Hermione stood there calmly as she took in the woman who was Posy Parkinson. She was a fairly older version of her daughter with the same black hair and pug nose...although Pansy must've had her nose fixed at some point the past few years—as it didn't look quite as ostentatious and repulsive as her Mother's.
When Posy Parkinson's gaze landed on Hermione's, her lips curled into a sneer that almost looked like she'd smelled something foul.
What a charming woman.
"Really Pansy, such foul language. And here I thought we raised you better than that, but it must be the new influences in your life. Common trash will tend to rub off in the most conspicuous ways."
"Nonsense, Mummy Dearest." Pansy bit back spitefully. "The only trash here is you. That dress alone makes you look like Great-Grandmother's handmaiden. That style went out ages ago."
Hermione's expression remained calm, but Draco couldn't help but cough at how utterly bitchy his best friend could be when properly motivated.
This was the old Pansy he hadn't seen since their school days.
"That's enough." Edmund bristled in warning. "You both need to remember where you are and your place here this evening. And your Mother is correct Pansy. I'm surprised to see you associating with certain people."
"If your trying to infer something about Hermione Granger, Daddy dearest, I'd stop right there if I were you. She and Draco are together and we've become rather close. She obviously has the ability to let past mistakes go even when my own parents can't seemed to be bothered to do so. Wouldn't look good to have the family pariah in your not so polite social circles now...would it?"
Edmund's lips pursed and his expression darkened but Posy just tutted condescendingly.
"Draco darling? What would poor Lucius and Narcissa think if they could see you now?"
"Well, you'd have to ask my parents—but since you don't associate with them anymore I'm afraid you'll just have to keep wondering."
"Darling, your mother did give me this lovely necklace to wear this evening."
Hermione's eyes sparkled as she smiled up mischievously at her wizard, who smirked down in return.
"That she did and I must say, it looks perfect on you."
When they both turned back to the older couple, their matched expressions of disgust weren't hard to miss—but Hermione decided to forge ahead.
"Pansy, would you be a love and see if you could find Dagmoor Broadhead and his wife for me?" Hermione noticed Posy flinch subtly from the corner of her eye and she smirked inwardly. "I wished to speak with him this evening and since your Mother is here—now might be the perfect time."
Pansy nodded and took Blaise's arm as they moved off together to find the Department Head for Magical Creatures.
"You know Dagmoor?" Posy inquired haughtily, but Hermione could see her unease and she smiled widely and nodded.
"Why yes, we've become acquainted recently. I am so looking forward to working with him...in fact—I suggested we do a fundraiser of sorts to gain some much needed support for his department and I immediately thought of you. You both went to school together, correct? Professor Slughorn had mentioned it to me not too long ago when I had tea with him and Minerva McGonagall."
She watched as Posy's face paled slightly, and as Hermione suspected—Edmund's face was completely passive and nonplussed. The wizard was either unusually good at hiding his emotions, didn't care one iota about what his wife got up to or was pathetically clueless.
Hermione figured it was the last supposition that was the most likely scenario.
"And why would I help you?" Posy asked haughtily.
"Oh, I'm sorry? I thought your sort lived for that kind of thing? Planning charity events, balls, celebrations. I would think something of this nature would be right up your alley and I'm sure Dagmoor would be thrilled to have your help in planning an event of this magnitude."
As Posy stared her down, Pansy returned with Dagmoor and his wife Maryanne.
The look the two exchanged didn't get by Hermione, although she was fairly certain no one but Draco noticed it either.
"Lord and Lady Parkinson. What an unexpected pleasure to see you both this evening."
Dagmoor bowed respectfully while Maryanne gave the most minimal of curtsies to the other couple. When Dagmoor's gaze locked with Hermione's, he nodded politely.
"Miss Granger. You look lovely this evening. May I introduce my Wife...Maryanne Broadhead, née Rosier."
Hermione tilted her head in acknowledgment of the other woman, who just looked down her pointed nose at her.
"Pleasure."
The other woman murmured something, and Hermione felt Draco's arm around her tighten subtly.
"I was just discussing with Pansy's mother (she refused to call the woman Lady Parkinson—which wasn't missed by anyone...including Maryanne, who's own expression changed from annoyed to slightly amused) about what we discussed recently. I was hoping that perhaps we could all sit down sometime soon and see what we might do to plan a fundraiser for your department Dagmoor. I understand that Pansy's mother is quite proficient at all things charitable."
