A/N: This one starts immediately after the last with the response to Percy and then the other letters. In response to Snowflaze Dazzle, you get 50% of your wish here. To Chester99 - I have to agree with you now. When I wrote this, I was on the cliche bandwagon of her working with Minerva but now I think something with charms or potions would be more fitting. As for the castle, your comment spurred an idea for a potential on-off later. I have a few plot threads that won't be tied in a neat little bow at the end of the epilogue. At some point I thought about revisiting those threads and now your castle/raising kids may be an additional side story - thanks!
No lemons, safe-ish to read at work (assuming your company doesn't block the site and you are working). Plot driving chapter.
Thanks again for those of you reading, leaving notes, favoriting and following. It makes the other ideas floating in my mind want to get written down and out there for you all to read.
' - - - - - '
Father,
We are well. Draco brought me to a villa; I can't tell you where because I don't know yet. I know it's been ten days; however, I suspect you would prefer me to not explain why I have yet to discern its location. As you have stated I am pregnant. I suspect there was some sort of magic involved and would like to look at the family spell book when we return. I remember reading something that I'd like to review.
I am deeply in love with Draco and he with me. We had discussed where we will be living when returning to Britain. We have decided to live in the cottage. We want our privacy and still need space from our mothers. I have not read their letters yet. I suspect Draco has forgiven Narcissa but, is not happy at her role in the entire fiasco. Assuming their letters give me the confidence they understand Draco and I refuse to be pushed on matters of importance, we should see you in a week. If not, I'm not sure when we will return. It is so amazing here.
My classes at University will not start until September. I am not greatly concerned with my fall term classes; however, I will need to speak with my advisor and professors regarding the spring term. We have not seen a medi-witch yet but I believe my due date will be early March. If I am unable to take classes during the spring term, I plan to take any missed classes over the summer. Draco and I have also decided on taking the professor positions at Hogwarts.
Harry will act as a delivery owl for us should you need to respond or send another letter. Let us hope that I will see you in a week.
Love, Hermione
Percy,
Hermione allowed me some space on her response. I am greatly honored by your kind words. I will never be able to show Hermione how grateful I am to her for the two greatest gifts in the world. I have her love and now she is giving me an heir. I would like to formally ask for your assistance with raising my children. In the few months I have known you, I find myself wondering how you would react to this situation or that comment. As you are well aware, I did not have a great role model as a child. My father figure had always been Severus. Between the two of you, I believe I could learn to be wonderful husband and father. If you agree we can discuss upon our return.
Draco
Hermione had started to read the second letter in her stack. It turned out to be from Narcissa.
Hermione,
I first must beg your forgiveness. I became so wrapped up in everything, I truly did forget the wedding was for you. I had always hoped you would be found before Lucius was able to marry Draco to some insipid girl whose only redeeming factor was her ability to bear Lucius a grandson. In that world, a world that thankfully no longer exists, the only thing that mattered was the wedding and how to make it bigger and better than the one before it. Yesterday I was reminded of what I should have always known; this was your wedding. The wedding I had always wanted for my son. The wedding I wanted for him was never a way to show how much better my family was but a way for my son to acknowledge his love for you, my dear daughter-in-law. I saw in your eyes this was the wedding you wanted.
I will admit that I was angry at first, but my anger was not at the wedding. Never believe I was angry at the event or at you. But, I was angry at not being included. After we made it to where you were standing with Percy and you were both gone, I was lost. Since before getting out of the Manor and from under Lucius; I was never so scared I had lost my son as I was the moment I realized you had left. It was only a moment before your father again reminded us the pain I was feeling was of my own making.
By the way, I remember that dress. I had gone back a few days later to purchase it and was told it had already been sold. They wouldn't tell me who purchased it but I should have assumed it was Draco. It was obvious he loved you then. You were a vision and I hope someday to see all the pictures the Creevy boy took. The ones in the paper were exceptional. I expected nothing less. He is now the most sought after photographer in our world. I have commissioned him as the official Malfoy photographer and he will be available for the reception, assuming you see it in your heart to forgive an old witch for her exuberance.
Before I make the next statement, I need you to know that I will always be yours and Draco's most ardent and greatest supporter. I have yet to check the family tree, so I do not know for certain; however, I will check once I've sent this to Mr. Potter, and whenever you provide the next generation of Malfoy, I will do everything in my power to support you both. I'm sure we will disagree about some things; however, I hope you remember that I only want the best for my family. You are my family now and I hope that you will allow me to be part again.
Your mother-in-law (loving, nice and sweet...not how muggles portray them)
Narcissa
"Your mother certainly has a way with words. I'm not sure I could ever be mad at her again." Hermione let out a sigh as she handed Draco the letter. He had just finished writing his note to Percy and was folding the letter.
"I was just getting ready to fold her letter. Do you want to include something or write your own?"
"I'll add something; assuming you don't mind."
"Of course not, I left a space thinking you would use it." Draco handed the parchment to Hermione and started to read Draco's note to Narcissa.
