something to get him here. Draco watched as Balthazar's eyes searched the room before falling upon his son. The longing and apprehension that filled his expression made Draco hope that, once the shock was over, Blaise would accept his father and they could have a relationship. No one spoke for a moment more until Severus broke the silence.
"I'd like to introduce our newest guest. This is Balthazar. He's been our informant on the brothers."
Draco didn't give any indication of knowing the man since his uncle had only stated the man's Christian name, probably since the truth of his identity would take over the meeting and they didn't want that. No, it was best left until the end so Blaise and his father could have some time alone. Blaise also didn't show any recognition towards his father, no matter how similar they may have looked. After that introduction, Draco started the meeting.
"Ok so, so far we know that the Lestrange brothers want revenge. They'll be after the Weasley's, especially Molly. Myself and my parents. Hermione and you Uncle. But most especially Harry. Harry, maybe you should tell them why."
Potter looked unsure at first, which Draco could understand as the lure of the wand was a strong one- he figured only the extreme loyalty and love, like with Ron and Hermione, would keep them from trying to get the wand for themselves. But then he sighed resignedly and began his story. Placing his full trust in the people he considered family.
"Most of you were at Hogwarts during the final battle, some already know everything because you were in the Headmaster's Office with me that day after the battle. When I told Voldemort about my being the master of the Elder Wand I wasn't just spouting codswallop. The wand exists and I am its master, but I'm letting you all know now I don't actually have it anymore. I haven't since the battle."
Draco knew that most in the room never knew that the wand had been Dumbledore's first and the wand had been placed in his tomb at his death until Voldemort stole it; and that it lay there again.
"There were so many people that overheard what I was saying, but apparently the brothers paid right close attention. They want the wand, at least according to Balthazar who overheard them planning something in their hideout in Romania. This is why they've come for us, especially me, or at least part of it."
There was silence after his speech, but just for a second before everyone was talking at once and the din in the room grew louder and louder. That was until his uncle, having had enough apparently, cast the Langlock jinx- which he was superb at having invented it himself- at everyone that was talking. The glares he earned were comical as gobs opened and closed with no words leaving them.
"Sorry but the noise was giving me a headache. Now. I will remove the spell if you can all agree to be quiet while Mr. Potter finishes." There were nods all along the table, and he removed the spell. Hermione snickered beside Draco and he turned to see the laughter in her eyes and her hand over her mouth as she tried not to let anyone know she was laughing. But it was no use, the next thing he knew she snorted and then burst out in laughter. The gravity of the situation escaped everyone as they all joined her.
Once their laughter died down, Harry continued.
"As an Auror getting to me will be difficult. Not only can I protect myself, but I'll be surrounded by Ministry officials all the time except when I'm at home or out and about on my days off. Even then I'm usually in someone else's company- never alone.
"Most of our homes, like Grimmauld Place, are warded against anyone entering them in certain ways. My home is Unplottable, the Floo is blocked, and you can't enter through Apparition. Despite Yaxley getting in there during the war, no other Death Eaters would be able to even if he told them where it is, because I've readjusted the wards and made them my own. Because of this they will most likely go for those I care about and those that you care about. Which means everyone in this room in some way is in danger.
"All that's left to say, is be vigilant. Don't think it won't be you just because you're as far removed from the situation as can be- like if you're merely a chum or something. These men, according to Narcissa Malfoy, are more dangerous than even Voldemort. They cannot get the wand. That is their main goal, killing me and those they feel wronged by is just a bonus. Snape, anything to add?"
"Not by me, Balthazar?"
"First, Narcissa, I'd like to apologize to you. They left before I could warn anyone. They saw that Prophet, threw there wobbler and left. I truly am sorry." Draco's mum accepted his apology as gracefully as she always did every thing else. Draco was surprised his parents hadn't outed the man for who he was, they had to know him after all. But he figured it was for the same reason he hadn't, because his uncle hadn't mentioned it. Nor had Balthazar himself. Then he told them what else he had learned.
"They heard about you Gregory, about what is really happening with you. The fact you're with what they consider a blood traitor you are now also a target, plus Harry- they're going to go for Andromeda and who I believe is your Godson, Teddy, at some point I'm sure. The sister of Bellatrix and the Godson of Harry Potter are prime targets. You need to warn her, perhaps have her move in with you until we get these two.
