This was my first written crossover for Harry Potter and Criminal Minds. When I had written this story, my cousin had introduced me to Criminal Minds and I watched the whole First season and could only think of Hermione and Spencer together! I then looked up the characters in the wiki fandom to get more background on the Criminal Mind characters, et voila! My first CM and HP crossover…

Fair Warning!

I did write Harry out of character for this story, and probably a few other characters.

Please enjoy if you can after my warning!

Oh… I don't own the Criminal Minds or Harry Potter copyrights… but I did come up with the story… so… the plot is all mine… as boring as it might be…

Yeah… I think I might have written a boring story with this one… O.O… and one where a few of the BAU completely insert themselves into Hermione's life with little cause to do so…

Hidden Flowers

o.O.o

"Do you think I care for you so little that betraying me would make a difference?" –12th Doctor

o.O.o

The house was every American woman's dream home, complete with the white picket fence. He walked past the four storey Victorian manor every morning on his way to work, sometimes stopping and sipping his coffee to take in the view for a few moments. The manicured lawn was always a lush green in the summer and spring, but now in fall, the red, gold, brown, and orange leaves turned the scenic view into a fairytale.

He often wondered who lived there.

He imagined a wizened old woman with a white shawl to slip over her petite shoulders with her hair set up in a Gibson bun. She would sit in a rocking chair at the bay window on the main floor knitting a blanket or crocheting a doily. Perhaps she played pinochle with her senior friends Tuesday nights, baked bread on Wednesdays, and read Jane Austen on Saturdays to laugh at the foolishness of youth.

"Hello mister," a small boy spoke while looking up at him curiously.

Never had he imagined the old woman with a grandson, which in hindsight, he really should have imagined her with a small grandson from her son who was a doctor, like himself, or a neurosurgeon working at a prestigious hospital and her daughter-in-law was a stay-at-home soccer mom.

"Hello," he said, noting the boy's accent. It was fading, perhaps he worked at his elocution because of teasing among his age group. Children his age were liable to point out any small difference that set a child apart from the others.

"What's your name?" The boy asked.

"Doctor Spencer Reid," he answered automatically. It was common for him to answer in that manner because he was always being asked in his line of work. "What's your name?" He asked politely.

"Teddy," the boy said with a slightly tilted head while his grey eyes widened with instant adoration. He shifted uncertainly. Children never looked at him that way, they either hid behind their parents when they saw him or were stunned into silence before running to their parents… or he was ignored.

"Are you supposed to be in school?" He asked the boy, noticing the school bag on the ground next to the boy.

"I missed the bus," Teddy replied. "Auntie Mymy isn't feeling too good. I don't want to wake her."

"Is your uncle not able to take you?" Spencer asked.

"Uncle Harry is in England," Teddy answered with a slight shrug of his shoulders. "He's getting married to Aunt Gingin Saturday," he said while wrinkling his nose, giving Spencer the impression that Aunt Gingin wasn't well liked. He assumed Teddy's Auntie Mymy and Uncle Harry were divorced since Mymy was feeling sick.

"Are you going to stay outside all day?" Spencer asked.

"Auntie Mymy needs rest," Teddy responded. "It's better I stay out here so she won't see me and be worried."

"It's not safe, staying out here all alone," Spencer replied. "Especially making random conversation with strangers like me."

"You're not a stranger, Doctor Reid," Teddy said with admiration gleaming brighter in his eyes. "I see you out here sometimes."

Spencer lightly blushed as he ran his hand through his hair.

"Does anyone else besides me stand here?" He asked, in an attempt to make a point.

"Sure," Teddy responded. "But Auntie My always tells me to go inside when I see him. He scares me, but not like you. I knew you were nice."

A shiver went down his spine and he scanned his surroundings, looking for the man Teddy was afraid of.

"How often is this other man here?" He asked.

"Every day," Teddy answered. "He's behind you right now," he said, pointing at a tall man with long blond hair. The man swiftly turned and walked around the corner after Spencer got a good look. He felt a familiar dread pooling in his stomach and quickly kneeled to talk to the boy.

"Listen, Teddy," Spencer said urgently. "I want you to go inside and tell your aunt he was here again watching you," he said firmly. "That man can't have any good will toward you and your aunt needs to know right away."

"He can't get me," Teddy said with a shrug. "Auntie Mymy said as long as I stay on this side of the fence I'll be safe, but I have to go to her right away when I see Uncle Malfoy."

How foolish of Auntie Mymy. He had to give her credit for her instruction though. He put his hands on the fence to balance himself and felt a small zap go through his whole body.

Was the fence wired electrically? It seemed to be a low enough voltage that it wouldn't hurt Teddy, but not high enough to keep Uncle Malfoy away. Though a person would be hard pressed to actually produce an electrical current in wood. Perhaps they were lined with a thin metal, but he couldn't see it.

He stopped thinking when he noticed Teddy's frown.

"You're not supposed to be able to touch," he said quietly with tension painted through his tone.

"I'm not?" Spencer asked.

Teddy's eyes widened with fright.

"He's coming back!" He pointed as he stood rooted to the ground with fright. Spencer saw the man running toward them with a frightening look on his face as he grew closer. Spencer didn't think twice when he jumped the fence and picked up the boy and ran toward the house. He was nearly at the door when he felt the air around him come to life with a vibrant protectiveness that seemed to wrap around and envelop them as they reached the door.

He hastily threw it open while dialling Hotch on his phone. He heard the man growl at the fence line while Teddy cried in his arms in the safety of the entrance hall. He clung to him tightly as he talked to his boss and just as quickly disconnected.

"What is going on here?" A woman hissed with a more pronounced English accent. She firmly held a bat in her hands, at the ready, though having her nephew in his arms most likely stopped her from taking a swing at him. "What are you doing with my nephew?"

Her accent was brilliant in its angry splendour. He was quick to point at Uncle Malfoy glaring at them from the gate of the picket fence. She placed her weapon of choice down while looking at Malfoy and swiftly glided toward the blond man. They exchanged heated words for a few minutes until a siren disturbed what was left of the peaceful morning.

Malfoy looked at the approaching vehicle and glared at Mymy one last time before turning and running.

"Lucius!" Hermione yelled after him. "You foolish man!" She called to him. She stared after him while the black SUV came to a screeching halt and Hotch chased the man on foot. She turned and came toward them after a minute more.

"Mymy?" Teddy asked, still holding tightly to Spencer's vest.

"Why are you not in school, Teddy?" Hermione asked with quiet calmness.

"I missed the bus," he answered, then hid his head in the crook of Spencer's neck.

"I see," Hermione said as she stared down the stranger in her home. "You are… in my home," she stated the obvious.

"It was the safest place to get your nephew while waiting for help," Spencer replied, getting the impression that she left something unspoken.

"I see you outside sometimes," Hermione said. "What is your name?" She asked with crossed arms.

"I'm Doctor Spencer Reid," he answered. "I live a few buildings down and your home is on my route to work so it's inevitable that you'll always see me. That's Hotch," he said, looking past her. Hermione turned to find the man directly behind her and stepped back in slight surprise.

"Supervisory Special Agent Aaron Hotchner," he introduced himself. "Reid and I both work for the FBI's BAU."

"I will get you a glass of water," she said and stopped in front of Spencer. "Come, Teddy," she said softly, holding out her arms. Teddy turned his head and stared at her but didn't move. Hermione ran her fingers through his hair and stepped back and motioned for them to follow her.

Teddy looked at the kitchen door worriedly while they sat and waited for Hotch's water. Spencer listened to the sounds Hermione made in the kitchen while he and Hotch observed their surroundings. Teddy carefully climbed down his lap and went into the kitchen where they heard an odd noise coming from his aunt.

"You should be in bed," they heard Teddy say before the door swung shut. Hotch stood up soon after and slightly opened the door with his foot.

"-and I will be fine by tonight," they heard her say as they heard glass clink softly against glass. "I have to get you to school," she said. "Let us see to our guests and be on our way."

"Do we have to?" Teddy complained.

"Yes," she said firmly. "You know how important learning is," she said in a softer tone. "You want to be smart, do you not?" She asked.

"Being smart is hard!" Teddy grumbled. "Why does Uncle Malfoy have to be so mean?" He asked. Hermione stopped near the door.

"I think that is the only way he knows how to get what he wants," Hermione responded, her soft voice carried into the breakfast room.

"What does he want?" Teddy asked.

They heard something scrape on the counter before she picked it up.

"Let us go see to your valiant Doctor and his brave friend," she said, straining to be bright.

"Do you think Doctor Spencer has slayed dragons?" Teddy asked excitedly.

"Maybe he has," she said with amusement as she opened the door with her back. Hotch hurriedly moved toward the tall windows and looked out. She glanced at him knowingly before setting down a tray on the table and setting out some teacups and two pots.

"There is coffee and breakfast tea," she pointed at the two pots when she finished setting out some breakfast biscuits. They were soon served the beverage of their choice before she asked, "If you would tell me what happened this morning, Doctor Reid?" She asked. "Please leave nothing out."

"I, er, well," Spencer stuttered, unused to being the one that was interrogated.

"I told him hello and he asked my name and he told me he's a doctor," Teddy said excitedly. "Do you slay dragons?" He asked Spencer with his wide eyes. Hermione used her teacup to hide her amused smile.

"Well no," Spencer replied. "But I do my best to help save people from the bad guys." He figured that was a safe, child appropriate response.

"An admirable occupation," Hermione responded. "As you were saying, Doctor," she said pointedly.

Spencer glanced at Hotch who simply sipped on his coffee and lifted and eyebrow in reply and motioned for him to answer. He stuttered out the five minutes he conversed with Teddy up until she met them in the entrance hall with a bat.

"I thank you for taking action," she said, again it seemed like she wanted to say more, but held back. "I must excuse myself and my nephew," she said, getting up and gathering their empty cups. "I need to get him to school before he misses any more morning lessons."

"We have a few questions," Hotch said before she could move further away from her seat. She sighed and moved toward the mantle and lifted the lid of a silver antique box.

"If you would call me later, I will answer what I can," she said, handing him a golden silk and cashmere blended card. "If you would mind?"

"Our questions won't take up too much of your time, Miss Granger," Hotch replied after reading over the card and slipping it into the breast pocket inside his blazer.

"Call me Hermione, please," she said.

'So that's her name,' Spencer thought to himself. Most people would attribute her name to Shakespeare.

"Time is not on your side, Mister Hotchner," she said while looking at her watch.

"We can drive you," he offered.

"As well-meaning as you are trying to be, I do not find your mode of transportation safe enough for Teddy," she said seriously. "If you would please excuse us."

Hotch and Spencer shared an almost disbelieving look between them. She didn't think an agency vehicle safe enough? She started placing the pots on the tray and Spencer looked at the coffee pot longingly before she took it away until Teddy pulled him aside again. She re-emerged from the kitchen with two thermoses and handed them to both agents before pulling on a sweater.

