We Are Family


"Ugh, I'll be glad when I'm not as big as a house," Hermione sighed, as she transfigured her dress to fit around her large baby bump.

"Hey, there are some perks," Draco smiled, looking at her cleavage spilling over the top of the green empire wasted dress she'd chosen for his parent's joint trial.

"You're a pervert," Hermione mumbled, but smiled anyway. It was nice getting back to some state of normal between them. The first few weeks after they were reunited, they were inseparable. Words of love, devotion, and longing were exchanged as often as inquiries about the weather between acquaintances. As sweet as it had been, neither would be able to keep up the intensity for long. They were dying for normalcy.

By mid-February, Hermione was almost due to give birth, and she and Draco had settled into a comfortable routine. Neither had found a new place to live yet, though Harry assured them that Grimmauld Place would be theirs as long as they needed.

Part of the problem was that the Malfoy fortune was in Lucius' name until the trial was over. Another problem was that Hermione couldn't bring herself to step foot inside Malfoy Manor. The memories she had of the place wouldn't let her. Draco understood, and couldn't agree more. He'd let the place burn to the ground, with all his possessions in it, if it meant he'd never have to go back there.

"Are you ready to go?" Draco asked, wrapping his arms around her rounded waist.

"As ready as I'll ever be," Hermione sighed.

"You are the one who wanted to come," Draco reminded her.

"Yes, I know," she sighed.


Draco gripped Hermione's hand through the entire trial until he was finally called to witness. "You'll be great," Hermione whispered to him, squeezing his hand before he left the comfort of their seats near the front of the courtroom and walked up to the witness stand.

Draco grimaced as he drank down the Veritaserum. It was strange, that as the Malfoy's only child, he was called by the legal Wizard conducting the prosecution, but he hadn't much good to say on behalf of his family. He was their star witness as it was.

"A few questions, Mister Malfoy," the short bald man said with a cheery smile. Draco chanced a look at his parents, chained to their chairs on the other side of the room. His father pointedly refused to look at him, while his mother looked at him as if she'd been truly betrayed. Screw them, Draco thought. Look what they did to me.

"First, may I ask you a little about your relationship with your father?"

"What relationship?" Draco scoffed. "Ever since I can remember the man did nothing but instruct me in the ways of being a Pureblood," he sneered. "We were never close. I wanted his approval, but the only way I could ever get it was by harming others. I never had an affinity for it. He judged and scolded, and I tried to please him until I realized I didn't want to anymore," Draco admitted.

"What, if you can remember, were some of the lessons you were taught by your father?"

"Mudbloods are less than dirt," Draco spat, hating the words coming out of his mouth. "The only people with an ounce of humanity are Purebloods with money. V-Voldemort would save us from having to mingle with Muggle trash." Draco almost quoted his father verbatim, though he made sure to use Voldemort's real name. He wouldn't be scared of a dead man any longer.

"I see," the squat man frowned. "Can you tell me of any crimes you witnessed your father commit?"

"More than I can count," Draco answered, looking at his father in disgust. "Besides practicing curses on me when I didn't do what he wanted, I witnessed him r-rape about five young Muggle girls," Draco choked. "He would often torture and kill when asked to do so by Voldemort."

"That must have been very hard to witness," the prosecutor said, "as we all know of your true allegiance in the war." Draco just nodded. He knew that the man was trying to boost his credibility, but the compliments of heroism were still odd for him. He guessed he could understand why his Godfather had retreated to Spinner's End right after his trial.

"Let me ask you about your mother. Was she a Death Eater as well? She had no Mark," The prosecutor asked.

"She was not technically a Death Eater, but she was sympathetic to their views," Draco answered truthfully.

"Can you explain that statement?"

He glanced at his mother who looked as if she'd been slapped, but he didn't care. She'd cut her ties with him when she asked to have his future wife and son tortured. "She believed that anyone with an ounce of 'impure' blood was less than dirt. My whole life she told me how I needed to remember that the only woman worth marrying was one with pure blood and a refined background."

"And yet, you are currently set to marry the most famous Muggle-born in history," The prosecutor said.

"Yes," Draco nodded. "Well, luckily her ridiculous notions of propriety didn't stick," he growled.

"Did you ever witness Mrs. Malfoy commit a crime against another person?"

"Not technically," Draco said, "However, when Potter, Weasley, and Hermione were captured and taken to Malfoy Manor, it was my mother who suggested Hermione be given the Cruciatus as she didn't want to get blood on the carpet," Draco spat out, not even bothering to look at his mother again.

"That must have been difficult for you," The prosecutor sympathized. "I thank you for your time, Mister Malfoy. You may be excused."

Draco scowled at his parents as he passed them on this way back to his seat. He took Hermione's hand in his own again, and held on for dear life.

"You did a good job, babe," Hermione smiled at him.

