Previously on The Taint Of Her Name Chapter 24: The Holiday Begins
Although not normally allowed, newspapers were prominent at the breakfast table that morning.
Hermione had cringed at her magical photo turning from side to side as she related her story. Draco could have told her that her hair looked like a bush.
Draco just grinned when she mentioned this fact. "Stop fretting love. You are stunning."
Lucius sitting at the head of the table beaming at everyone had only one thing to add. "Now all of Britain and surrounding areas knows the Malfoy family is home and intact. Let's raise our orange juice glasses to the Malfoy family and friends. Cheers."
/*/
The family ate a leisurely breakfast referring often to parts of the articles and the photos.
There was a good laugh had by all when the precocious Philius commented to his mum. "We look good too mum."
A blushing Luna told Philius he should not be so self centered while Neville winked at his son telling him to save his compliments for when he was alone with his mum which made the entire table smile.
/*/
The meal was finished. As everyone made his or her way to different parts of the Manor, Harry came through the floo at the same time Lucius' phone began a constant stream of beeps meaning he was receiving text after text.
Harry stood in the middle of the main hall holding up a copy of the Daily Prophet in one hand and his phone in the other calling out loudly. "Well Malfoys and Longbottoms. It would seem that all of the UK knows you are home and are trying to text me at the same time. Will Lafitte has done a brilliant job. Prepare yourselves for the onslaught."
A/N: If you see Blaise as I do, you know there is no way he settled down with one witch a year after the war and had a child. Which would have explained how he had a daughter around the same age as Orion and Lyra. Stasia has a back story which will be forthcoming.
Chapter 25: Controlled Chaos
And there was an onslaught. Harry asked Hermione, Draco and Neville if he should give out their mobile numbers. Hermione declined to have hers given out citing it would be more suitable if Draco received the calls and texts. Luna also declined leaving Neville to field any texts coming in for his family.
Seeing galleon signs in front of his eyes, Will had The Prophet issue an additional midday edition with quotes from witches and wizards who knew Draco, Hermione, Neville and Luna during their Hogwarts days. The edition had been a sell out.
The residents of Malfoy Manor got a pleasant surprise early on. Even though The Minister of Magic wasn't accustomed to making unannounced visits, Adrian Pucey appeared at the doors of Malfoy Manor accompanied by two of his staff grinning so widely one would have thought he had just watched the Slytherin team beat Gryffindor in a Quidditch match. But that was old thinking. The Adrian Pucey of today was not the snotty Slytherin of Hogwarts. When he saw Hermione and Draco, he moved forward with the zest and vigor of an old friend intent on greeting friends and making apologies for not calling beforehand.
Draco shook Adrian's hand telling him they wouldn't stand on ceremony. That he was welcome any time he wished to visit the Manor.
Luna remarked quietly to Hermione that the Minister hadn't forgotten to bring his photographers. Hermione only nodded her head in acknowledgement not wanting to embarrass herself by making an inappropriate verbal response which might be overheard.
Although Adrian was a few years ahead of Draco and Hermione, theirs was a reunion which spoke of the relationships which might have developed during the ensuing years following the War.
The Minister spoke to Lucius before saying his farewell citing the need to get back to the Ministry. The Minister invited Hermione and Draco to come see the changes which had been made during their absence. Adrian admitted that one or both of them would probably have given him a run for the top position had they been able to remain in Britain.
Complete with his Malfoy smirk, Draco told the Minister he was spot on with his assessment of what could have been.
Draco and Hermione smiled a little sadly at each other after Adrian left. It seemed others had recognized their future potential as well.
/*/
Seana and the boys came through with Seana there to lend her support explaining the boys were intent on finding Xeno and Philius.
Hermione all but dragged Seana and Luna out to the back gardens convinced Draco and Lucius would handle those who chose to come through the door unannounced. The three witches chatted among themselves as they watched the magical builders transform the far end of the gardens into a virtual play land.
Seana mentioned that Harry had come home raving about California and how Draco had almost burned his own father to a crispy biscuit. Hermione smiled along with Seana and Luna, but was still rather aggravated over Draco's lack of foresight. Hermione related Harry's trip out with Orion. The witches had laughed out loud.
The topic turned to Hermione's pregnancy and the fact she was carrying twins. Hermione explained all about her decision to contact Phoebe Wells and how well it had turned out. The conversation turned to children, childbirth and husbands who wanted to shag from the back when stomachs grew too large to climb on. All three witches were in hysterics after revealing some of the antics of their husbands.