"They're also looking for help. They talked about the possibility of utilizing someone else who is just as angry as they are that isn't shunned from society, isn't on the run like they are. They feel this person can get into places they can't. So be prepared to be suspicious of everyone if I'm honest."
"Is that it?"
"Yes Harry it is. There isn't much we can do except go on the offensive. To track these two down like dogs. Otherwise we just need to be cautious."
"Anyone else have anything to add?" Goyle shyly spoke up then.
"Actually I do. I've been approached by Daphne Greengrass, that's who I was telling you about at lunch Hermione. She especially asked whether I knew anyone that was still at large. I don't know because I've left that all behind but I felt you should know."
"There aren't that many of Voldemort's inner circle left. We haven't really bothered with the ones that weren't Marked because they kind of scurried away and have kept their heads down. But the only ones left are Avery and Travers. Besides of course the Lestranges. We haven't heard a thing from the other two though. They've disappeared and the likelihood of finding them anytime soon is bugger all."
"Harry's right, I doubt we need to worry about them but let's keep our ears open and if Daphne or the others approach you again Goyle let us know." Gregory nodded and Kingsley went on.
"Ok, so here's the game plan." Everyone turned their attention to the Minister.
"Harry, Ronald, myself and the other Aurors will be working on finding these guys. If I'm honest our best bet for them tripping up is for everyone to go about as normal, as if today's attack didn't matter essentially. Their main goal here is going to be creating fear, making you terrified and constantly looking over your shoulder. Don't let them. Go about your business as usual. Snape, you, Arthur and Gregory are really the safest as you work in places that infiltration is next to impossible. The same with you Harry, Ron.
"Bill I think you're lack of a set routine will help you; and I believe Shell Cottage is Unplottable like Harry's home?"
"Yes it is Kingsley."
"Good. Charlie should be safe surrounded by dragons and Molly rarely leaves The Burrow and after what she did to Bellatrix I doubt she'll need protection. So I think everyone should be fine as long as they remain vigilant and perhaps if you must go out you do so in pairs. We remain on red alert. I'll have Harry and Ron keep you all informed as to what we are doing to find the brothers. Good with everyone?" There are a chorus of yeses before one more thing is brought up.
"What about Astoria? After all she worked with Hermione and she's still mates with her. Could she be in danger too?"
"Well Blaise, she could be yes. I understand you recently got an apprenticeship with Horace. Perhaps you can let her know what's going on and keep her safe? You will be working with her Head of House after all. With the two of you at Hogwarts you should be relatively safe like Snape. The only way they can get to you is when you go to Hogsmeade."
Hermione
What was this? Blaise asking after the safety of Astoria Greengrass. Hermione turned to Draco and he gave her a smile and mouthed "later" at her, then turned back to the conversation at hand. What had happened at the school this morning? He was definitely going to tell her before they went to bed!
"I suppose I can do that Minister. If what Goyle says is true then perhaps Daphne is planning something as well and maybe Astoria might know more? I can ask her." Draco snickered beside Hermione at Blaise's suggestion, he clearly saw what she did. That Blaise was trying to give an excuse to get closer to Astoria. Well they had no problem with that.
"That sounds like a good idea Blaise. If she winds up a part of the brothers scheme we shall need to know immediately. So hopefully her sister can get that information. So yes, keep her safe and ask her to spy on her sister." Hermione turned to the Monkster then.
"Kingsley, I will need a recommendation of whom I may hire that is trustworthy as well. I've been meaning to hire someone anyway. Astoria won't be working with me until next May."
"Well if I'm honest, Millicent Bulstrode would be perfect. She's extremely capable of protecting the children and she's great with them."
"What is she doing now," Gregory asked.
"She is my undersecretary now that Percy there is my secretary." Percy began to nod.
"Yes, she is perfect for what you're looking for Hermione. She's not the same bullyish child she was in school. She's much like Greg here, she's sweet and shy and works very hard. She loves children and would more than likely be right excited to work with you."
"Set up a meeting with her for tomorrow then would you please?"