"I just want this to be over."


The prosecution's case was airtight against Lucius. It didn't look like the Malfoy's attorney's stood a chance of getting him off, but there were having a harder time against Mrs. Malfoy. Sure, she held racist views, but you couldn't lock someone up for that. Would the incident in the drawing room be enough to put her in Azkaban? Or would it be seen as a technicality?

The case against Narcissa collapsed further when Harry testified that she'd technically saved his life in the Forbidden Forest, though he reminded the court this was only for the purpose of ensuring the safety of her son, not in some desire to do the right thing.

When the Wizengamot retired to discuss the case, Hermione sighed with relief. She didn't know if she could handle much more of the talk of rape and murder. It unsettled her stomach.

It was a few hours until the Wizengamot returned, and Hermione was relieved by that as well. For the last hour, Narcissa had been staring at her as if she was an insect in dire need of squashing.

"Don't worry about her," Draco said, pulling Hermione close, but he had to admit, the woman's glare was penetrating.

"Witches and Wizards, we have come to a decision. Let us begin with Lucius Malfoy," Kingsley said, peering down at the paper in front of him. "The Wizengamot find you guilty of taking the Mark and countless crimes against humanity. The sentence for which is a lifetime in Azkaban."

"Oh no!" Narcissa called, clinging to her husband who didn't so much as move an inch when the verdict was read.

"In the case of Narcissa Malfoy," Kingsley continued, looking up at the sobbing woman. "We find you not guilty of becoming a Death Eater. However, we find you guilty of one crime against humanity. Being that said crime was aimed at your own flesh and blood, your sentence is five years of house arrest followed by 10 years of probation and a lifetime restriction on your magic. You will register your wand with the court before you leave."

Hermione and Draco both sighed with relief when the sentences were read. It was the best they could hope for. "You had better talk to your mother," Hermione urged. "She's going to need to have a place to live if she's under house arrest."

"Why should I give two shits where that woman lives?" Draco asked, a harsh bite in his voice.

"She's your mother. Besides, it will be a headache to have to deal with it later. Just do it now," Hermione said, holding his hand.

Draco sighed, but nodded, holding her around the waist as he made his way to his parents who were still sitting in their seats until the courtroom cleared. "Lucius," Draco nodded in his father's direction.

"Don't speak to me," Lucius bit out, turning away.

"Fine with me," Draco muttered before turning to his mother.

"I assume you need a place to live," Draco drawled. "As Hermione and I have no need for the Manor, it's all yours. I'll be sending someone to retrieve my things at my earliest convenience." Hermione noticed his tone was as if he was speaking to someone he'd never met before, not his mother.

"You're really going to marry that filth?" Narcissa whined, pointing at Hermione without even looking at her. Hermione just rolled her eyes. She wondered if these pureblooded morons knew how ignorant they sounded. Or how rude it was to point.

Draco, on the other hand, clinched his fists. "Do not talk about her like that. I'm really going to marry her. And I'm really going to raise a family with her that loves people for who they are not what their bloody parents are," Draco said.

Narcissa's features hardened. "You'll see it one day, after it's too late." Narcissa looked Hermione up and down again, a look of disgust marring her features. "She'll never be a Malfoy, and neither will that brat inside her," she spat, whipping around on her heel to tend to her husband.

Hermione grabbed Draco by the hand and pulled him away before he could do or say something he'd either regret, or get him thrown in a holding cell. "Come on, love," she cooed, leading him out of the room. "She isn't worth it. It's all over now."

"True," Draco said, relaxing his posture for the first time since they woke up that morning. "It's over." Hermione smiled and kissed him on the cheek as they made their way out of the Ministry.


They headed straight to the Burrow at Molly's request. She told them that after such a trying day they needed time with family. It was amazing how much she already treated Draco like he was one of her own. That woman was bursting with love. Hermione didn't know how it was possible.

Everyone was there. It always amazed Draco how many people they could fit in that small house. Fleur and Ginny were helping Molly in the kitchen while Bill, Charlie, Fred, George, Ron, Harry, and Draco drank butterbeers in the living room. Remus was tickling Tonks' stomach near the back door of the house, and it was almost as if everything had gone back to some sort of normalcy. Of course, Arthur was missed. Molly still cried most days, but they were working through it. Draco had to admit, seeing such solidarity made him wonder how he ever thought of the Weasleys as anything but rich.

He was pulled from his internal monologue and the importance of family riches over monetary ones when a serious looking Hermione came toward him.

"Don't freak out or anything," she said in a hushed tone, "but I think I'm going into labor."

His eyes doubled as he saw her clutching her stomach, a grimace on her face.

"What, NOW?" He shouted, sitting up straight.

"Thank you for not freaking out," Hermione snapped.

"What is it? Are you okay?" Ron asked as he and Harry moved over to them to see what the problem was.