At lunchtime, Ricky came out to check with Luna and Seana if he could have lunch for the boys sent up to the sunroom. Ricky also advised Luna he would be retrieving Philius from the big library where he had been since he arrived.
Luna sighed as she excused herself to go check on Philius muttering he was so much like his grandfather it was uncanny.
While Luna was gone, Seana thanked Hermione for being so welcoming. When Harry told me he had found you, I didn't know what to feel. I was of the mind you would be upset Harry had married outside your group of friends. Which was why I declined to accompany him to the States. I didn't want to find myself and my boys sitting on the outside looking in.
"I can understand that." Hermione replied reaching out to Seana. "Hopefully you can now see how wrong you were. I'm happy that Harry is happy. Nothing else matters. Now that we have that out of the way. I'm hoping you, Harry and the boys will make time to visit us. Seana nodded, but didn't have a chance to reply.
There was a slight pop of Apparition. Hermione turned to find Rawley standing a good distance away. Seeing how Empath elves stood taller and were more solidly built than regular house elves, Rawley took Seana by surprise eliciting a sharp gasp.
Hermione knew Seana didn't mean to insult Rawley and had quickly assured her Rawley was one of the family. Seana colored up when Hermione introduced Rawley as her and Draco's personal attendant. Seana quickly regained her composure as Rawley executed a small bow before turning to Hermione.
"Mother Hermione, I apologize for interrupting you, but in all the excitement I believe you overlooked your morning potion requirements. It is also past lunch time. May I have lunch set up in the kitchen or have it sent out here to the gardens?"
Hermione reached out for her potions thanking Rawley and advising him that she, Seana and Luna would take their lunches in the kitchen.
"I will have the lunch ready when you come through." With a pop, he was gone.
Seana apologized for her reaction admitting she hadn't ever seen a house elf like that.
"And you probably never will," admitted Hermione. "Rawley is very special. Let's go to the kitchen. I am starved. Rawley will let Luna know where we are."
/*/
In the time Luna, Seana and Hermione had been out in the back garden, the front of the house had become controlled chaos. Mobiles were beeping every few seconds and a group of wizards had surrounded Draco, Neville, Orion and Lyra with Brett having been spirited away to a far corner by a wizard Hermione thought to be Roger Davies the Ravenclaw two years above her.
Brett was half listening to the wizard as he watched Lyra talking to the wizards who approached her. Brett had finally said something to Roger that Hermione took to be, we should talk at length when we both have more time before nodding and walking over to back off a dark haired wizard who had gotten too close to Lyra.
Hermione kept going towards the kitchen when Orion called out to her. "Mum. I'd like to introduce you to a friend." He brought Stasia Zabini forward. "Mum, I'd like you to meet…."
Orion was cut off by a dashing, debonair Blaise Zabini who had appeared at Hermione's elbow finishing Orion's sentence. "Anastasia Zabini, my daughter. How are you Granger? I see the rumors of your death have been greatly exaggerated."
Hermione glanced at her son before turning towards Blaise. "Ruined your day by being alive. Have I Zabini? Rumors can be so annoying and so wrong."
Orion was taken aback. He obviously had not realized who or what Blaise had been during the Hogwarts years. As soon as he could pull his jaw up from the floor. He had turned into a total Malfoy, frown included. Before Orion could say something he would regret, Hermione excused herself quietly walking her son down the hall away from the crowd leaving Blaise and Stasia standing there.
Orion had tensed up and was turning red. Hermione feared what he would do. Over the hallway buzz, she called out for Draco and Lucius.
Harry made it there first.
"Please accompany Orion to the library or the study or the dining room Harry. Just get him out of this hall. Now please."
Draco arrived followed by Lucius. Hermione silently directed them into the library. Luna and Seana found Hermione standing in front of the library door looking as though she would break down any minute.
"Are you ill Hermione? Shall I get Draco?"
Hermione shook her head and shared the fact she had spoken out of turn to Blaise Zabini which had upset Orion. At that moment, Draco stepped outside the library gesturing for Hermione. "Your son has gone mute. What happened?"
With a deep sigh Hermione recounted what had happened.
"You know your son Hermione. Why would you say something like that in front of him?" Then he pulled Hermione to him apologizing for his tone. "We'll get it sorted love. I spoke to Blaise earlier. He's way past what he used to be. He's changed as many of us have changed. Will you allow Blaise to come to the library so we can get things smoothed over?"
Nodding her head at Draco, Hermione went back to Luna and Seana telling them she would meet them in the kitchen before entering the library.