"Of course. Now that we've established what we're doing, how about we all head to bed? I'm sure the brothers won't attack again so soon after today."
"Thanks Kingsley. Have a good night everyone."
As the group went their separate ways Snape stopped Blaise from leaving and Narcissa and Lucius walked up to Harry and Ginny before they could go. Hermione wondered what that was about but was more interested in what was going on with the other two. He walked up to their mate with Balthazar at his side and Hermione's suspicions were confirmed, at least in her mind. This was Blaise's father.
"Blaise, a moment if you will." She and Draco watched as Blaise paused, looking at each of them in turn with questions clearly written on his face. Snape introduced Balthazar to his son.
"Blaise, this is your father."
"Par... Pardon me?" Blaise's voice began to quiver. Hermione wasn't sure if it was from shock or anger though as his face went completely blank.
"It's true Blaise, I am your father. There's so much I have to tell you and I'm sure you'll have a lot of questions. Do you want to discuss this now or wait until the morning?"
"I think I want to talk about this right bloody now. I mean it's not exactly every day a man comes into your life claiming to be the man you were told died when you were nearly two! Does Mother know? I can see you do Professor, but who else?"
Blaise was steadily growing angry and he grew angrier when he saw the guilt on Draco's face. Hermione wasn't sure what her own showed but Blaise clearly knew that whatever Draco knew she probably would too since they told each other everything even before becoming a couple, with the exception of their feelings of course.
"You knew too Draco? And I'm assuming, Hermione, you do as well since there aren't any secrets between the two of you, except of course the fact you both were bloody well in love with each other all during the summer after the battle at Hogwarts and our eighth year. Some chums you two are! How could you not tell me?!" Blaise's voice steadily grew louder and soon he was shouting. But they couldn't get a word in as he continued his tirade.
"Were any of Mother's other marriages legal? Where have you been all this time and why the fuck would you decide now is a good time to come out with this?! But most importantly, why? Why did you abandon us? Why did you let me grow up without my father!" The look of sadness on Balthazar's face made Hermione's eyes well up with tears. She couldn't blame Blaise for his anger but it was clear that leaving him behind had been hard for Balthazar.
"The story is a long one son, and yes they were legal. I can explain everything to you in a more private setting. I'm so sorry, I want nothing more than to tell you everything"
"Oh we don't need privacy. Draco and Hermione are going to find out everything anyway and as this is their home they have the right to be present. Just get on with it. What good reason could you have for abandoning your wife and child?" His father sighed and went to sit, but Hermione stopped him.
"Let us move this somewhere more comfortable and I'll get something a bit stronger than tea. I have the feeling we're all going to need it." The four men nodded and Draco led them to another of the receiving rooms in the house while she got the decanter of Firewhiskey she kept up well away from her tots and five tumblers. When she walked into the room they weren't speaking and all looked relatively uncomfortable. Sitting the glasses on the table she filled them and then settled in beside Draco. Balthazar took a large gulp of his before setting it down and speaking.
"It was a few months before you turned one. I had been steadily becoming jaded of the entire thing. Voldemort's obsession with the prophecy Snape had overheard and the killing. I just couldn't continue to pardon my choices. So I began to plan my escape. It's not exactly easy to defect you know. I knew that I had to fake my death. There was no way at all that they would leave your mother and you alone if they thought for a moment that she knew where I was.
"So I asked Snape here for help. He too was becoming more and more jaded and fearful but when Harry Potter was born and Voldemort eventually assumed it was he the prophecy spoke about Snape knew there would be no reasoning with him; and I knew that Snape would probably do something drastic himself. There weren't too many who didn't know of his love for Lily Potter.
"It was just after your second birthday," he paused there. Hermione knew Blaise's birthday was the week before her's in September, the fifth. "We had celebrated with this huge party because I knew the time had come to leave. Snape helped me with my death. We made it seem as if an Auror got me, that would explain why there wasn't a body because they would automatically deal with it. After that I disappeared. Your mother and I married because we loved each other so there wasn't any special magic or a contract to bind us so once she was told I was dead, she was legally able to remarry because no one but myself and Snape knew otherwise.