"She thinks she's going into labor," Draco said, his heart thumping in his chest. As many times as he reminded himself that he knew this was coming, he couldn't help but be a little surprised.

"Oh Merlin!" Ron said.

"Can everyone stop having a hissy fit, and just help me," Hermione said, stamping her foot impatiently.

"I'll get Fleur," Bill said, and he was back within seconds with his wife.

"Did you have a contraction?" Fleur asked, pushing all the boys out of the way and moving Hermione to the couch. She inspected Hermione's stomach with her wand.

"Two, I think," Hermione said, keeping her calm while the men around her paced circles into the floor. "The first one I thought was just indigestion, but the second one was stronger."

"Okay, let's get you to St. Mungo's." Hermione nodded, and allowed Fleur to take one arm while Draco took the other. "I'll let you know when it's okay to have family," Fleur said looking around the rest of the room.

"Wait, can Molly come?" Hermione asked, a panicked looked coming into her eyes for the first time.

"Of course," Fleur smiled. Molly was already making her way to the Floo with Fleur and Draco, fussing over the girl she saw as a daughter the whole way.


"It hurts," Hermione whined, sweat sliding down her face. She'd been in labor for at least 18 hours and she was exhausted. The healers kept trying to get her to sleep, but how could she?

"I know," Draco frowned. "Can't you people do something useful like make this go quicker?" he asked, his spoiled brat persona in full force.

"I'm sorry, Mister Malfoy, but these things can take time," the healer informed him. Draco just huffed and turned back to Hermione. She looked miserable and he couldn't help but feel responsible.

"Come on, dear," Molly smiled, holding her other hand. "I remember when I had Bill, it took 30 hours. Once he's here you won't remember any of this." The Weasley matriarch had been wonderful through the whole thing. Hermione wasn't sure she'd be able to get through it without her. As much as she loved Draco, he had to patience of a small child, and he was snapping at everyone that so much as talked to him.

"I know. I just want to push. I feel like I should be pushing," Hermione said.

"Okay," the healer said, coming up from between her legs again. "It's time to push."

"Thank god," Hermione cried, throwing her head back.

"Okay, baby," Draco said, clutching her hand. "You can do this."

"Push," the healer instructed. Hermione sighed, taking a deep breath, and pushed as hard as she could


The waiting room was packed. All the Weasleys, along with Remus, Tonks, Kingsley, and of course, Harry were there. Fleur had been allowed to assist the healers, so she was in Hermione's room.

"Merlin, is she gonna have that baby this week?" Ron sighed.

"Shut it, Ron," Ginny scolded, settling into Harry's side. It seemed that all he wanted was for her to back off and grow up. Once she did, he was seeing her in a whole new light. "It takes as long as it takes."

"I know, but Merlin, it's been almost a whole day," Ron sighed.

"I just hope ours doesn't take this long," Tonks said, rubbing her still flat stomach as she looked up at Lupin.

"Me either. I don't know what must be going through Draco's mind right now." Remus chuckled.

"Yes, Hermione's doing all the work, and you're worried about Draco," Tonks rolled her eyes.

"Men aren't as strong as women," Lupin replied. "It's a scientific fact."

"That's the truth," Ginny laughed.

"He's such a suck up," George laughed.

"I have to agree with Ron on this one, though, mate," Fred said. "I want to see my nephew now!"

As if on cue, a tired, sweaty, and smiling Molly made her way down the hall toward her family and friends. "Mother and baby are tired but well. All ten fingers and toes intact."

A collective cheer sounded from the room and everyone clamored up to congratulate each other as if they had anything to do with the production of the newest member of the family.


"So, that dreaded topic, again," Hermione sighed as she held her son in her hands. Draco had already configured the bed so that he could lie next to her. "A name. I draw the line at Scorpius."

Their baby boy had Hermione's features and eyes, but his father's lips and hair. He was a perfect combination of his parents, and they loved him more than they could have ever believed possible before that day.

Draco chuckled. "Well we aren't going to name him Hugo. What is this 19th century France?"

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Okay, let's be serious. Do you have any ideas that won't horrify me?"

"What if we named him after the two people that mean the most to us?" Draco suggested. "Harry Severus Malfoy."

Hermione smiled brightly. "Harry's name first?"

"Well, it will horrify Snape to come after Harry," Draco grinned.

"It's perfect," Hermione smiled kissing him lightly on the nose. "I guess now that we have that settled, we can show him off."


By March it was still very cold, so Hermione bundled little Harry up in his newest winter clothes, getting him ready for their day's journey. She and Draco had remained at Grimmauld Place, turning it into an exquisite home. When they finally moved out, Harry would be able to live there or sell it for a great sum. It was the least they could do for him after everything he'd done for them.

Speaking of Harry, he was over the moon when it was announced that they'd named their son after him, and decided he'd be Godfather. Fleur was Godmother, and couldn't have been more thrilled.