Pansy coughed on a chuckle and even Blaise grinned. Draco just sneered haughtily at everyone, his former demeanor firmly in place for the night.
"How generous of you Miss Granger." Dagmoor stuttered a bit. "But I'm sure Lady Parkinson has much more important endeavors to attend to."
"Nonsense Dagmoor," a deep voice said from behind the man, and everyone turned and bowed to the Minister for Magic—who's dark eyes were filled with mirth. "Hermione has shared with me her ideas in this regard and I think it's inspired. I'm sure Posy would be more than happy to help. Isn't that right, my dear?"
Posy simpered while Edmund puffed out his chest in pride at being addressed this boon for his House.
"Of course Minister. I will make it a priority."
"Excellent. Perhaps I might borrow your husband and Dagmoor too...I wish to introduce you both to the new Bulgarian Minister."
"Of course Minister," Edmund said pompously, "come along Dagmoor and let's see if we can do some good for our Minister."
Kingsley smiled and then said, "Hermione, come see me tomorrow. The Russian Minister would like to have tea around four."
"Of course Minister."
Hermione watched her friend walk away, before she looked over at Maryanne and smiled. "Mrs. Broadhead, would you be so kind as to do me a favor?"
"And that would be?"
"I promised the Head of MACUSA, President Quahog—that I would introduce him to my wizard here. Apparently the gentleman was an acquaintance of Professor Snape when he was alive, and wanted to meet his Godson. Honestly, I think the man just wants to discuss potions."
Maryanne smiled and chuckled. "I see."
"It's my understanding from talking with Professor Slughorn that you were a dab hand at potions yourself, in school. He was most eager to share so many interesting stories when I visited with him not too long ago. Perhaps Pansy and Blaise could go with you too. It will give me a chance to discuss a few things with Pansy's mother."
Dagmoor's wife eyed the other woman with a smug smirk and then nodded. "It would be my pleasure."
Draco moved forward and offered the older woman his arm, like a good Pureblood would. Maryanne took it with alacrity and they headed for the head of MACUSA as they discussed potions and alchemy.
Hermione couldn't help but smile fondly at what a good actor her wizard was.
When they were out of earshot, she turned the full force of her stare at Pansy's mother and smirked at the other woman.
Then she wandlessly cast a muffilato along with a notice me not.
"There—now we should have a few moments of privacy. I wanted to ask a favor of you too, Posy."
"I didn't give you leave to use my name child."
"No you didn't but I refuse to call someone who has spent the better part of twenty five years cheating on their spouse, purposefully using their own daughter's moment of weakness as a bargaining chip and then positioning her illegitimate daughter in her not-so-rightful place...not exactly worthy of such a lofty title. Wouldn't you agree?"
The older witch went to draw her wand and found herself disarmed just as quickly.
"Now, now dear. Let's be friends, shall we? After all...we will be working closely together. You see, I have the means to undo the little enchantment you placed on your family tree...thereby outing your indiscretion to your husband and daughter's—as well as the Flint's and the rest of the Wizarding World. Clever though. You don't seem like the kind of witch to have the proper acumen for such Magic's."
Posy laughed nervously. "You're bluffing and while I find your surmising interesting—it's simply put—a gross fabrication."
"Is it?" Hermione grinned. "Shall we play a little game?"
"And what game would you like to play with me, child?"
"It's a Muggle game called chicken. You see, two people would stand in front of an oncoming train and whomever was the first to flinch or dive off the tracks—loses. Except in this instance, I'm the train and after what you've done to your eldest daughter...who is now a dear friend...I'm afraid you have the choice to either jump or get plowed down under. I'm really hoping you choose option two. I do so love a good scandal."
Posy watched the young mudblood witch eye her like a predator would it's prey.
She'd heard unsubstantiated rumors of this witch's exploits when her eldest had been at Hogwarts and during the war.
But she'd never believed them.
Until now.
She swallowed uneasily and narrowed her gaze.
"What do you want?"
Hermione made a moue of disappointment as she tilted her head at the other woman.
"You will contact Narcissa Malfoy first thing in the morning and ask for her help with this charitable endeavor. Then, you will become her sponsor as you help her ingratiate herself back into that deplorable society you all seem to love so much. You will convince your idiotic husband to offer a substantial dowry to Elora Zabini post haste, before your illegitimate daughter is formally betrothed this summer. And lastly, you will take a witch's oath to abide these terms or your secret is exposed and you will lose everything. And you won't seek out retaliation personally or have anyone do it for you and you won't speak of this to anyone else either. Gossip is so overdone and frankly, trite and unnecessary. My good will is to your boon. Are you feeling me?"