"I thank you both for being concerned," she said as they followed her back into the entrance hall.

"Can the Doctor come see me off?" Teddy asked.

"Doctor Reid has other responsibilities, love," Hermione said softly as she brushed his hair back.

"Your hand is so hot!" He complained as he pushed it away.

"Sorry, dear one," she said as she pulled on his sweater and helped him pull on some light gloves. "Race you to the car?" She asked.

"One, two, go!" Teddy shouted as he giggled and ran toward the garage. The two agents watch as he ran and she followed at a sedate pace.

"Not fair," she shouted back. "That was cheating!"

"You didn't set the rules!" Teddy shouted back with a laugh. Spencer found himself smiling at the two of them from the bottom step of the porch before following Hotch when he followed them.

"Would you mind if we went with you?" Hotch asked Hermione.

"You are certainly tenacious," she said, glancing up at him. He replied with a slight smile. "Alright," she agreed.

"Does that mean the Doctor gets to come with us too?" Teddy asked excitedly.

"If he does not mind your constant chatter, then I think he might be persuaded to accompany us today," she said with an amused smile.

"Do you mind my constant chatter?" Teddy asked, looking up at Spencer with his wide eyes.

"Of course not," he answered. "It's common for children to talk constantly and question everything. It's a sign that you are developing mentally. I would be more concerned if you were a quiet and thoughtful child," Spencer said while Hotch quietly questioned Teddy's aunt.

"You're really smart," Teddy said with a wide smile. "You sound like Auntie Mymy, but she's sick right now and she won't talk much because she might vomit all over the front of the car!"

So, his aunt really was sick.

"Teddy," Hermione turned back and gave him a warning glance.

"But it's true," Teddy said insistently. "You have a floo in your stomach. I wonder if that's how you read Uncle Harry's mind."

"Teddy!" She said more firmly and he hastily stopped talking.

That wasn't normal. What Teddy said could have been dismissed as a child's imagination, but between what she left unsaid and Teddy's odd comment, they were obviously hiding something.

"Do you know why we don't see as many stars as we used to?" Teddy asked Spencer, quickly moving on from the awkward tension. Spencer chose to oblige him and launched into a summary of light pollution that Teddy might understand.

"Why is Lucius Malfoy loitering outside your home?" Hotch asked Hermione while Spencer chatted with Hermione's nephew.

"He wants Teddy," she said quietly. "I am sure he means well in his own way, but I refuse to let my godson be raised being fed on blood supremacy."

"Your godson?" Hotch asked. "I thought you were his aunt."

"There is no relation that I know of," she answered. "Harry and I are Teddy's legal guardians', therefore, we have been given precedence in Teddy's custodial matters."

"It seems like Mister Malfoy hates you," Hotch said, carefully watching her reaction.

"I am quite sure the man does," she replied, seemingly sanguine, but her tension showed through her tight grip on the wheel.

"Do you ever feel unsafe in your own home?" He asked.

"I," she paused. "I become more worried every day," she softly confided. "He is getting bolder. This morning he frightened Teddy and I, he came too close to crossing my… fence."

Again, she meant something else.

"What has been holding him back?" Hotch asked.

"Mine and Harry's influence in the British government is the only thing keeping him from crossing onto my property," Hermione said with a quirk of her lips. "I am sure you are going to look Teddy and I up later, Mister Hotchner, but I will tell you now our records are sealed. It is mostly for our safety so please do not attempt to unseal them. You will not find very much information." She hesitated. "I am trying to give you a friendly warning, but my tone might have come out wrong."

"It was kindly," he conceded, "but thank you. What kind of coffee is this?" He asked as he took another sip.

"A monthly gift from a friend," she said with a slight smile. "It cannot be found on the open market, and my friend only dabbles around with coffee as a hobby. Excuse us," she said as she pulled up to an elementary school.

"I wonder if her friend can be persuaded to supply me with coffee too," Spencer said when they were alone. "Where are you going?" He asked when Hotch exited Hermione's crossover soon after her and Teddy entered the building.

"Hello, Pam," Hermione greeted a woman at the front desk.

"Hermione!" Pam greeted her back enthusiastically. "I'm sorry Teddy missed the school bus."

"It was my fault," Hermione said. "Has he missed much?" She asked.

"Writing and numbers," she answered. "Hermione," she hesitated. "Mrs. Blanche sent today's assignment for you to pick up this afternoon."

"Why?" Hermione asked, confused. "I can quickly catch him up on his writing and numbers tonight and he learn with the rest of his class for the remaining assignments Mrs. Blanche has planned."

"Normally I would agree with you, but it's after ten am," Pam replied cautiously.

"What does that have to do with Teddy's learning?" Hermione asked.

"Well, attendance has already been submitted for the day," Pam explained. "Since your nephew wasn't here before ten am, we can't admit him to class."

"Pardon me?" Hermione asked tersely. "You cannot admit him to class? Students are allowed half days before holidays and when the need calls for it, how is this not different?" She demanded.

"The attendance for the day determines our school's budget," Pam carefully explained to Hermione. "After ten am attendance is submitted. Since Teddy has been marked absent, he can't be allowed to attend class."

"So basically, if a student doesn't make money for the school by being present, then they are kept from learning from a licensed teacher," Hermione said icily. "Got it. Now hand me a withdrawal form."

"Excuse me?" Pam asked with confusion.

"I believe I just asked for a withdrawal form, Miss Gordon. Now if you please," she said briskly.

"Hermione, I don't know how things are run in the UK, but all the schools in the state go by this rule… and you can't just withdraw your nephew in the middle of the school year," Pam replied.

"I am not going to allow my godson to be used as a money-making tool for bureaucrats who only use it to line their own pockets," Hermione hissed. "Now the form, if you please," she demanded.

"That's the only choice you have for Teddy," Pam tried to explain. "If you tell me what school you want to enrol him in, then I can easily fax over his records to speed up the transition process."

"Who says I am going to enrol him in school again?" Hermione asked.

"You can't keep him home!" Pam exclaimed. "It's illegal! He needs to be in school to learn from a certified teacher!"

"Miss Gordon," Hermione said harshly. "I am more than qualified to take my nephew's schooling into my own hands," she hissed.

"If you're going to home school then there's no need to withdraw," Pam said with relief. "We just have to mark his records and you can take his schooling in hand."

"No," Hermione said firmly. "I know, however little, there is money that will still be lining pockets. I want his records and the withdrawal slip right now, or I will be bringing a lawyer tomorrow."

"You have to have a child enrolled in any school to home school," Mrs. Tilburn spoke up from the doorway of her office. "It indicates that the child is still receiving an education and the parents will not be taken to court for truancy."

"That is the beauty of dual citizenship," Hermione said with a smirk. "My nephew can be enrolled in any primary school back in England where no one will benefit but him. I will only have to notify the British embassy on this side of the pond without ever having to enrol him in some school that only shoves politics down pre-schoolers throats as soon as they walk through the front doors! Now, one last time! Teddy's records or my lawyer!"

"Miss Granger," Mrs. Tilburn said with exasperation.

"I suggest you do as Miss Granger asks," Hotch spoke up, holding up his official identification. "You can be charged for impeding Miss Granger's rights as a parent and sued if she chooses to go down that path, so I suggest you hand over the records and the withdrawal form."

"Right away, sir," Mrs. Tilburn said hastily. "You must notify this office of the changes in your child's education within a week of withdrawal or I will be forced to notify the authorities."

"Pardon me?" Hermione hissed. "I have to notify you of nothing, Mrs. Tilburn, but my embassy. If you persist on this, I will happily submit my CV to the district office and replace you tomorrow," she said with a smirk. "Believe me, I can definitely replace you, if not tomorrow, then by tonight."

"Here you go, Hermione," Pam said as she handed Hermione a few papers that Hermione accepted with a slight nod. "I'll miss seeing you. I'm sorry about the policy."

"There is nothing for you to apologise for," Hermione said softly and turned to find Teddy animatedly talking with Doctor Reid.

"You really do have to notify the school office," Hotch said as they walked out of the school.

"Peters will take care of that for me," Hermione said dismissively. "She would have anyway. I just wanted to scare Tilburn right and proper. The bloody woman deserved it."

"Can you really replace her?" Hotch asked.

Hermione smirked. "Definitely," she answered. "I make no idle threats. Though I would prefer not to make good on it. I like my job as an independent researcher."

"You'll have to make more time to take your nephew's schooling in hand," Hotch pointed out.

"Time that I will most happily take," she replied. "I only have six more years with him," she said dejectedly.

"What happens after six years?" He asked.

"Then I get to go to my dad's school!" Teddy chirped happily.

"Teddy," Hermione sent him a warning glance as she strapped him into his booster seat.

"It's true though!" Teddy exclaimed. "I can't wait! I'll get to take the Express and maybe sit where my dad sat on the train," he said more thoughtfully.

"What happened to your parents?" Spencer asked.

"Auntie says my dad and mum's story is the greatest love story of all time!" He exclaimed. His accent was more pronounced when he was excited. "They 'sisted, pre-sisted… resisted! They resisted each other because my dad was so much older than my mum, but she wore him down!" Hermione hid her smile behind her palm. "Then they married and really, really loved each other so I was born, but then," Teddy said, suddenly sad.

"I believe that is enough story-telling," Hermione said quietly as she settled behind the wheel and left the school behind.

"But then the bad man came to Auntie Mymy and Uncle Harry's school," Teddy hurried to say while ignoring Hermione's warning again. "My Aunt Bellatrix killed my mum, then my dad was really mad and sad and he died trying to 'venge, re-venge, Avenge? Avenge her, my mum."

Hermione quickly pulled over and vomited outside her window.

"Are you okay?" Teddy asked timidly when she settled into her seat again.

"Who told you that story, Teddy?" Hermione asked while fiddling with her long sleeve.

"It was Ronald," he answered quietly.

"That bloody man-child!" Hermione softly hissed while scowling. "Teddy," she turned and reached for his hands while ignoring the two men in her car. She wanted to say so much, but withheld the words. "Your parents loved you so much," she said with watery eyes. "Always remember that."

"Then why did they die and leave me alone?" He asked with tears in his eyes. Hermione swiftly unstrapped him from his seat and pulled him into her arms.

"They loved you so much that they fought for you," she whispered into his hair. "They fought to make the world safe for you because they loved you so much."

"Ron said they should have just run away," Teddy said.

"There is so much that you cannot understand right now," Hermione replied. "Your mum and dad could not run because they were very important people. I hope you know I am now going to kill Ronald for telling you these things," she said.

"He's mean, and sometimes he talks funny," Teddy mumbled.

"I love you, Teddy," Hermione whispered. "Always remember that."

"I will," he said seriously and promptly kissed her on the lips before crawling back to his seat and asking his Doctor to help him.

"That bloody drunk," Hermione muttered as she drove onto the road again.