For the first time in either of their lives, Draco and Hermione were happy. Draco's mother had taken over Malfoy Manor, and Draco didn't miss it. Or her. "Are you ready?" Draco asked, pulling his gloves on.

"Yes," Hermione said. "Let's go. And hope he doesn't kick us out," she laughed.

"He won't," Draco said, rubbing his fingers across the cheek of their sleeping son. "Who could say 'no' to this kid?"

"True," Hermione laughed. She held her son close to her chest and took Draco's outstretched hand as he apparated them both to Snape's ominous house at Spinner's End.

"I can't believe he lives here," Hermione murmured, keeping hold of Draco's hand as he moved past his godfather's wards and knocked on the door. It took several minutes, but finally they heard a shuffling behind the door, and it gently creaked open.

"Apparently, 'I wish not to have any visitors', was too subtle for you," Snape drawled, but he opened the door to allow the small family inside. "I see you have a new addition," he said directing them to his lounge.

As scary as the place looked on the outside, it was quite nice on the inside. The books all over the walls had Hermione salivating. "Keep your tongue in your mouth, Granger," Draco laughed. "Maybe if you are good, Snape will let you borrow a book."

"Not likely," Snape smirked. Hermione huffed, but smiled back.

"We wanted to introduce you to our son," Draco said, lifting the boy out of Hermione's arms and moving to place him in Snape's arms.

"I'd better not," Snape said warily. "He'll likely scream his head off once I touch him."

"Nonsense," Hermione said, encouraging her former Potions master to take the baby. Reluctantly he did so, and little Harry didn't so much as make a sound as he was passed from his father to Snape.

"What's his name?" Snape asked, transfixed by the little baby in his arms.

Draco and Hermione smiled at each other. "Harry Severus Malfoy." Draco answered.

Snape's eyes snapped up at them, a shocked expression on his face, before a smirk covered his lips. "You put Harry's name first to piss me off, didn't you?"

"We could have gone with James Severus, or Sirius Severus, if you'd have liked that better," Draco said, his voice serious but his eyes full of mirth. Snape grumbled something unintelligible but continued to look at the baby he was holding. Just as Draco suspected. Harry Severus Malfoy could turn anyone into a gooey mess.

"So, what are your plans?" Snape finally asked, rocking the baby back and forth absently. "Back to Hogwarts? I doubt McGonagall would allow a baby in the castle with all those dunderheads carrying wands."

Hermione giggled. "Well, as much as I hate to do this, because you know how much I love to learn," Snape rolled his eyes but she continued, "they've given the students who fought an honorary pass on the N.E.W.T.s. So, I plan to take a year off with little Harry here, and then start Healer training."

"Admirable. You certainly have the potions proficiency," Snape commented.

"Why, Professor Snape, that's the first compliment you've ever given me," Hermione said.

"Don't get used to it," Draco laughed. "It's only the adorable power of our son that's softened him. When we take him back, Snape will be back to his snarky self."

"And what will you do, Draco?" Snape asked, ignoring his Godson's comments.

"I'm thinking of taking over Malfoy Industries. I want to incorporate Muggle technology with magic," he said.

"You're father will love that," Snape snorted.

"Oh, I'm hoping he still gets the Daily Prophet in there," Draco laughed. "It might give him a heart attack, which is no less than he deserves."

"What about your mother?" Snape asked. He'd heard her sentence, but nothing much else.

"She and I are done," Draco said, his voice rough with anger. "She's at the Manor. I let her have it."

"I see," Snape said, handing Harry back to his mother.

"We actually came for another reason, other than to just visit," Hermione said. "Draco and I are getting married in two weeks. It's a small ceremony at the Burrow. Only close friends and family." Hermione smiled nervously.

"Yes," Draco continued. "And I want you to be my best man."

Snape looked truly shocked for a moment before his features turned stoic as usual. "It would be an honor. But it's your responsibility to keep those insufferable Weasleys from driving me 'round the bend," he said.

"See, I told you the snark would come back," Draco chuckled.

Hermione and Draco stayed with Snape for a few hours, leaving only after he promised not to become a hermit and eat dinner with them at least once a month.

When they finally returned home and tucked Harry into his crib, Hermione sighed with happiness. "Is it bad to be this happy?"

"What do you mean, love?" Draco asked, shedding his clothes and joining her in bed.

"I mean, with everything that's happened. The torture, and the death, and my parents are gone, and your parents might as well be dead...is it okay to be happy?" Hermione asked, snuggling into Draco's chest.

"Hermione, we've seen more angst and sadness over the last two years than we should have had to see in a lifetime. The powers that be owe us a little happiness." Draco answered.

Hermione smiled. "Yeah, you are right. I love you, Draco."

"I love you too, Hermione."