"I stayed away for your protection. Even after Voldemort's demise, or what we thought was his demise, there would be others who would want to do me harm so I couldn't risk you two. I watched from afar as you grew and as your mother remarried time and time again. If I'm honest I think she went through so many husbands because they weren't me. She never actually killed them though, some she just Obliviated so they wouldn't remember who she was. Those that were muggle anyway. The others she just simply divorced, she just never announced that.
"I never planned to come back but this new threat is too deadly for me not to become involved. I know you have no reason to trust me; and I'm not looking for you to love me, at least not right away. But I'm hoping you'll at least give me a chance. I plan to stick around and help keep you and your mother safe Blaise. I'm not going anywhere again."
There was a tense silence that fell amongst the group. Hermione looked at Draco to see pity in his eyes. She couldn't imagine what Blaise was going through. Her own parents didn't even know who she was anymore and she was fine with that. Oh Merlin. Her parents!
"Blast! Draco, Snape. Can I speak to you two over here for a moment," she said as she stood and moved to the other side of the room. Balthazar and Blaise continued looking at each other as Blaise went through what had been said. Hermione knew he'd process everything in his mind and wouldn't make any irrational decisions.
"What is it love?"
"My parents. Do you think they'd go after my parents?"
"I don't see why. They can't possibly know where they are after all. But maybe just to be safe we can ask Kingsley to send someone to watch over them. What do you think Uncle?"
"I think it would be better to be safe than sorry. I'll owl Kingsley in the morning. He's right, they won't strike again this soon, they'll wait for the fear to start setting in."
"Ok."
"Don't worry love, we'll ensure they're safe."
Hermione nodded and they went back to their seats. Blaise had quite finished going through the thoughts in his mind and was speaking in a controlled tone to his father.
"Ok, here's the deal. You can stay but don't expect a welcome with open arms. Especially from Mother. I wouldn't be surprised if she hexes you into oblivion. We can talk and interact but my acceptance of you will be on my terms, understand?"
"Of course, Blaise."
"And don't call me son. At least not right now. You lost that right when you left us. You'll be Balthazar to me until I decide otherwise."
"That's fair. So what now?"
"Now you have to speak to Mother." And Blaise smiled this extremely wicked, gloating smile and stood to leave.
"Hermione, if it's quite alright with you if I'm going to kip in the mill house for the night."
"Yes, that's fine."
"Thanks love. You're a gell." Blaise walked out of the room and Snape and Balthazar also took their leave after pleasantries were exchanged. As Hermione and Draco made their way through the house blocking all the Floos and then headed to their room, Hermione couldn't help musing over the situation.
"What do you think, darling. Will they develop a relationship?"
"I don't know love, but I'm willing to think they will. Now, I have two questions for you," Draco said turning to her. "The first, is it just flying on brooms and winged horses or flying in general that scares you?"
"Why?"
"Well I was thinking and now with the Floos blocked and the wards keeping us from Apparition, I thought perhaps turning those cars into flying ones similar to the Weasley's might be a bit easier than constantly using side-along apparition."
"Huh. I never thought of that. I'll send an owl to Arthur, he'll be able to tell us how to do it. You're bloody brilliant!"
"Well of course." Hermione lightly punched his arm and laughed.
"Now what was the second question?"
"It's not really a question, more an idea. Perhaps we should move into the Mill. It'll move is further away from the tots. If the brothers do happen to somehow get through the wards they'll come for you and I and being in the Mill- at least at night- will hopefully keep them out of the crossfire. Keep them safer."
"That's quite a good idea Draco. I think you're correct. We should move into the Mill. That way Millicent can have the staff quarters if she accepts the job."
"Now that's all settled, let's get to bed love. I want to finish what we started this afternoon. Hopefully by tomorrow we'll be able to move into the mill and Millicent will be working for you."
"Ok." Taking her hand she let him lead her into their room and undress her. They made love slowly and sweetly, Draco showing her in the worship of her body just how much she meant to him. The day was stripped away as Hermione came undone beneath him and they fell into a sated sleep wrapped around each other.
a/n: I hope you enjoyed meeting our new character. In case anyone wanted a visual I have modeled Balthazar Zabini after the lovely Joe Manganiello.