"You're my favourite Doctor," Teddy said to Spencer while Hermione listened with a slight smile. "You don't give shots, do you?" He asked. "Because than I might have to reconsider," he said seriously.

"I most definitely do not stick anyone with any type of syringe filled with vaccines or other medicines," Spencer clarified.

"Okay," Teddy said with a wide smile. "Can you come over later and tell me about more about light 'lution, plution, pol-lution?" He asked. Spencer smiled at Teddy's self-corrections. "I think it would be cool if we could make people stop being dirty with their lights."

"How long have you had Teddy?" Hotch asked quietly.

Hermione's smile faded into a sad one.

"Teddy has been with me since he was 10 days old," she answered softly. "He only knows about his parents from stories I tell him, and pictures I can share with him."

"One last question," Hotch said when her home came into view. "Do you fear for Teddy's or your life?" He asked. He noted how her hands gripped the steering wheel tighter.

"I cannot say," she replied. "In the past…" she said hesitantly, "he was a part of attempts on mine and my friends' lives, but Teddy is his nephew by marriage and I want to say he will not do anything to harm him…" she let the rest of her thought go unspoken.

"But," Hotch said, carefully urging her to continue when she stopped.

"He was a part of the group that was responsible for his parents' deaths," she whispered.

"Uncle Harry!" Teddy shouted when they pulled into the drive.

"Teddy, inside voice, please!" Hermione scolded.

"Sorry," Teddy said with a wide smile as he bounced in his seat. He wiggled and worked his way out of the belt and seat and was out the door as soon as Hermione turned off the car. "Uncle Harry!" Teddy happily shouted. "You're here!" He squealed when Harry picked him up and twirled him in the air.

"Harry," Hermione said. "This is a surprise."

"'Mione," Harry said after putting Teddy down. "I'm glad I was able to escape for today, are these new friends?" He asked while looking at the two men behind her.

"This is my Doctor!" Teddy exclaimed and ran toward Spencer. "He's really cool and knows a lot just like Auntie Mymy! I wonder if their brains will rub off on me because they just ooze smartyness!"

Harry laughed and Hermione blushed.

"Harry Potter," he introduced himself to Reid.

"I'm Doctor Spencer Reid," Spencer replied. "This is… Aaron Hotchner."

"It's so cool that we finally got to meet them!" Teddy said before Hotch could speak up. "My Doctor saved me when Uncle Malfoy came closer today and-"

"What?" Harry hissed at Hermione quietly when Teddy kept rambling. "Lucius Malfoy was told to stay away."

"He has," Hermione responded while Teddy was distracted and Hotch listened to them quietly hiss at each other. "Have you not been getting my messages?" Hermione asked.

"What messages?" Harry asked in return.

"The ones I sent this past week," Hermione replied. "You know I send a note every day."

"I've been distracted," Harry said dismissively. "You could have made more of an effort to get a hold of me."

"Did my calling not count?" Hermione asked stiffly. "Ginny told me you were at the Ministry when I called Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, even Thursday. She said she would give you my messages," she said a little more heatedly.

"She must have forgotten," Harry replied dismissively. "We've both been so busy with all the wedding details."

Hermione straightened and glared.

"Go pull out yesterday's homework so we can review it," Hermione said to Teddy.

"Yes, Auntie Mymy," he said while pulling his Doctor toward the house while Hermione watched them from the corner of her eye and Harry glared at her and eyed Hotchner.

"Go home, Harry." Hermione returned his glare when Teddy was inside.

"What?" Harry asked, surprised.

"For the last year, not only have you ignored me, but you have ignored our godson!" She hissed. "Ginerva has lost twenty of my letters and twelve of Teddy's, forgotten to tell you seventy-one of my messages and fifty of Teddy's, and has conveniently gotten sick on the day of ten of our invitations that Teddy sent out which, in turn, has prevented you from seeing Teddy.

"I care not that you have neglected our friendship, but I do care most ardently that you have neglected Teddy and his feelings!" She was practically yelling. "I want you to go home until you decide just how important our godson is to you, Potter," she spat. "You will not return until you can convince me you have your priorities straight!"

"I have a right to see him," Harry hissed. "He's mine too!"

"Teddy is not a possession!" Hermione yelled. "He is a little boy with feelings and wants to love you but you allow everything to get in the way of your relationship with him!"

"I'm taking him as soon as Ginny and me are married," he retorted.

"What?" Hermione asked, taking a step back. "Why? You know how she feels about him!"

"She'll change!" Harry defended.

"You are delusional," Hermione breathed as she slightly shook her head. "I will not allow you to ruin Teddy's life this way!" she snarled. "He is as happy as he can be and you want to tear that away from him? You want to tear him away from his whole life? How cold-hearted of you, you bloody-" she gasped and stepped back with wide eyes and felt a supportive hand on her shoulder from Agent Hotchner.

"I will not allow you to hurt the last of my family, Mister Potter," Lucius Malfoy said silkily.

"You're not allowed here, Malfoy!" Harry stepped toward him with his fists clenched.

"I do believe you have no say in whether I do or not," he said softly while looking at Hermione as she unconsciously stepped closer to the Agent now beside her.

"How did you get past my wards?" Hermione asked. "It should not have been possible."

'Her wards?' Hotch thought.

"I'll have you back in jail for this!" Harry spat.

"You believe you still have influence," Mister Malfoy smirked. "How… naïve of you. Perhaps you should rethink where your connections have led you, Mister Potter," he advised. "Nonetheless I think it best that you leave Miss Granger or I can promise it will be you who will be paying a fine for trespassing."

"I will fight this!" Harry hissed.

"Fight it" Mister Malfoy darkly smiled as he stepped closer to Harry. "I dare you. I want you to. I want to kick out the last leg you stand on." He let out a small laugh that sounded threatening. Hermione shivered and Hotch stepped in front of her. "Go back to Britain, Mister Potter," he said softly, but just as dangerously. "Stir up what sympathy you can."

"I will see you in Azkaban!" Harry hissed before striding out the front gate.

"Miss Granger," Mister Malfoy said softly without the threatening note in his voice. "I seem to have misread you. You were always close with Messrs Potter and Weasley and I thought you might have been becoming just as puffed up. Now I understand that it was you who kept those children grounded."

"What are you doing here, Mister Malfoy?" Hermione asked quietly.

"I came to see to my nephew's safety," he answered.

"Has… Has Teddy not been safe?" She asked tightly.

"There is a new movement in Britain, Miss Granger," he said gravely. "It is in my interest that Edward remain here with you, away from the prejudice you had to grow up with."

"Do you really mean us no harm?" She asked.

"I mean neither you nor Edward any harm, this I swear on my familial line," he said with an intenseness that she could only believe. She took a step toward him before feeling the agent's hand tighten on her shoulder and looked up into his dark eyes and blank face as he stared at the elder Malfoy. "Mister Potter will find that he no longer has any influence over my nephew," Mister Malfoy informed her at he looked at Agent Hotchner before his eyes moved to Hermione. "I have seen to it that his name has been removed from a certain document. I made it easier to take Edward into my home when I felt the time came."

"You altered the Lupins' last will?" Hermione asked with wide eyes. "You were going to steal him from me," she said, stepping back.

"I did not say that," he hurried to correct her.

"You were going to steal him from me!" She said harshly. "You are nearly as bad as Harry!"

"I misjudged you!" He said just as harshly, then took a deep breath. "I am doing my best to be honest with you, Miss Granger, can you please be easy on this old man who is set in his ways?" He asked.

"It is because you are set in your ways that I find it hard to trust you!" She retorted.

"Then I will fix this," he said determinedly.

"Tell me nothing of what you intend to do," Hermione replied before he could speak again.

"Of course," he agreed with a slight nod.

"I… I thank you for seeing to Teddy's best interest," she said softly. "Even if you are underhanded about how you do so. I… I suppose I owe you," she said with a flinch.

He smirked as he looked down at her.

"My wife and son need a safe house," he said. "Our properties are too well known after this last war."

"The home next to us is available," Hermione said weakly.

"My transactions are being watched by more than just the Order," he responded. "Every measure has been applied to track where my money is going."

"Of course," Hermione said a tad too proudly. "I cannot find it in myself to be even a little sorry that I helped create a few of those traces."

"Touché, Miss Granger," he said with a smirk. "If it helps, Shacklebolt said to tell you that Jasquel misses you."

She sighed in relief and nearly slumped into Hotch's side.

"You should have told me that to begin with, you dolt," she said tiredly. "Why all the glaring?" She asked.

"You try standing in front of a rising sun without squinting your eyes," he answered.

"How did I miss that?" She asked with a laugh. "You and Kingsley have been setting me up."

"We had to test you," Mister Malfoy said with a slight smirk. "I thought you had failed my nephew in every way this morning, and I had to be sure, so I followed you. I had to be sure I would be delivering my wife accurate information on her family."

"I want to speak with our Minister later," Hermione said with a glare. "Right now, though, I want to sleep off whatever virus decided to take over my body's cells." Her legs gave out and Hotch deftly caught her before her knees even brushed the grass.

"She's burning up," he said as he lifted her into his arms. "I think she may have to go to the hospital."

"I just need a… fever reducer," she whispered. "I will be fine in the morning."

"I will send Severus straight over here," Mister Malfoy said swiftly.

She tittered as she watched him walk away.

"I think I could be hallucinating," she said with a shake of her head. "Severus Snape is dead. I saw him die," she said to Hotch. "I wonder how much of today actually happened."

"Are you sure you can trust that man?" Hotch asked as he carried her into her house. He laid her down on a sofa before taking a seat next to her. How interesting Hermione Granger and her godson were. He couldn't find it in himself to leave them without digging up every piece of information he could glean from them. Their talk about a rising movement and a previous war, even a new one brewing in Britain, had peaked his interest in Hermione Granger and her acquaintances.

"Yesterday I would not have trusted that man as far as I could physically throw him," she said as she tried to wiggle her legs. "Today though, Kingsley vouched for him and I now find he is at least worthy of some trust."

"If it helps, I also vouch for Lucius." Hermione's head snapped to the drawing room entrance to see a familiar face and gasped at the sight.

"It does help immensely, Professor," she replied quietly. "I wonder if you can tell me. I would dearly love to know how I am seeing a dead man alive, and maybe the object of my hallucination can tell me how high my fever actually is."

"Auntie Mymy!" Teddy laughed as he came running toward her while pulling Spencer behind him.

"Hello love." Hermione smiled. "I want you to know how happy I am that you found someone to look up to, even if I am imagining your Doctor to be smart and handsome."

"She thinks she's hallucinating," Hotch said to Spencer when he blushed and stuttered before Teddy pulled him away again.

"Take this, Miss Granger," Professor Snape said after a few moments. "You will be better in the morning if you stay in bed like a good patient."