Posy tried her very best to remain unaffected, but the hard glint from the other witch's eyes left her in little doubt that Hermione Granger would and could make good on her threats.
"Every rumor I've heard about you is true, isn't it?"
"And then some. Take the vow Pansy's mother, and enjoy the rest of your night. And look on the bright side...you can keep your tawdry affair a secret for a little while longer."
"You're a bitch."
"I am. Pansy was correct in what she said, except she forgot to mention that the bitch is me. And I am back. Just so you're aware, I will destroy anyone who comes between me and mine so remember that Pansy's mother—and you just might find yourself a useful ally."
Hermione handed the witch back her wand and once the vow was made, she wandlessly cancelled the charms and smiled widely.
"Thank you so much for your cooperation, Lady Parkinson. I'm so looking forward to working with you on this project. Enjoy the rest of your evening."
Hermione swept from her place with a gracious smile and spent the next twenty minutes chatting with various people—all of whom were excited to meet the War Heroine and welcome her back home.
When she finally found Draco—he was laughing jovially with President Quahog while Maryanne was regaling them with some kind of story.
"There you are." She grinned and sighed happily as Draco enveloped her into his side.
"Miss Granger, your beau here is quite the potions prodigy. He's been working on a few ideas to upgrade some of Professor Snape's recipes and I for one am intrigued." He then smiled genuinely at Maryanne, who blushed at the frank admiration. "And this lovely lady! Wherever did you find her? She was just sharing how she brewed a modified hair growing potion that was tasteless in school."
Hermione's eyes brightened in awe. "Truly? That's impressive."
The older witch's blush deepened. "Well, there were a few girls in my House that were rather unkind. So I added it to their morning pumpkin juice fifth year and by lunch time, their hair was down to the floor."
Hermione threw her head back and laughed joyously. "Oh, that's a good one! I hexed a secret parchment once fifth year for Dumbledore's Army and sent a flock of canaries at my best friend sixth year but your prank is inspired. I should put you in touch with George Weasley. I bet he would love to patent your potion and it would be a huge moneymaker too. Some of the things I've invented for him have earned me a tidy sum over the years."
She winked at the other witch, who's own expression was calculating at the thought of earning some of her own galleons.
"I do believe I will take you up on that Miss Granger."
"Oh, please do call me Hermione. Anyone who can pull off a prank like that, is a kindred spirit."
Maryanne chuckled as did Draco and President Quahog. "Then please call me Maryanne."
"Of course. President Quahog, our Minister invited me to tea tomorrow at four with the Russian Minister. Please feel free to join us, if you don't have other plans."
"I would love to, Miss Granger."
"Lovely. I'm going to take my wizard and schmooze a bit more. Our little one is at home with his grandmother and this is the first time we've left him so we are a bit anxious to get back soon."
Maryanne's face softened and she smiled genuinely, placing a commiserate hand on the other witch's arm.
"I remember those days quite well and I think it's admirable that you've taken that sweet boy under your wing, Hermione."
"He makes it very easy to do so."
The look the two women shared was something only mother's would understand and once promises were made of a tea date the following week, Draco led his witch through the room to meet and mingle.
A while later, as they said their goodbyes and headed home—he kissed her temple and whispered proudly, "You were magnificent tonight. I'm so proud of you and proud to be on your arm."
"As am I, my love. Let's go home and see our son. Then I have a promise to fulfill."
Hermione laughed as Draco dragged her through the floo and soon—they were back home and Hermione made good on that promise.
The next morning the Wizarding publications were filled with her quotes from the night before. Right on the front page of the Daily Prophet there was a picture of she and Draco arm and arm with the caption 'A BRAVE NEW WORLD' and the article was everything she knew it would be.
As she was preparing breakfast, Scorpius and Draco were getting dressed when their floo went off and in walked Narcissa and Lucius—who had every morning edition of every Wizarding publication in his greedy little hands.
"Good morning!" Hermione said brightly. "Have you both eaten or can I add two more place settings?"
"What is on the menu this morning dear?" Narcissa nodded to her husband in thanks, as she took a seat at the table.
"I am making crepes. There is fresh cream and homemade raspberry compote or I can do fresh strawberries if that is your preference."