/*/
Draco was right. A red in the face Orion was sitting mute staring past a confused Lucius and an even more confused Harry who realized this was a private family matter and slipped out of the room.
Hermione sat down beside her son speaking softly but not whispering. "I thought we were past this Ori. This is my fault. I never should have addressed Blaise as I did. He was a Slytherin. Our Houses didn't get along, but Blaise hasn't ever done anything to me…or to you. You've got to let this kind of thing go. Look at me Ori. I am asking you to treat the people you meet in the manner they treat you. Until the time a person does you wrong, treat them as someone you are glad to know. Will you do that?" She asked running her hand down her son's cheek.
"Once again it has become hard to tell a friend from an enemy." Orion replied solemnly.
"I have to disagree Orion. You are making that decision. No one else. Do not let our past cloud future decisions. I need to apologize to Blaise and hope we can get past this little setback."
Orion kissed Hermione on the forehead and rose from the couch. He turned to leave, but came face to face with his father and Blaise.
Hermione had remained sitting on the couch with her back to the room, but Blaise spoke up anyway. "There's nothing to apologize for Granger. I may have been a bit too glib for the situation. Shall we proceed from here?" Blaise asked walking around to the front of the couch holding out his hand to Hermione. "I'll start. Hello Hermione. Welcome back to Britain."
Hermione took the hand Blaise had extended giving him a small smile. "Thank you for your words of welcome. It's good to be back."
"That's a relief," remarked Blaise to the room in general. "I have met your son on several occasions and judged him to be a fine, intelligent lad. I don't want to lose his respect. I'm sure my daughter would not forgive me if that happened. If you all will excuse me, I stopped by with Theo. He must think I've gotten lost."
Draco's face looked like a thunder cloud as he addressed Orion. "It is my understanding everything was going along well before we arrived. Your mother appears and suddenly we are back to where we were a month ago. Your mother is safe. When she isn't, I think I'm more than wizard enough to keep her from harm. I'm furious, but I'm disappointed as well. The people who do not wish us well will not be those you meet here at the Manor. Drop this need to face off with those you perceive as your mother's enemy. You may have your own soon enough." Draco then asked Hermione and Lucius to excuse them because he had a few more things to say to his son in private.
Hermione and Lucius left the room quickly and quietly to let Draco speak with Orion. Lucius walked with Hermione to the kitchen where he nodded to Seana and Luna before leaving the ladies to their lunch.
Hermione had lost any appetite. Instead she sipped a glass of water while explaining her faux pas. Seana and Luna commiserated with Hermione trying to make her feel better, but a knot remained firmly planted in her stomach. She had done exactly what she had warned Orion against doing.
/*/
Draco and Orion left the library together with Draco heading in one direction while Orion headed towards Blaise, Theo and Lucius. Blaise gestured for Orion to step away to have a private word.
When they were away from the crowd, Blaise informed Orion he had read every word of every article published about their lives and completely understood his actions. Blaise quietly assured Orion he wasn't the enemy. Their conversation ended with a new understanding between the two men leaving the younger wizard in a much better place.
Draco had watched the interaction between Orion and Blaise and had only just turned back to his conversation with Neville, Seamus Finnigan and Lucian Bole when he noticed Orion leading a lovely witch towards the kitchen. Draco was curious as to who the witch was and why Orion was taking her to the kitchen. Excusing himself from the conversation, Draco headed to the kitchen three steps behind Orion and the unknown witch.
Orion led the witch around the table and came to stand beside Hermione. "Mum. I want to introduce you to a friend. Our introductions were interrupted when I decided to take a Malfoy turn. I'd like to introduce you to Anastasia Zabini. Stasia, this is my mum Hermione Malfoy."
Hermione stood and reached out for Stasia's hand. "I'm very pleased to meet you Anastasia. These are my friends Luna Longbottom and Seana Potter. Over there by the door is my husband Draco Malfoy. It is a pleasure to meet you. Would you like to have some lunch with us?"
Flashing a smile so bright Hermione had to blink, Stasia declined the invitation explaining she and Orion had a lunch engagement.
Orion winked at Hermione as he took Stasia by the arm guiding her to the door where Stasia shook hands with Draco before letting Orion lead her from the room.
Draco smiled at Hermione before settling himself into the chair professing he would be glad to join them for lunch. Luna and Seana smiled at Draco. With a quick glance between them, the ladies stood to leave giving the explanation they should go see what was going on with their children.
Draco who realized he had interfered with lunch was quick to tell the ladies they didn't have to go. Both witches insisted he hadn't interrupted telling Hermione they would catch up with her a little later.