"We both know I broke the rules, back in the day," Hermione said with a laugh. "I can only imagine Teddy making me just as upset as I made you all."

"Patience has been my friend," Professor Snape said with a smirk. "I think you will find that your godson will be just as much, if not more, of a handful than you and the dunderheaded twins."

Hermione laughed again. "I always felt better after you docked them points for turning in my work."

"I was painfully easy to see that you did schoolwork for three," he said with a smirk. "Every one of us counted that work as extra credit."

"Except you," Hermione said.

"I could not make you seem smarter than Draco in my class." He sighed. "You were already enough of a target just being Potter's brains," he said with a sneer.

"I always imagined you to be more snarky outside of school," Hermione laughed. "Was everything you did all an act?" She asked.

"It was an act that I had to believe," he said quietly. "What better way to act as if you hate the world, than to actually hate the world and act out on those feelings?" He asked.

"I like this you," she murmured as she patted his hand and slowly closed her eyes. "I hope you are true to yourself now."

"I am," he replied, bowing his head. "I think I like this me too." He stood up and looked down at the man sitting at Miss Granger's feet.

"Agent Hotch," he said after a moment.

"I don't believe we've met," Hotch said.

"Why are you so curious about Miss Granger?" He asked. It almost sounded like he was speaking to himself. "Ah, so many things left unspoken," he murmured. "Things for you not to know."

"Why can I not know?" Hotch asked.

"You do not have the… clearance," Severus replied. "Ah," he said softly as he continued his staring match with the man. "You are attracted to them."

"What?" Hotch asked with a blink.

"This might potentially be a security problem," Severus said thoughtfully, "but it may not be for long. Tell me, Mister Hotchner, of the odd things that happen when your son is around."

"How do you know about that?" Hotch asked curtly as he swiftly stood up.

"You need to spend more time with your son, Mister Hotchner, only then will I be able tell you what is happening when you tell me what you witness," he said softly.

"Have you been spying on my family?" Hotch hissed as he stepped closer.

"No," Severus answered quietly. "Do what I say, Mister Hotchner, and only then will I be able to tell you how I can see these things."

"You're psychic?" Hotch asked dubiously.

Severus laughed before saying, "If only I had been born with the gift to See, then I might have been given a different lot in life."

"Auntie Mymy?" Teddy called as he ran down the stairs.

"Has your aunt not told you that you could be hurt running down the stairs like that?" Severus asked.

"I'm sorry," Teddy said apologetically, "but my Doctor found my," he glanced up at Agent Hotchner before his eyes returned to Severus. "He found my toy broom."

"I see," Severus replied silkily. "Did you show him how your aunt sweeps?" He asked.

"I don't think my broom will be happy if I did that," Teddy said with wide eyes. "It's temper and mental."

Severus's lips quirked at Teddy's separation of the word.

"Then it might be best to put it away for now," he suggested as he stared into Teddy's eyes. "Quickly now," he said. "No running inside!"

"Okay, but you sound like Auntie Mymy!" Teddy called back.

"Miss Granger has done well for herself and Mister Lupin," Severus murmured as he looked around the parlour room. "To think she did this without using her reparation rewards."

"How old is Miss Granger?" Hotch asked.

"She is four years over twenty," Severus answered. "Four and twenty and she has done an amazing job as a single parent."

"You should have seen her earlier," Hotch prodded, mentally noting how the older man replied to his question of Miss Granger's age.

"Oh, I did," Severus replied with a smirk. "Believe me when I say she can be much worse when defending her beliefs and those she cares about."

"She held back because Reid and I were there," Hotch said what he observed.

"The only reason she held back was because her godson was involved," Severus corrected him. "Would you not do the same in a similar situation?" He asked.

"Severus," Lucius spoke up.

"Lucius." Severus turned toward his friend. "Narcissa," he spoke to the woman behind him. "Where is Draco?" He asked.

"Severus," Narcissa breathed as her hand went to her neck. "You are… how?" Severus lifted an eyebrow and subtly glanced at Hotch. "Draco has refused to come," she continued worriedly. "He… he wants to prove himself."

Severus placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "He is grown and now carving his own path, we must step back and watch as he flies on his own."

Narcissa spotted Hermione sleeping on the sofa and her face softened.

"Is it true that Miss Granger has allowed us to see my nephew?" She asked softly.

"It is true," Severus answered, "but," he hurried to add, "Miss Granger had a high fever before I was able to tend to her. She believes us to be hallucinations. I need to be here when she wakes so she can come to terms with everything before she sees you and Lucius again," he said sternly.

"Of course," Narcissa agreed. "I will stay out of the way until she is sure about this," she promised.

"She does not know this side of us," Severus said to them. "She has seen the worst of us while we hid who we truly are. She will need time to adjust to these changes."

"Miss Granger will promptly adapt," Lucius replied knowingly. "We all had to learn to do so, especially her." Severus nodded in acknowledgement of his point.

"I will go find a room out of the way of Miss Granger and my nephew's rooms," Narcissa said. "Perhaps it would be better for Miss Granger to be moved to her room," she said pointedly before leaving the three men.

"If you will," Severus said to Lucius. "It seems I cannot move as I used to," he said quietly while glancing at his cane.

"I think Miss Granger will feel better knowing that you will be staying here too," Lucius said as he lifted her into his arms. "This girl needs to eat more," he commented. "She is too light, I can hardly think that is healthy for her."

Hotch decided to follow them and stopped when Narcissa Malfoy motioned for them to stay silent when they reached the first floor. He could dear Reid's soft voice as he explained various things to his newest friend while Teddy questioned him with deeper questions. Reid explained it as best as he could for Teddy to understand.

"Can you stay for dinner?" Teddy suddenly asked with a timid voice.

"I," Reid hesitated. "I don't have any plans," he admitted. "You will have to ask your aunt first, just to be sure she doesn't have any plans."

Severus swiftly located Hermione's room after eavesdropping on her godson and guest and mentally approved of her placing herself before her godson's room. She would be the first to hear an intruder and the first to defend Mister Lupin against the threat. Lucius carefully settled her and tucked her in while Severus watched as he did so carefully. He almost thought his friend was coming to care for Miss Granger in such a short amount of time. He knew she at least had at least gained Lucius's approval.

"I think I will prepare us a lunch," Severus said to them. "Will you be staying, Mister Hotchner?" He asked.

Hotch hesitated. Leaving would mean leaving Teddy in the hands of people Miss Granger hardly trusted at the beginning of the day. He could easily leave Reid behind, but it would be Reid against three people and Miss Granger was incapacitated. If he stayed, he could easily see to Miss Granger and Teddy with Reid's help.

"I will," Hotch agreed.

"Will you also be staying the night?" Severus asked as he passed him to leave the room. He didn't wait for an answer.

Would he be staying the night? Miss Granger wouldn't wake until morning, according to Mister Snape. Again, leaving her and Teddy would be leaving them at a vulnerable time. Reid would be able to stay, but it was the same situation. How did he even get into the situation of looking after someone who wasn't in their files? He was there, nonetheless, and he felt had to see Miss Granger and her nephew through until the morning, or the next afternoon at least. Maybe he would find a few answers to what they were involved in back in Britain in return.

Perhaps Gideon or Morgan would be willing to take his place for the night. He rapidly typed out a few messages and sent them off to Gideon and received an answer after a quick explanation of the situation him and Reid had stepped into.

'I'll be there by 5. Email details.'

That made him feel a lot better. Not much could get by Gideon. Hermione and Teddy would be safer with Gideon and Reid for the night.

o.O.o

"Hotch," Reid greeted when his friend entered Teddy's room.

"Do you save people like my Doctor?" Teddy asked as soon as he stepped inside.

"I do," Hotch said with a small smile. "In fact, we save people together."

"You do," Teddy asked with wide eyes. Hotch could see how the boy was quick to catch Reid's attention. He looked up at him with wide grey eyes that sparkled with admiration. His heart squeezed when he realised he wanted Jack to look at him that way one day.

"We do," Hotch replied as he kneeled to be level with Teddy. "Your Doctor and I work with other people. We all gather information about a person and do what we can to figure out if they're dangerous."

"You're all my Doctor's companions!" Teddy exclaimed. Hotch chuckled when he caught the reference.

He didn't have the heart to burst Teddy's bubble and spoke before Reid could correct him. "We are," he agreed. "Isn't our raggedy Doctor brilliant?"

"He is!" Teddy hastily agreed, then became sad. "I wish our Doctor could rescue my parents," he said quietly. "It's a fixed point in time, I think. I don't want the world just to find out I have to lose them again."

Perhaps Doctor Who wasn't such a good show for him after all.

"Have you heard the radio broadcasts?" Reid diverted Teddy's attention while Hotch moved to watch them from the doorway. "They're just as good as the TV show and I find it more stimulating to imagine the Doctor on his adventures."

"There's radio shows?" Teddy breathed as he eyes widened. "Can you show me?" He asked, vibrating with excitement.

"Of course," Reid said as he pulled out an old walkman. "I have nearly all of them saved." He unplugged his headphones and set an episode to play aloud to the room. Teddy listened with rapt attention as the Doctor and his companion found trouble quicker than they solved the dilemma of saving the Earth once again.

Teddy groaned when they were disturbed for lunch, but ate slower when he was admonished and was still done just as soon as he had started eating. He was disappointed when he found out he had to wait for Reid to finish up his lunch. They were again treated to a cup of Hermione's coffee, cups in Reid's case, and he made it upstairs in time to listen in before Reid started playing the broadcast where they left off.

"How about I help you with homework now," Reid soon suggested after the Doctor saved the Earth again.

"Can you make it fun?" Teddy asked. "It's always so boring and repetitive!"

"Let's see what I can do," Reid replied when he collected the folder Hermione had stuffed into Teddy's schoolbag after they left the school. "But I make no promises that your schoolwork will be fun," he warned.

"At least you'll try," Teddy said. "Auntie Mymy does lots better than Mrs. Blanche." He smiled. "Is my aunt going to be okay?" He asked quietly.

"She's going to be just fine in the morning," Reid responded softly, hoping he wasn't lying.

"She never sleeps this much," Teddy said. "Sometimes I find her awake when she's working on a p-ject, po-ject? Project," he corrected himself.

"Do you ever get lonely?" Reid asked carefully.

"No," Teddy smiled. "I was so bored last week and Auntie Mymy was in the middle of something. I know it was 'portent but she stopped anyway and we went out for ice cream and to the theter for kids my age. It was so much fun! I want to do it again! Can you go with us next time?" He asked Reid.

The kid made it so hard for anyone to refuse. Hotch would have agreed to go if Teddy had turned those eyes on him again. Even if he knew he would be out on a case, he would have done anything to go to the theatre with Teddy and his aunt.

Reid was damned as soon as Teddy said hello to him that morning.