Mother,
I sincerely appreciate your heartfelt apology. I know your actions were not intended to be hurtful or drive us away. Please understand my life is now tied to Hermione. As I'm sure you've seen by this point; Hermione and I will be parents early next year and will need the love and support of our family. My son, I hope, will be the first of many children that Hermione gives to me. I am sorry that I was not able to grant you your Christmas wish and have a grandchild for the holidays. You will just have to accept him as your equinox present. Hermione and I have not discussed the plans for the reception.
As for living arrangements, we have decided to accept the cottage from Percy and to live there. For now we need some privacy and space. The cottage seems like a perfect balance as it is between the Manors, on property and allows for as much (or little) interaction as we wish. Hermione would like a little space to come to terms with becoming a mother. She will seek out support and assistance from you and Stephanie but, it will be on her time, not either of yours. I expect you to give her the necessary space.
Hermione and I plan to follow forward with University in the fall. Knowing Hermione she will take as many classes as possible this fall in order to make up for anything she is unable to take during the spring. I would expect her to take classes this summer as well. My apprenticeship with Severus will begin in January. He has agreed to allow me to spend half of the time at the lab in the cottage instead of Hogwarts. I believe Severus assumed that Hermione would be with child early on in the marriage and made a point that I should not be spending weeks apart from her. I do need to thank him for his forward thinking.
Your son, Draco
Cissy,
Your letter, I do not know what to say. I was moved to tears. Draco and I have discussed many things, one of them was how he saw his wedding. He had no thoughts of it as a child; however, when I walked out of the dressing room in my gown, he and I both saw the same vision. It was of our wedding. It was the wedding we wanted. I wanted you and my parents involved, but I felt that no one cared what Draco or I wanted. That is why we did what we did. My marriage is something I hold in the highest esteem and to take those vows, make those promises, in front of people I didn't know was not the ceremony I wanted. I had given myself to Draco 18 years ago but this was me telling the world. It needed to be done in the manner that suited me. I know you have planned an extravagant reception and invited more people. I can't say I am excited about this; however, I do realize it is expected of me. At the holiday ball, I told Draco that I would do my duty as the hostess regardless of my fear and I make that same promise to you now. I swear to do my duty as a Malfoy bride. I will handle those responsibilities with the pose that is expected of my role.
When Draco and I return to Britain we will contact both you and Stephanie. Prior to any appearance there will need to be some agreements made between us.
Please do not announce my pregnancy; it is still too early.
With love,
Hermione
It took Hermione a bit of time writing her response. She had forgiven Narcissa as well, but until she read her mother's letter Hermione was not in a position to accept or decline attending the reception. She handed Draco the letter, allowing him to read it before it was folded and addressed. The final letters sat on the bed. Draco had held off reading Stephanie's letter until Hermione had finished her response to Narcissa. The letter addressed to the couple also sat on the bed. Hermione feared reading the letter from her mother. Stephanie had never seemed the slightest concerned with the feud and had expected Hermione to bend like a willow. Hermione decided to read the other letter first.
Lord and Lady Malfoy,
It has been officially noted at the Ministry of Magic that your bond has been consummated. Your marriage license was received in a timely manner and confirmation of the consummation has been noted in both of your files. There have been no claims made against your union. The marriage and bond have been officially accepted as binding. Any children issuing from this marriage shall be hereto noted as Malfoy. After 14 days, delusion of this union will be impossible save for death or extreme circumstance. Congratulations and may Merlin shine on you both.
Arthur Weasley Minister of Magic
P.S. – Hermione and Draco congratulations. Molly and I were very surprised; however, we are extremely happy for both of you. Thank you for ensuring that Molly was there for it as well. It was difficult with what happened in January. We needed to be there for Ginny, Harry and the both of you. Hermione and Harry will always be our children. Please remember we love you like one of our own. Molly wanted to make sure you knew you were both welcome to attend Sunday dinners. I have received notification of the pending arrival and have not said (nor will I say) anything to Molly or Ginny. I will leave that to you, Hermione. Ginny has some strong suspicions you will return expecting. I assume she told you as much in the letter she or Harry wrote. Enjoy the rest of your honeymoon and if you attend your reception we will see you there.
Arthur
"Is this normal?" Hermione's lack of practical knowledge of the magical world continued to surprise Draco.
"The formal letter is standard practice, as is addressing it to Lord and Lady. We will keep this in the vault with other official documents. This is the evidence that proves we were officially married and ensures no one can claim otherwise. Mother had already agreed to surrender her title as soon as the marriage was confirmed. The informal post script from the Minister of Magic inviting us to Sunday dinner and stating he knows you are pregnant; no, that isn't standard but you are the brains of the Golden Trio so I'm not sure what would be normal for one of the saviors of the world." Draco hugged Hermione and started to tickle her.
"Draco stop we still have another letter to read and it looks like Hermes wants to head home." Hermione looked to the owl who was still sitting on the chair. He did not seem impressed with the villa or that Hermione had taken this long to respond.
"Ok let's get this over with." They both opened the letters and read them. After about fifteen minutes they were still sitting on the bed holding their respective letters.