Draco grabbed his wife's hand apologizing for running her friends off. He also advised her of the outcome with Orion. To which she replied it had all been her fault because she had spoken without thinking. "I shouldn't have spoken that way especially in front of our son. My apologies for the confusion. Regardless of what happened, I don't think it will deter Orion from seeking out the company of Miss Anastasia Zabini. She is a beautiful witch."
Hermione placed her hand on top of Draco's rubbing her thumb back and forth. "It is a surprise to me that Blaise married as quickly as we did. I pictured him as the ultimate playboy who would marry and settle down when he was fifty," laughed Hermione. "That would be if his dick held up that long."
Not wanting to speak badly about a former Slytherin, Draco chose his words carefully. "I spoke to Blaise. He has only been married for about five years. There is obviously more to him having a daughter the age of our children than we know. I'm sure we will hear all about it from Orion as our son seems smitten. It would appear that another day long visit by Gillian will come to nothing. At least as far as Orion is concerned. Let's enjoy our lunch while father clears the main hall of visitors."
"Yes let's," answered a smiling Hermione.
/*/
They had taken a mere few bites when the kitchen door opened once again. Theo Nott and Blaise entered the room.
"We are about to take our leave, but it wouldn't be proper if we didn't stop in to say good bye to our old school mates."
Draco nodded inviting them to sit and have some lunch. When they both declined, he stood to shake their hands. "It's good to see you after all this time. I look forward to seeing you both before I go back to the States. I'd like to catch up."
While Draco was speaking to Blaise, Theo sat down next to Hermione and struck up a conversation. He apologized for what had gone on back in the day remarking he hoped they all could move forward as friends.
Having learned a lesson from what had transpired with Orion, Hermione nodded at Theo telling him the past was the past and they should all move forward.
Theo smiled back as he refilled Hermione's water glass. "That Mrs. Malfoy. I can do. Lucius has mentioned a get together of sorts where we will all be able to visit with each other without taking up his main hall. I look forward to it."
Draco and Blaise had finished their conversation. Draco turned his attention to Theo. "Not trying to chat up my wife. Are you Theo? I haven't changed so much I would allow that," laughed Draco as Theo jumped to his feet.
"We were merely having a conversation. But I think she likes me." Which caused everyone to laugh including Hermione.
The two wizards gave Hermione a brief hug before leaving the kitchen confirming they would attend any party Lucius saw fit to throw.
/*/
After Blaise and Theo left, Draco reached out to Hermione telling her they should go check to see if the main hall had been cleared out. Hermione took Draco's arm letting him lead her from the kitchen.
The main hall was almost clear. Only Seamus, Dean and George Weasley remained. When George and Seamus saw Hermione, they both rushed at her at the same time. They both tried to envelop her in their arms at the same time which ended when Hermione squealed they were squeezing her to death.
Seamus grinned at his long lost Housemate. "Sorry Hermione."
"That was my intent," said a grinning George. "You take off without a word to anyone then saunter back twenty years later as pretty as you please. It was definitely my intent to squeeze you to death. You are still as beautiful as ever." He said pulling himself back a bit so he could look in Hermione's face. "I'm so glad you're alive. Draco is a very lucky man. However, I will say. Had you not disappeared, I would have asked you to marry me. Charlie knows you are back. He is in the process of making arrangements to get home to see you. I believe Ron will be here as well. You have London buzzing Mrs. Malfoy."
Turning to Draco, George held out his hand thanking him for saving Gryffindor's most brilliant witch. Without hesitation, Draco had taken the hand accepting George's thanks.
Dean had come over, albeit a little more quietly, to offer his welcome as well. The five former Hogwarts students stood in the hall talking for another twenty minutes before Dean, George and Seamus made their excuses.
/*/
Hermione's bladder was full so she whispered to Draco she needed the loo and would be going to the back gardens when she finished.
After she finished in the loo, Hermione settled herself into a chair to sit with Helen and Luna and Seana as they watched their sons assisting the contractors who were finishing off the play area. Suddenly a beaming Neville came through dragging none other than Aberforth Dumbledore. With a shriek, Hermione was out of her chair wrapping her arms around the elderly wizard. Hermione began to cry as she laid her head against Aberforth's chest thanking him for saving her, Harry and Ron's lives. "I never got a chance to thank you Ab. I never…." then she was crying so hard Aberforth began to awkwardly pat her head while making soothing noises.
"I may have saved you, but you three saved the Wizarding World. It is me who should be thanking you." He quipped reaching for the tissue Luna was holding out to him. "Take this and wipe that lovely face before your husband comes through wanting to duel me."