"When will your partner be here?" Severus asked when Hotch checked up on Hermione. The man had been sitting at her bedside reading an old book. It looked like the book could be worth more than a little something with its hand sewn binding, yellowed parchment pages, leather-bound covers and spine, and silver gilded edges that looked suspiciously like real silver.

"How did you know?" Hotch asked suspiciously.

"Not for you to know yet," Severus drawled. "And no, I did not bug your mobile. Technology hates me. I would have to say I hate it just as much, if not more," he said with a slight quirk of his lips. Hotch checked over his mobile while he waited for Gideon to show up. It was clean, but that didn't mean there was something else. He was going to make sure Garcia checked it over, just to be sure.

He thought over his day while waiting. Mister Malfoy said he did something to affect Teddy's guardianship in his favour, something that was probably illegal if Hermione's line of thought could be proved. There was nothing he could do to prove it though. Mister Malfoy, he determined, was a man with more wealth than was healthy. Those type of people usually set him on edge because they paid their way out of trouble.

They were the most dangerous players to play chess against.

He gave Mister Malfoy credit that he was acting in Teddy's favour. He could have gone about it differently, but he acted in the way he knew best. Most of the time it really was hard to teach a dog new tricks. He apologised to Gideon when he wrote that, along with most of his thoughts in the email.

Gideon's headlights flashed soon after he stepped out of the house and Hotch directed him into Miss Granger's drive.

"I have to say you picked up an interesting unofficial case," Gideon said to Hotch in lieu of a normal greeting.

"Thanks for taking it from here," Hotch said as they entered the home.

"This is a very nice place," Gideon commented appreciatively.

"Miss Granger did this all on her own while raising her godson," Hotch said what he learned from Mister Snape.

"With no help?" Gideon asked with surprise. "What does she do for a living?" He enquired. "Maybe I can get into it," he said with a slight smile.

"Miss Granger is an independent researcher with the side hobby of writing up curriculums for a few Cambridge and Oxford professors," Severus answered as he approached them from the direction of the stairs.

"I'm Jason Gideon," Gideon introduced himself, holding his hand out for the man to shake.

"Severus Snape," Severus replied, firmly shaking Gideon's hand. "Pick any room to sleep in for tonight," he said after. "Miss Granger's room is the second door to the right on the first floor and Teddy's is right after hers."

"Thanks," Gideon said. "Mind if I explore this beauty?" He asked with an appreciative gleam in his eyes.

"Make yourself at home," Severus answered, "but make sure Miss Granger will not find out I gave the okay. I will firmly deny it."

"Got it," Gideon replied with a slight nod.

"I'll see you later," Hotch called as he left.

Inside, Gideon thought the manor was what the outside promised it would be.

Miss Granger had a study connected to an old nursery with sliding doors open to separate the two rooms, but he doubted they were ever shut as long as she lived there. There were eight empty bedrooms, a comfortable conservatory and breakfast nook, a large dining room that would easily fit a dinner party of at least fifteen people. The one thing that he noticed though, was that every single room had a working fireplace.

Even the bathroom had one, but it was smaller than the others.

"Can we have a sleep over?" Gideon heard the young voice and smiled nostalgically.

"I think we can do that," Spencer answered. "I've never been to a sleep over," he said.

"Neither have I," Teddy replied. "We can have fun together! We can sleep under the stars in the 'serving- tory?" He asked. "Serve-a- tory? Co-serving-tory?" He asked with confusion.

"Con-serv-a-tory," Spencer said slowly while Teddy repeated after him. "That sounds like a great idea."

"I'm a genius like my auntie," Teddy said proudly. "And you too. Can I keep you, Doctor?" He asked. Gideon's heart leaped at the wide eyes Teddy employed upon his younger colleague and nearly agreed to the child's request in Reid's place.

"I'm not sure you can," Spencer said uncertainly as he nervously fiddled with his collar. "I do have to help save other people."

"You do," Teddy said, almost disappointed, "but I guess I have to share you with them anyway. Are you ever going to be done saving people?" He asked then continued before Spencer could answer. "Auntie Mymy is tired. She saved lots of people and Ronald said that my Aunt Bellatrix tortured her for three whole days while on their mission to save the world. I don't like Ronald," Teddy said softly. "He said my Auntie Mymy deserved it because she didn't want to marry him. I think he deserved to be tortured instead."

"Your aunt didn't deserve it," Spencer said softly. "I haven't known her or you for long, but I do know she loves you very much. Someone who loves that much doesn't deserve what she had to go through." He paused to let Teddy soak that in. "Did Ronald tell you anything else?" He asked.

"He said it's my fault that Auntie Mymy never married him," Teddy whispered "He said I should have never been born because then Mymy wouldn't have left him."

Spencer carefully pulled Teddy onto his lap and hugged him.

"It sounds like Ronald is a bully and he should never have told you that," Spencer said firmly. "I think your aunt would have left him even if she didn't have you to love."

"Auntie said he was mean to her in school sometimes," Teddy said.

"See?" Spencer responded. "Ronald never deserved your aunt so he takes it out on her by hurting you. Don't let him hurt you anymore, Teddy. Tell your Aunt anything he says that hurts you."

"Can I tell you too?" Teddy asked.

"You can," Spencer agreed. "Let's go find blankets for our starry night," he said as he stood up and placed Teddy on his feet.

"Auntie Mymy keeps the spares in the laundry room," Teddy said. "There's lots and lots! Sometimes we have pillow fights that go on forever!"

Gideon hastily stepped back before they exited the bedroom and went downstairs through the back staircase. Reid and Teddy seemed to have immediately taken to each other. It was a bit worrying that Teddy looked up to Reid so highly, eventually Reid was going to be human and make a mistake that would show Teddy that his instant idol was like everyone else, but he could also see that Reid needed the relationship.

Perhaps it was the chance to be a paternal figure to a child who really needed that type of relationship. Reid needed to know he wasn't his father who abandoned him and his mother, then later having to have his mother committed to a sanitorium while he went on to university because he could no longer care for her. Teddy was the right person to see him through the self-discovery.

"Gideon," Reid said as soon as he and Teddy stepped into the laundry room.

"Hello," Teddy said as he looked up at him.

Gideon knew the child has stolen his heart with once glance.

"Hello," Gideon said with a slight smile. "I'm Jason Gideon."

"I'm Teddy," he replied. "Maybe Auntie Mymy should get sick more often," Teddy commented. "Everyone is coming to visit while she's sick."

Gideon chuckled.

"I came to visit because I heard from Hotch that you were in need of a story teller," Gideon said with an air of excitement.

"You're a story teller?" Teddy asked with amazement shining in his bright grey eyes. "Cool! My Doctor tells me some really great stories and fats, facts," he corrected himself. "Are you as good as my Doctor?" He asked.

"I can try, but I'm not so sure I can top your Doctor," Gideon said with a wink.

"Let's grab blankets!" Teddy eagerly exclaimed. "You can join in our pillow fight too!"

"Sounds like fun," Gideon agreed.

They spent a few minutes layering blankets and pillows before laying on their backs and looking up at the stars. Spencer would tell a few facts about a constellation while Gideon told about myths he knew were associated with it, then Spencer would fill in what he left out. Nearly an hour later Teddy was sleeping and Spencer reached over to spread a blanket over him before turning onto his back again.

"No one has ever looked up to me," Reid said quietly.

"You're his idol," Gideon said with a smile. "Enjoy it while you can, son."

"What if I let him down?" Reid asked. "There was no attachment between us before today besides this home being on every one of my routes to work. What if I don't see him ever again after tomorrow?" He asked. "He'll be so disappointed and possibly even deeply scarred. I don't want that to happen to him if I can help it."

"Hotch and I are going to do everything we can to help you," Gideon promised.

"Definitely," Hotch spoke up. They looked up to see him looking down at them. "This looks like fun."

"I thought you left," Gideon said after sitting up. He noticed the bundle of blankets his colleague was carrying after he spoke. "Let me see Jack," he said with a soft smile.

Hotch carefully handed him over, then wiped his eyes as soon as his hands were free.

"What happened?" Reid asked.

"She-she was with someone," Hotch answered, then wiped more furiously at his eyes. "She was with someone!" He snarled. They could tell there was more to what he wanted to say, but held back. "I grabbed Jack and left," he murmured. "I couldn't leave him there with that."

"You were right to do that," Gideon soothed. "How did you end up back here?" He asked.

"I don't know," Hotch slightly shrugged. "I just got in the car and left. I only realised I ended up here when I parked behind Miss Granger's car."

"There's a bassinet in the corner of the nursery connecting to Miss Granger's study," Gideon informed him. "It looks like it was Teddy's so it can't be that old. Go get some rest."

"I hope Miss Granger doesn't blow a fuse when she finds out how many boarders she took on overnight," Reid said while Gideon handed over Jack to Hotch.

o.O.o

It was early in the morning when Hermione woke. She thought she had gone back in time for a moment when she heard a baby fussing, but when she entered Teddy's old nursery, she came face to face with Agent Hotchner. He was dressed in his pyjamas and walking back and forth as he tried to sooth the baby.

"Okay," Hermione said softly. "I am not so sure if this is a dream now, but there's an FBI agent in my godson's old nursery with a baby who I know is not Teddy because I still remember his fussing. I either have to be hallucinating still or dreaming."

"I think you'll find that it's neither," Hotch said quietly. "I'm sorry for this," he apologised. "I can't explain right now because I'm still trying to process it myself, but I ended up here last night because my life literally fell apart and I don't know why I came here instead of a hotel, but I did and I'm sorry for intruding."

Hermione held up a hand to stop him from continuing.

"It's alright, Mister Hotcher," she replied. "I somewhat understand what you mean. I have room to spare and Teddy's bassinet is crying out to be used," she said with a slight smile. "May I?" She asked, stepping closer to him.

He carefully handed her his son and watched as she easily soothed him. What had he been doing wrong? What had Haley been doing wrong? He knew she was often frustrated because Jack was always crying, always. He would come home and eventually calm down Jack after a few hours while Haley rested. But here was a stranger who easily calmed his son after two minutes had passed. Jack looked up at her and smiled before sucking on his hand.

"Do you know when he last ate?" She asked. "Babies are always sucking on their hands, but he seems to be sucking more intently."

"I, um, no I don't," he answered. "I went home and left soon after."

"Come on," she said as she walked toward the hallway. "I have some goat's milk. It is better for babies than that powdered stuff they sell at the shops. I completely abhor that stuff. Do you have his bottles?" Hermione asked.

"I just left," Hotch replied.

"I can see what I have packed away," she said as he followed her down the staircase. "It will take a few minutes to sterilise what I do have."

"You're a godsend," Hotch said with relief. "Do you, um, feel better?" He asked.

"Much," Hermione answered. "Tell me, is Severus Snape really alive?" She asked. "I think I could not bear it if I made up the whole scenario in my mind."

"You didn't hallucinate anything," Hotch replied.