"No, this sounds perfect." Narcissa demurred then smiled softly as her son and grandson came into view.
"Nana! Gampa!"
"Hello my little angel. Did you sleep well?"
"Jes! I's hungwry."
Draco chuckled and placed Scorpius is his high chair, before grabbing some tea for his parents.
"What brings you both here this morning?"
Lucius set the papers down on the table and placed a smug hand over them.
"I must say, if I hadn't read these stories this morning and had some kind of context I would think you imperiused the entire press corps of the Wizarding World, Miss Granger."
"Not my style, Lord Malfoy."
"No, I don't suppose it is." He admitted with a grin and gave his wife a smug look, which she ignored as she sipped her tea daintily.
"I did receive a lovely owl from Posy Parkinson this morning however."
"Really?" Hermione replied, feigning surprise. "How interesting. And what did Pansy's mother want?"
"To invite me to plan a charity gala for the Department of Magical Creatures. She felt that someone with my style and connections would be perfectly suited to help her plan the event of the season."
"Hmm," Hermione prevaricated, "fancy that. Have you responded?"
"Not yet." Narcissa admitted evenly with a tone that was born of ease and grace. "I wanted to talk with you first."
"Me?"
Narcissa chuckled and even Lucius was amused. "Dearest, don't play games with me. I've been doing it for far longer and I can smell a rat with the best of them."
"I am not a rat!" Hermione pouted and the laughter that filled the large kitchen was warm and genuine. "I'm not! I just reminded Posy what an advantageous resource you were for all matters charitable and inferred that it might be to her benefit to bring you on board."
"And you blackmailed her too." Draco quipped with a pleased grin...he'd gotten the truth out of his diabolical witch sometimes after her fourth orgasm last night.
"Prat."
"Yes love."
Hermione dished up everyone's breakfast and then sat down to cut up Scorpius portion, adding a bit of cream and lots of raspberry compote.
"This is excellent." Lucius hummed as he took a pleased bite.
"Thank you." Hermione nodded and then turned her attention back to Draco's Mother, who was looking at her proudly.
"Might I encroach upon your sensibilities long enough to see that conversation with Posy."
"You brought a pensieve?"
Lucius pulled out a small item from his robes and enlarged it easily. Hermione chuckled and nodded, pulling the memory out and placing it into the basin.
It was a testament to Draco's parents Slytherin nature's that they didn't even wait for breakfast to end as they each took turns looking at the memory.
When Narcissa came out, her face was bright and pleased—causing Draco to stare at his mother dumbfounded—as he'd never seen her look so open and happy.
But when his Father emerged a few minutes later, the hysterical guffaws had all of them joining in.
When Lucius was done, he stared at Hermione thoughtfully for several moments before he awkwardly cleared his throat and then spoke.
Hermione didn't think that she'd ever...in all the years she'd known Draco's Father...hear him sound so...genuine.
"I must say, when Draco first told me of his relationship with you I handled it poorly. I allowed my old prejudices to sway my opinion and for that—I apologize Miss Granger. I have spent the better part of the past ten years underestimating you at every turn. I have faced you in battle, seen your will and strength first hand and yet I still doubted. I don't think I've ever been more glad to be proven wrong than I am on this day." He raised his glass to her, while Hermione just stared at Lucius gobsmacked.
She never thought in a million years, that Lucius Malfoy—Pureblood...would ever be saying to her the sentiments that were now coming out of his mouth.
When she glanced at Draco, he was grinning madly as he finally looked at peace.
"Welcome to our family, Hermione."
The young witch cleared her throat of the emotion threatening to spill over and raised her own glass in response. The four glasses clinked and she smiled in gratitude.
"Thank you, Lord Malfoy."
"It's Lucius, my dear. Since we are to be family...first names would be appropriate...don't you think?"
"I do. Although perhaps you might have a talk with your son—who thinks it's a good idea to propose in the middle of the atrium right before a gala." She then turned to her love and winked. "That was a proposal, wasn't it darling."
Draco laughed and nodded. "You're a Minx but yes...it was."
Narcissa clapped happily. "Excellent! We have a wedding to plan. I hear Muggle Paris is a good place to search for a trousseau as well as a wedding gown."
"I'm sure it is, dear." Lucius quipped with a conspiratorial smirk.
Hermione chuffed and shook her head. She was marrying into a pit of snakes and oddly, she was more than okay with that fact.