Hermione laughed as she raised her hand to take the tissue. "Thank you." She squeaked. "Will you sit with us for awhile?"
"I only stopped in to pay my regards after reading the articles in the Daily Prophet." Turning to Neville, a choked up Aberforth admitted he wanted to see the wizard he considered braver than any wizard he knew.
Neville colored up but didn't refute Ab's description. He was brave and it had only taken him twenty years to realize it.
Luna keep her eyes in her lap with a smile on her face while Aberforth sung the praises of her husband. She didn't need Aberforth Dumbledore to tell her what she already knew.
Draco happened to wander through to see Hermione wiping her eyes and had hurried over to check on his wife.
Knowing Draco had changed but retained the same temper. Neville quickly interceded by introducing Draco to Aberforth. It was a little awkward at first, but both wizards cared for Hermione so it had all settled down with a handshake between them. Aberforth ended up taking a seat remaining in the garden for an additional hour talking with the others.
Draco learned things he hadn't known sitting there listening to Dumbledore's brother. At the end of the conversation, he had humbly thanked Aberforth as well.
After Aberforth left, Draco had kissed Hermione on the cheek and left to go find his father.
/*/
Hermione didn't have any children to watch. After a while her arse began to feel as though it had prickles running through it so she got up to take a stroll around the other side of the gardens. She hadn't walked far when she heard voices. Hermione was curious because one of the voices belonged to her husband. The female voice belonged to someone Hermione didn't recognize.
Female: "Your father and my father made an arrangement Draco. You were supposed to marry me. Instead you took off like a fucking thief in the night and now I've found out it was because of the Mudblood. You actually fell in love with Hermione Granger? Shall I tell her how many nights you spent fucking me? Will she still think she was your first choice?"
Draco: "Mudblood? Really Astoria? That's old. You're probably one of a few magical people who still uses that word. Get over yourself. Regarding any arrangement my father made with your father, it's bullshit and had nothing to do with me. And bringing up the so-called shagging relationship we had back then seems like a witch grasping at straws. You never got another bit of my attention once Hermione accepted me. If you feel the need to approach Hermione with that bit of tripe, go ahead. Neither she nor my children will take kindly to you getting in her face with twenty year old bullshit. You have been warned. Go home to your husband. Leave my family alone."
Astoria: "I don't want to go home to my husband. I want what we had. You loved shagging me Draco. I want that again. My husband is of no consequence. If you want me, I'll send him away."
Hermione sensed that Astoria had moved closer to Draco and was ready to step out of her hiding place to confront them both. However, before she could move another voice joined the conversation. Lucius.
"Astoria," greeted Lucius.
Turning to Draco, Lucius voiced his thoughts in a surly tone. "Why would a married man be hidden away with a witch who isn't his wife? It makes it seem as though you have something to hide Draco. How would Hermione feel if she walked upon you two?"
Draco bristled. "Hermione knows I love her. She is the only witch in my life. Astoria has thrown your plan to have me marry her in my face and has offered me the use of her pussy. Which I have declined. I don't care what arrangement you made with her father. My choice was made a long time ago. Nobody is going to step between me and my family. Nobody. You're single father. Why don't you shag her. Now if you'll excuse me. I want to go check on my wife."
Lucius had changed, but he was still Lucius. "How dare you?" he growled at Astoria. "You sidle your way into my house to confront my married son. Your time has passed. You weren't witch enough to pull him away from Hermione in 1999 and you aren't witch enough now. I will not have my daughter-in-law upset. You are no longer welcome at the Manor. Get out and don't come back."
"You may growl at me if you wish Lucius, but there was a deal made. Time changes nothing. My father will hear about this." Astoria spit at Lucius.
Lucius who did not take kindly to threats pulled himself up to his full height. "You dare threaten me with your father? If your father has put you up to this, I will see to him in due course as well. For this moment, I suggest you leave. You are not welcome in my home."
A visibly upset Lucius called for Ricky to show Mrs. Geroux to the front door. As Ricky showed Astoria to the door, Lucius called out that she should consider herself lucky she hadn't been overheard by his grandchildren.
Hermione backed away from her little hidden spot. She had heard enough. She had long been aware that Lucius kept throwing Draco and Astoria together hoping for a match. At the time it had caused her a lot of distress, but she and Draco had fallen in love and there weren't any Pureblood witches after that.
As Hermione made her way back to Helen, Seana and Luna, she thanked Merlin for her amazing husband and father-in-law.