"So Mister Malfoy is truly trying to turn over a new leaf," she said softly as they entered her kitchen. "There is a box on the top shelf in the pantry," she said. "Would you please?" She asked.

He entered her large pantry and found a few boxes on the top shelves, but there was one that sat alone in the back at the very top. He reached up and brought it down. It wasn't that heavy, but it had a little weight to it. He placed it down on the kitchen island and opened it to find various sizes of bottles and a food processor for making baby food.

Hermione had made Teddy's baby food.

That alone showed how serious she was about her nephew's care.

"We should wash those medium ones, then we have to boil them for five minutes," Hermione instructed as she pulled out a large pot while balancing Jack on her other arm. He swiftly moved to help her and set it on the stovetop after she filled it with water. "The milk," she said and turned to her fridge to collect it.

She filled another pot to warm up the milk while the bottles were sterilised. Soon enough the milk was warmed up enough and the bottles were finished. She sorted them out and threw away what didn't survive the heat until they ended up with four out of the six bottles.

She soon had them filled and tested the milk on her wrist before nodding to herself. Jack was fussing again by the time they finished and she deftly got him to latch onto to bottle.

"You do this so easily," Hotch commented as he watched.

"This is still second nature to me," Hermione said quietly. "Recently, I find myself missing this. I miss the baby food too," she said with a nostalgic smile. "Teddy hated carrots, he still does," she laughed softly. They turned at the sound of a chair moving slightly to find someone trying to rush back outside the kitchen door. "Good morning, Mrs. Malfoy," Hermione called after her.

The woman's head popped back into the kitchen.

"Hello," she said uncertainly.

"Your husband moves fast," Hermione said.

"You remember?" She asked, moving a little more back into the kitchen.

"With the assurances of Mister Hotchner," Hermione replied.

"Is it really alright to see my nephew?" She asked hesitantly.

"Yes," Hermione answered, "but please let me know if you plan to take him on any trips."

"I will," Mrs. Malfoy said with relief. "Thank you for this," she said gratefully.

"I ask that you please not make me regret my decision," Hermione quietly replied.

"I will follow your rules strictly if I have to," she responded sincerely before taking her leave.

"I hope so," Hermione murmured after she was gone. She turned back to Hotch. "If you feel comfortable, I can mind… er…"

"Jack," Hotch said.

"Jack," Hermione repeated. "I can mind Jack if you want to find a room to sleep in for the next few hours." She looked at the clock on her wall. "You go rest and I will nostalgically remember what it's like to change a few smelly nappies."

"I don't suppose you have any of those laying around?" Hotch asked as he ran his hands through his hair.

"Worry not," Hermione said with a smile. "I used reusable ones. The cost of buying those saved more than buying disposables every week."

"You seem to be prepared for every occasion," Hotch commented as he followed her into the laundry room.

"I knew there was a reason I kept these clean," she said, pulling down a few coloured fabric pieces and white cloths. She readied a few of them before they left and he followed her upstairs. "Good night again, Mister Hotchner."

"Maybe just call me Aaron," he suggested.

"Then please, call me Hermione," she replied before turning into her room. She transfigured a second bassinet from an armchair in her room and laid Jack on his stomach after making sure he had a fresh nappy. If someone questioned her about the second bassinet, she could always say she brought it down from the attic.

Nearly an hour later she woke to a strange feeling. It felt like someone was pulling on her core and snuggling against it. She looked down to find Jack sleeping against her chest and sucking his thumb. He opened his eyes after a few minutes and smiled up at her.

"How did you get here?" Hermione asked softly as she cradled him. "I think you and I will go searching for Teddy's old clothing," she told him.

In the early morning, the box containing Teddy's old clothes was easily located in the attic and brought it down to his old nursery. "If your father kills me, I will blame you for being too cute," Hermione said to Jack with a laugh as she pulled up the hood up on his one piece. She dressed him in a soft white fleece with sheep ears complete with a fluffy button tail.

"Why is your floo blocked?"

Hermione smiled at the voice while she whipped eggs for her breakfast cakes. "Good morning, Pansy," she replied airily. "I have visitors," she said emphasised.

"Oh," Pansy answered. "I suppose that means extra?" She asked as she levitated a large sack of coffee onto the counter. Hermione looked at the sack with wide eyes.

"Are you trying to foist off your leftovers on me?" She asked.

"This one is a new blend," Pansy replied with a shrug. "I think this one might be my new favourite."

"You always say that about every new roast or blend you come up with," Hermione said with a smile. "Thank you for sharing."

"I want to keep my saviour happy," Pansy said with a sniff.

"You owe me nothing." Hermione frowned. "All I ask for is for you to be happy as repayment if you insist on making me happy." She turned to see Pansy frowning at the kitchen door and followed her eyes downward. A foot close to the hinges held the door slightly open, allowing their conversation to carry out into the breakfast room.

"Will you be staying for breakfast?" Hermione asked as she turned back to Pansy. "You can see how amazing you actually are when everyone gets a taste of your coffee."

"I will stay just to steal the tray of your croissants," Pansy said with a smirk.

"I should make extra then," Hermione laughed. "I already learned that will steal every one of them."

"Of course," Pansy said casually. "Who is this?" She asked as she leaned over Teddy's old play yard and let her finger glide down Jack's soft, pink cheek.

"This is Jack," Hermione replied. "He is a sweet one, just like Teddy."

"Teddy was a menace," Pansy said with a slight smile.

"You say that only because he ruined your favourite top with spit-up," Hermione responded. "Teddy was and is sweet."

"Gosh, you are one of those mothers," Pansy snarked, but with a slight smile. "Jack does seem sweet though," she said while making a bear dance and sing for him while he laughed. "Teddy was always frightened by this bear."

"That might have been because you presented it to him dressed up as a vampire first," Hermione said with a little amusement. "Complete with fake blood dripping down its fangs. It was too realistic for him. Any child would have been frightened out of their mind."

"You did have trouble calming him down for an hour, at least," Pansy said with a smirk. "He is going to be a Hufflepuff like his mother, I tell you."

"There is nothing wrong with the house," Hermine lightly chastised her. "Some of the most loyal people come from that house."

"Merlin," Pansy breathed dramatically. "Are you not even going to try to defend him and place Teddy in Gryffindor?" She asked.

"I think Teddy would be better off in his mother's house," Hermione said softly as she prepared the coffee with her French press. "Take this out, if you please?" She asked as she handed the press to Pansy. "You know where the outlet is."

"Come on, Jack," Pansy said and picked him up before taking the press with her other hand. She opened the kitchen door to see three men sitting at the table while sharing a journal among them. "Hello." Hermione heard her say before the door swung shut.

Hermione followed soon after to find Jack sitting in a wooden high chair.

"Good morning," Hermione said while bringing out two trays. Doctor Reid and Aaron hurried to help her with them and she found herself seated. "Is Teddy still sleeping?" She asked while serving herself and Teddy a plate.

"I washed my hands!" Teddy exclaimed, running into the room.

"What have I said about running in the house?" Hermione asked him.

"Running is for outside," Teddy started to say. "I could be hurt inside," he repeated dutifully.

"Exactly," Hermione said with a nod. "Please remember to be careful."

"Yes, Auntie Mymy," he said with a smile. "Hello Auntie Pansy!" He said with a wide smile. "Have you met my Doctor?" He asked. "Doctor, this is Auntie Pan," he introduced her. "She comes every week to make sure Auntie is drinking her coffee, but I think she comes because she loves us."

Pansy blushed and turned to pour herself a cup of coffee.

"Teddy," Hermione said pointedly. "It is not polite to assume what another person feels and tell your opinion. Opinions are not facts until they are either confirmed or denied, but even then, it is improper. Pansy, Doctor Reid, Mister Hotchner, and…" she looked at the third man, "their friend hardly know Pansy. Do you understand?" She asked.

"I think so," Teddy said with a scrunched-up nose. "Pansy doesn't know anyone and I just told my Doctor, my storyteller, and my friend something private."

"Exactly," Hermione replied. "If you will please apologise to Pansy now," she said firmly.

"I'm sorry for telling people what you feel," Teddy said to Pansy. "Even though I know you do love us," he whispered loudly.

"Little devil," Pansy said fondly. "Do not do it again and I will not have to steal all your biscuits."

"There's biscuits!" Teddy exclaimed as he jumped in his seat. "Auntie Mymy!" He scolded her while she smiled behind her cup. "You said nothing about making biscuits!"

"They are for after lunch," Hermione said firmly. "Pansy is going to see to it that you do not attempt to steal a single crumb before then."

"By the time lunch comes around there will be nothing left," Teddy grumbled. "Where are you going?" He asked.

"I will be meeting with Kingsley to see to some paperwork he will be helping me with to have you marked as a home education student," Hermione explained.

"Why does being smart take so much work?" Teddy complained.

"Do you want to know a secret," Hermione whispered as she leaned over. Teddy looked up at her with gleaming eyes.

"Tell me," he whispered back.

"Well, I learned that the best things in life are the things we have to work the hardest for," she said softly. "Work hard, Teddy love, but remember that happiness is not in money or power, but in love and forgiveness." She lightly blushed when she straightened, knowing everyone had heard her whispering.

"I'll follow you," Teddy said determinedly. "You know how to make me happy and you always say you're happy when I am."

"Remember that I am only human," Hermione carefully replied. "Humans make mistakes, but we must learn from them."

"Yes, Auntie," Teddy said as he chewed his breakfast. Hermione fondly ran her fingers through his hair before collecting his empty plate.

"You are going to work, Aaron?" She asked, not noticing the surprise glances Doctor Reid and their friend sent Aaron and her.

"I am," he replied. "Reid and Gideon have a few days off, but I have to work and find someone to take care of Jack before I leave."

"Oh," Hermione said with slight surprise. "I thought I offered to mind him," she replied. "I really don't mind, but you hardly know me so I understand."

"Is my Doctor going to stay with me today?" Teddy asked.

"Doctor Reid may have his own things to do, Teddy," Hermione explained softly. "I know you really like him, but he has a life apart from ours."

"Oh," Teddy said sadly as he played with his napkin. "Can I be excused?" He asked.

"Can you?" Hermione asked in return.

"May I be excused?" Teddy corrected himself.

"You may," Hermione agreed. She excused herself soon after Teddy and cleared the table of the rest of the dishes.

She had barely entered the kitchen when Jack started crying and nearly rushed out to soothe him but she didn't know if Aaron would accept further intrusion on his family. She set the dishes down in the sink and started washing when she felt someone step up beside her.

Doctor Reid started rinsing and drying them with a kitchen towel before setting them aside in the drying rack. He looked down at her when she looked over at him in surprise, then returned to the washing.

"I don't mind spending time with Teddy," he said after a few dishes.

"I think I knew that," Hermione carefully replied. "Otherwise you would not have spent practically the whole of yesterday with him. You even put aside your work to do that, to make sure he was safe."