' - - - - - '
"I'm not sure what to think Draco." Hermione's voice quivered after reading the letter. She couldn't believe her mother would write such a letter. Draco was stunned in his own right. Something had to be wrong, this wasn't the woman Narcissa had described to him. Draco held his wife and rubbed her belly lightly.
"It's not going to happen. I've already vowed to protect you and our children. Do you trust me enough to have a few people come here?"
"As long as they aren't my mother, yes I'm fine with it."
"We should get dressed." After dressing and while Draco made the calls, Hermione took a little time to explore their home, as it seemed they would be here for some time to come. Draco held the responses they had written along with the letters from Stephanie. Before too long Narcissa, Severus and Percy stood in the study looking at Draco.
"Let me get Hermione and we can explain why we've asked only you here." Draco left the room and found Hermione in the library. It was the first place he looked.
"They are here. Are you ready?"
"Yes." Hermione stood with her head high and shoulders back. Her hand was resting on Draco's arm as they entered the study. This was a couple that demanded attention and they received it. Percy smiled at his daughter before noticing her red rimmed eyes and tear streaked cheeks. In his heart he knew the same person had caused his daughter's look now as the last time he saw it on her.
"Hermione dear what is wrong?" Percy wanted to run and comfort his daughter. Seeing Draco supporting her again calmed Percy only slightly. His suspicion on why they were asked to visit was only strengthened when he saw Narcissa but not Stephanie in the room.
"Father, Cissy, Severus – Thank you for coming. I wasn't sure who Draco was inviting but I appreciate each of you taking some time. We received letters today. Harry held onto them in order to give Draco and me time to ourselves. I appreciate what was said. These are the letters that Draco and I wrote in response." Hermione handed Percy and Narcissa their letters. Both read and were relieved that they had been forgiven. Severus looked to the new Lord and Lady with a quizzical eye. Draco took up the conversation at his godfather's unasked question.
"Hermione and I are at a loss. This is the letter I received and this is what Hermione received from Stephanie." Draco handed the letters to Percy. "We refuse to allow anything in there to happen and if that means we do not return that is what we will do." Percy was stunned he hadn't finished reading the letters.
"What do you mean 'not return'?"
"Father, finish reading the letter and then you will understand." Then Percy saw it. Stephanie threatened that if Hermione and Draco did not immediately return and renounce their marriage any children would not be recognized by either family. Both would be turned over to the Ministry for trial as deserting their families. The letters were signed by Narcissa, Percy and Stephanie. There was an official seal Ministry of Magic seal on the top of the letter. Not many things surprised the Potion's Master, but this certainly did. Hermione leveled a cold glare at her father. "Which letter was written by you father? Do not lie to me."
"The letter that came only from me is the one I wrote. I hand delivered it to Harry. He was writing to you at the time and put a little mark on the back of it. I think he was just doodling as we spoke." Hermione knew her father was being honest. Prior to their arrival, she had flooed Harry and they reviewed the letters. He confirmed the letter from Percy was the only one Percy delivered. Narcissa's letter was delivery by Twinky. Harry lightened the conversation by admitting Twinky was a bit nervous to talk to him. Even though they had met before the elf was too shy to talk. Ginny brought Arthur's letter and the final letters, from Stephanie were received by owl.
Narcissa was stunned. "I would never. I can't put my feelings into words. This is unimaginable." Narcissa was pacing. Severus reached for her and held her until she calmed. "Thank you Severus."
"I have confirmed with Arthur her threats are meaningless and the letter was neither sent from nor reviewed by the Ministry. This worries us on many levels. I am also extremely worried about our child. Whatever drove her to make these threats against us makes her unstable and I refuse to return if Draco, I or our son could be in danger." Draco nodded in solemn agreement.
"Hermione, I do not know what is wrong with your mother or why she would make such threats. She has been acting off for some time and I have been trying to get her to visit the family medi-witch. I had thought it was the shock of everything and that we were now free to live the life we had always wanted. I think now I can force the issue and get her checked out."
"The reception will be postponed until such time as this has been addressed. I agree with Hermione; you both should stay here until it is safe. I will not put the safety of my grandson in danger for some party. When the time is right we will reschedule." Narcissa was very worried about her friend.
Severus was a little confused as to why he had been invited.
"Severus you are always so observant. What have you seen that could shed any light on this?"
"The first time I saw anything that seemed unusual as the day after your engagement. When Stephanie and Narcissa came to the school and informed you of their plans. It seemed Narcissa was just following Stephanie's lead. I don't remember Narcissa saying much of anything as Stephanie ranted. From that point until now she has been acting like that and not at all like the woman who was in the room."
Percy nodded and realized that Severus was right. Since the morning after the engagement party, Stephanie had not been herself.
' - - - - - - '
Stephanie opened her eyes to the small room where she had been locked up for almost a full month. She still didn't know who her captor was. She knew wherever she was it had charms so she could neither hear anything nor could anyone hear her.
' - - - - - '
A/N - Who has Stephanie? The next chapter clears it all up and then all that is left is the epilogue.
Whatever holiday you celebrate during winter, I hope it is happy and full of joy. I spent the evening with the four short people that I love totally. Got lots of love and and hugs so it was a good night. I wish that happiness, love and joy on all of you.