"It's my job to make sure people are safe," Doctor Reid responded.

"It is," Hermione agreed and handed him a plate. "Do you not know how quickly Teddy has become attached to you?" She asked. "He lacks a proper paternal figure in his life, it was a role Harry filled in until he and his fiancée decided on their wedding date. Teddy became an afterthought to Harry," Hermione said as she looked over at him again. "I cannot say how much that hurt him every time Harry put him aside.

"Teddy is rapidly placing you in his father and Harry's role, Doctor Reid," she explained. "He is placing you there so fast that it scares me because I do not know you. I do not know if you will let him down and I will be left behind to help him feel and know that he deserves to be loved by a father.

"Doctor Reid," Hermione said as she stopped washing. "Do not break my nephew's heart," she warned. "I will never forgive you if you do. Leave now if you plan on breaking him later, otherwise ask yourself this: can you find it within yourself to be a father figure to Teddy?" She handed him the last dish and turned to leave. "Think really hard about it," she said before leaving the kitchen.

Jack was screaming when Hermione entered the breakfast room and Hotch looked desperate as he tried to soothe him. He suddenly understood what Haley had been going through when she couldn't find any solution to calm their son. He would have climbed Mount Everest if he knew it would please Jack. Jack suddenly leaned over too far when he spotted Hermione in the room and Hotch had to catch his son before he overbalanced in his arms. Hermione was there in a blink help him and Jack was suddenly attached to her.

His hands were fisted in her blouse and he refused let go. Hotch handed him over and suddenly Jack was quiet and whimpering as he caught his breath while clinging to Hermione as if his world depended on it.

"Are you a child whisperer?" He asked her seriously. "I've never seen him so upset."

"It can be unnerving," Hermione replied. "I remember a few of those days," she said sadly while patting and bouncing Jack.

"Oh my," Mr. Malfoy said when he and his wife entered the breakfast room. "I did not know you had- what is your son's name, Miss Granger?" He asked.

Hermione lightly blushed before correcting him. "Jack is not mine," she answered. "He is Aaron's son."

"I see you are back," Mrs. Malfoy said to Hotch. "May I ask the name of your friend?" She asked while looking at Gideon.

"This is Jason Gideon," Hotch said just as Reid exited the kitchen. "And this is Doctor Spencer Reid. The three of us are colleagues."

"I believe Mister Hotchner, his colleagues, and me have business to discuss in my study," Hermione explained to the Malfoys. "I set aside breakfast for you, Mister Malfoy, and Professor Snape," she informed Narcissa. "I placed it in the oven to keep it warm. There is some tea and coffee," she pointed them out. "Please excuse us."

They followed her upstairs to her study and sat around the coffee table where they found more coffee and biscuits waiting for them. Jack was settled in her arms and playing with the ribbon in her hair while she waited for everyone to settle.

"I find myself not quite sure how long you will remain in my home," Hermione started when they were settled with more coffee. "While I know my nephew does not mind having more company and my home enough bedrooms, I find myself unsure of what your presence here means."

"We wanted to keep an eye on you and Teddy while you were incapacitated," Hotch explained. "Yesterday morning you didn't trust Mister Malfoy at all until someone named Kingsley vouched for him, even then you were doubtful but willing to trust him a little. You were sick and we wanted to be sure nothing happened until you were better. Now we want to see you and your nephew through the next two days at least, if you don't mind. We will have to leave if you insist."

Hermione sighed before saying, "While I trust Kingsley and Professor Snape, I find myself uncertain. There is a… history… between the Malfoys and myself that I am doing my best to put aside for Teddy's sake. I thank you all for your concern. If you feel you need to stay here then I thank you most gratefully. I am trusting your judgement from an outsider's perspective and all I ask is that you tell me things as you see them."

"You are a very humble and strong woman," Gideon commented. "I don't see too many of you in our line of work."

"I… thank you, Mister Gideon," Hermione replied with a light blush. "I apologise for neglecting to properly introduce myself. Hermione Granger," she said as she held out her hand to the older man.

"I knew I liked you from the moment you walked out of the kitchen," Gideon replied as he shook her hand and gave her a small smile.

"T-thank you," Hermione stuttered and hastily looked at her watch. "I should be leaving. Make yourselves at home," she said as she gathered a few folders and carefully placed them into her pocketbook. "I already offered Mister Hotchner the same for as long as he needed, which reminds me," she said looking up at Hotch as she adjusted Jack. "Do you want me to mind Jack?" She asked. "I have no problem doing so," she said with a slight smile.

Hotch glanced at his own watch before saying, "I think I'll have to take you up on that, but I want Gideon to escort you today. Reid can stay to watch after Teddy." He looked at his colleague who agreed but Reid seemed uncertain.

"If you don't mind, I can escort Miss Granger," Reid said. Gideon's brows furrowed, but he conceded to the change and Hotch agreed. Teddy was upset at losing his Doctor when he heard their plans, but Pansy and Gideon distracted him with a letter game for his school lesson.

o.O.o

Reid was even more uncertain after they stepped out of the house.

It was hard to miss the hurt in Teddy's eyes when he and Hermione explained to Teddy that they had business to take care of. Teddy was feeling bereft of his newest friend. Spencer could see how much he meant to the boy in such a short amount of time.

He kept replaying Miss Granger's warning while comparing his strengths and weaknesses to the average father and his own father. Perhaps he had inherited the same weakness his own father had and he would end up mentally scarring Teddy later down the road if he couldn't deal with an imperfection.

Case in point, his mother.

His father had abandoned them because he couldn't deal with her condition and abandoned him because there was a chance he had inherited it. He, in turn, abandoned his mother to the sanatorium because he couldn't take care of her while also giving all his attention to working on his first degree.

Teddy was already a happy child despite the fact that he lacked a paternal figure, later the effects would be seen from this, but he would still be mentally healthy… but… if he remained in the child's life and became that figure like Teddy so desperately wanted, then there was a chance that he would abandon Teddy in favour of his job.

Perhaps it was best that he step out of Teddy's life before he was hurt.

"Where are we going?" Spencer asked as soon as Hermione backed the car out of the drive.

"Our first stop is the British Embassy," Hermione replied. "I already have a meeting set up with my friend. It may take two hours to have everything filled out and filed. I promised Kingsley tea after, then I want to go to the grocers to restock. I think you will have to tell me which stores to avoid," she said meaningfully and he nodded in understanding. She wanted to avoid stores close to Hotch's home. "After, we will be dropping off the groceries, then I have to leave again for a meeting with a client. I am certain he is going to waste my time, but I need to nip his persistence in the bud, so to speak, or I will have others like him asking for my services."

"You have a full day, Miss Granger," he commented.

"Call me Hermione, please," she responded. "Being addressed as Miss Granger takes me back to my school days."

"You don't want to be called Auntie Mymy?" He teased. Hermione's cheeks were instantly dusted a light pink. "Then call me Spencer," he hurried to say, not knowing where he got the sudden urge to tease her, but going along with it so things wouldn't get too awkward. "Everyone calls me Doctor Reid, Reid, or some other name, but no one really uses my first name."

"'We define our identity always in dialogue with, sometimes in struggle against, the things our significant others want to see in us,'" Hermione quoted.

"'Even after we outgrow some of these others—our parents, for instance—and they disappear from our lives, the conversation with them continues within us as long as we live.' Charles Taylor," Spencer finished. "I've found no fault with Taylor's statement so far in my life."

"Nor have I," Hermione said quietly.

"If I may ask," Spencer said with a little hesitation. "What brought you to the States?"

"Peace," she answered softly. "The need to get away from memories and overbearing, closed-minded friends brought me here."

"I'm sorry to get personal," Spencer apologised but continued, "but I think you should know…"

"Know what?" Hermione asked when he paused.

"Your acquaintance, Ronald, who I suspect was very close to you but asking would be prying even further," he chattered. "Ronald told Teddy a few things that he should never have heard from an adult's mouth," Spencer explained.

Hermione gripped the steering wheel tighter.

"What things did he tell my godson?" She demanded through clenched teeth. He could literally hear the grinding and slowly swallowed noiselessly.

"He told Teddy that he ruined his relationship with you, and you deserved to be tortured because of it," he told her. "The worst thing Ronald said to Teddy was that he should have never been born because then you would've never left him. He blamed Teddy for being the reason you didn't marry him." He startled when a soft sob escaped her. She wiped at one eye while keeping another on the road.

Maybe he shouldn't have told her when she was driving.

He handed her a tissue while he kept an eye on the thankfully light traffic.

"Ronald was a good friend, growing up," she said quietly. "We had our moments, like most friends do, but what I did not see then was that I was constantly walking on eggshells around him. I had to watch what I said or did, anything would set him off. Before I left, he had started getting too much into the bottle.

"He was and is easily angered and it showed the most when I had Teddy with me," she explained. "It took me a few months to see it and I thank… God… every day that Teddy was too young to remember the hate Ronald spewed. In essence, I left because of Teddy, he is my life," she said passionately. "But the one who ruined our friendship was Ronald himself. He wanted to be more and refused to see that was what I did not want."

"What brought you to Virginia?" Spencer asked.

"My mother," Hermione said softly. "She was adopted when she was seven. My grandparents were travelling through on business. It was Christmas and there was a charity event with a local foster home… my mother and her brother were there to sing. My grandfather took one look at my mum and knew she was meant to be with them. My grandmother was easily convinced and two days later they put in the paperwork for her and her brother. Unfortunately, they put in the paperwork too late. My uncle's adoption had already gone through the day before Christmas Eve.

"His adoptive family wanted a son, but not a daughter," she said sadly. "They allowed him to spend one last Christmas with my mum before taking him away. My grandparents went through with the adoption for my mother but they were not allowed to know or contact the family who adopted my uncle. They kept my mum's last name as a middle name, and it became mine when I was born."

"You came to find your uncle," Spencer stated quietly.

"Yes," Hermione replied. "I have been researching between clients these last five years but the records were lost in a fire in the seventies. All I have to go on is a picture of him and my mother on their last Christmas together. I always keep it on my vanity so I can see it every morning and know that I at lease have one relative who is alive. He has to be alive," she fiercely whispered the last part.

"What happened to your mother?" He asked.

"My parents were lost in a home invasion," she said hoarsely. She was glad to be distracted from the fresh pain of having a mental scab pulled when they finally pulled up to the embassy. She carefully placed Jack in the baby wrap she had chosen to bring instead of a pram, then grabbed her pocketbook.

"Hermione!" She swiftly turned on balls of her feet to see Kingsley gliding toward her before she reached the walkway.

"Hello, Kingsley," Hermione said with a small smile. He placed his hands on her shoulders before looking her over.

"You seem better, but I suppose recent events have taken their toll on you," he said softly, then looked behind her. "Who is this?" He asked, looking at Spencer and Jack.

"This is Jack and I'm SSA Doctor Spencer Reid with the BAU," Spencer answered automatically.

"Are you in trouble?" Kingsley asked Hermione. His hands gripped her shoulders tighter.

"Not at all," Hermione responded with a small, amused smile. "Spencer and I are friends," she said, unwilling to tell him the rest.

"Severus filled me in on yesterday's events," Kingsley chastised her.

She blushed.

"I consider Spencer a friend," she said firmly.

Kingsley sighed before saying, "Follow me inside so we can sort out Teddy's education. I told you to do this from the start," he glared at her half-heartedly, "but you insisted."

"I wanted Teddy to have children his own age to socialise with!" Hermione defended her previous decision as they climbed the stairs. "He still needs to have children his own age to socialise with," she said while biting her lip. "Perhaps there are families who home teach and rotate their children among themselves, or perhaps I should put him in a private school. I will need to thoroughly check their policies this time, and consider the staff and the children he will be learning with. There will need to be interviews with teachers, parents and their children, any staff he will be in contact with on any regular day," she said as she worried her lip.

"Slow down," Kingsley said as they entered his office. "You just went from home schooling Teddy to placing him in a private school. I still strongly suggest that Teddy have a home education," he said seriously. "I am sure Severus and Lucius told you what has been happening back home?" He darkly hinted.

"Mister Malfoy never elaborated," Hermione replied, "and I have yet to see Professor Snape today."

"Severus is busy with… Order matters at the moment," Kingsley said. "Let us sort out Teddy. I am sorry but I am putting my foot down on what I think is best for him in the end."

"Pardon me?" Hermione hissed, immediately standing while Kingsley stood up with her just as fast. "I am Teddy's guardian!" She snarled. "Who are you to overstep my rights as his main caregiver?"

"Enough, Hermione!" He said firmly. "This is the safest option for him and you. There will be no more talk of schools or home school groups. Teddy will stay within the safety measures we have set up over your home and so will you!"

"You cannot be making me and Teddy prisoners in our own home!" Hermione yelled. "I refuse to be shut away like Sirius! I am not a criminal, nor have I been falsely accused of a crime!"

"Do you want to die?" Kingsley asked harshly as he towered over her.

Spencer tensed and stepped closer to Hermione's side in response.

"Do you want to be cut into six pieces and dumped at the front steps of the Ministry?" Kingsley asked. "Neville Longbottom did not want that either!" Hermione gasped and stepped back into Spencer who instantly placed his hand on her shoulder to steady and support her. "They killed him before we could even get him to Headquarters! Do you know what it is like to see the son of your heart mutilated and quartered?" He yelled over Jack's crying. "I had to see him piece by piece! I had to bury him! I had to visit his parents one last time to let them know their son died before them," he said brokenly. "And they understood nothing."

"Why did no one tell me?" Hermione asked brokenly. "Neville was as much my brother as Harry and Ronald, if not more. Why did you all keep it from me?" She cried. "I should have been there!" She yelled. "Neville was my first friend, my only true friend, and you all kept this from me? I will never forgive any of you for this! I am tired of all the lies and betrayal. I wish I had never accepted that bloody letter! I wish I had never set eyes on Hogwarts! If only I had listened to my mother, then she and my papa might still be alive!"

"You cannot mean that, Hermione," Kingsley said quietly. "You know how much I care about you; how happy it makes me when you succeed in everything you put your considerable mind to. You are as much my daughter as Neville was my son. I apologise for allowing the Order to dictate your knowledge on this matter. It never should have come to a vote," he continued with a desperate edge to his tone. "I should have done more!" He said fiercely.

"Was this not your decision?" Hermione asked tentatively with hopefulness tinging her words.

"Most definitely not!" Kingsley said vehemently. "George, Bill, Severus, and I did what we could to try and convince the others to not keep this from you, but we were outvoted," he cringed, "and threatened," he said meaningfully.

They had used their vows to the Order against them.

Hermione's face heated with anger.

She stepped toward the windows while calming Jack. The sky was overcast and gloomy, much like her heart. She had lost one of her most important friends. It felt like someone had ripped out her heart and stomped on it all over again.

"Finish up the paperwork," Hermione said quietly. "I will allow you to overstep me on this matter, but I refuse to allow you to overstep how I live outside of this office."

"Think of Teddy," Kingsley said pleadingly. "Do not leave yourself to fate as Remus and Nymphadora did."

"Why must you use my godson against me?" Hermione asked tiredly.

"Because it can only benefit him in the end," Kingsley replied softly. "Whereas losing you would leave him at the mercy of the Malfoys."

"I thought you trusted the Malfoys," Hermione said as she turned back to him.

"I know Mister Malfoy has his own agenda," Kingsley confided. "I know Mrs. Malfoy always considers her husband before anyone else."

"Except Draco," Hermione objected. "She lied to end that terrorist's life, she even went against his orders and tied up Professor Snape in her scheme to keep her son alive, even if would have cost her and Mister Malfoy's life in the end. That makes your last statement false. Mrs. Malfoy never lifted so much as a finger that last day to help her husband further his lost cause."

"It kept them out of… jail," Kingsley sighed as he sat again and looked exhausted. "Despite their… assurances," he stressed, "we cannot be certain of the Malfoys' true loyalties."

"Professor Snape vouched for them," Hermione retorted.

"Severus Snape is nothing, if not loyal to his friends, Hermione," Kingsley stressed.

"He fought for us," Hermione said heatedly. "He nearly gave his life for us!"

"He nearly gave his life for his promise to Harry's mother," Kingsley pointed out. "He kept his promise until the end and now he can concentrate on his family!"

"We have always doubted Professor Snape and look where that has gotten us!" She hissed. "If the reason he turns against us is because no one bothered to befriend him when he needed it the most then we all deserve to be bitten in the end!"

"You would damn yourself just so someone can have their revenge?" Kingsley asked disbelievingly.

"You damned me when you allowed Lucius Malfoy to take precedence over Teddy's guardianship!" Hermione said harshly.

"There was nothing I could do," Kingsley said defeatedly. "One day he was living as a pariah to society and then next he was again at the top of his throne. Nothing I could do after that would have stopped him from seeking you and Edward out."

"Then there is only one thing we all can do from here on out," Hermione said with certainty.

"There is?" Kingsley asked hopefully.

"We must be as true and dedicated to Professor Snape and the Malfoys as we are to our own families," she said firmly.

"You would damn us all?" Kingsley asked with disbelief.

"We stepped on as much toes to stop their movement as they did ours," she retorted. "In the end, we all either give our all to them to help us through this, or we give them our doubts and die."

"Are you related to Albus?" Kingsley asked suspiciously.

"You may choose to give them your doubts," Hermione continued, ignoring his question, "but I… I will give them my trust and my faith and see this through to whatever bitter end may be in store for me."

"You will leave Edward to the vultures?" Kingsley asked with a shake of his head.

"I find it better than damning him to death," she retorted. "He will still have family in the end."

"I think we need to check your ancestry," he replied. "I believe you have inherited enough craziness as to be related to Albus Dumbledore."

"File the documents," Hermione said, again ignoring his comment. "You have already kept us long enough that there will be no time for tea."

"Oh, these?" Kingsley asked as he opened the files. He turned and opened a wall compartment. There were a few noises, some typing, and a parchment in a five-minute span. He turned back to her and handed her the parchment. "All done," he said, handing the parchments over.

"You purposely told me this would take two hours," she said with exasperation.

"I needed you to be on your toes around the Malfoys and Severus," Kingsley replied with a shrug.

"Well I am going to do what I can to help my godson get to know his mother's family," Hermione said with a glare. "Whether they deserve it or not is not a question right now, unless they prove to be set in their ways and look down on him for something he had no control over."

"Why must you be so stubborn?" Kingsley growled.

"Because I know there is something we are all missing," Hermione retorted. "Something we cannot see right now because fate has yet to allow us clarity."

"If I still had hair you would have turned it completely white," Kingsley sighed. Be gone you heathen," he said with a slight smile. "I will do my best to do as you say."

"That is all we can do for now," Hermione softly commented and left, swiftly followed by Spencer.

"You're crazy!" Spencer exclaimed while they descended the stairs. "From what I gathered, you have no reason to trust the Malfoys, yet you are betting on your own life and Teddy's happiness!"

Hermione stopped and turned to him.

"Doctor Reid," she said steadily. "You have experienced life and gathered your own views from what you have learned. I have experienced life and also gathered my own views. Despite my wariness toward Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, they have given us an invaluable gift.

"They made it possible for Teddy and I to be alive today through their actions. Severus Snape's sacrifices have afforded us the same opportunity time and time again. If I cannot trust a man who almost lost his life to save us, or a woman who would have given hers to save her son by ensuring we would all live to see another day, then I deserve what consequences are in store for me for not, at least, giving them a smidgeon of trust where they have earned it," she said heatedly.

She descended the last few steps before Spencer said, "Run. They won't be able to find you if you hide. You can keep Teddy safe if they don't want to actually be a family to him. You can keep yourselves safe."

Hermione shook her head before saying, "If Lucius is at the top of his game again then there is nowhere in the world I could hide where he could not find me. I am safer here with them than I would be out in the world on my own."

"There are places in the world where no one would be able to find you," Spencer insisted. "Places no one would even think to look."

"You simply do not know how powerful Mister Malfoy is," Hermione said with another shake of her head. "Use your vast connections to research Malfoi Industries and you will see what I mean."

Spencer hastily sent off a message to Hotch to look up the company and a few more outlining the morning. Hotch messaged back for them to be careful and said he would get the information to him within an hour. He looked up to find Hermione seated in the rear seat with Jack and her head resting against the back of the seat.

"Would you like me to drive?" He asked. She opened one eye and looked at him for a moment before handing the keys over. He carefully closed her door for her before getting in himself. "The grocery store?" He asked.

"Hmm, sure," she murmured. "How about the furthest one you know," she suggested. "I want to close my eyes for a bit."

"What about your client?" Spencer asked.

She slowly pulled out a mobile and typed in a message before putting it down.

"What client?" She asked with a small smile. "He was looking for someone to help him cheat anyway." he shrugged. "I refuse to allow anyone else lay claim to my research and I am done with completing someone else's homework."

"University student," Spencer concluded.

"Studying to be a medical doctor," Hermione finished for him. "If he cannot complete the work with his own knowledge then he should not be studying to be a doctor."

He silently agreed with her. If her prospective client was looking for an easy out, then he was the one who would suffer in the end, and hopefully not with prospective patients.

When she became quiet, he looked in the rear-view mirror to see her head moving with the slight bumps and curves on the roadway. Hermione had an emotionally exhausting morning and the day wasn't over yet, it was still early afternoon. He instantly brought up a mental image of where the nearest coffee house would be and was soon ordering himself a tall cup with extra sugar and their best tea for Hermione. After another forty minutes, he finally parked at the grocery store.

"We're here," he said and handed her the still warm cup of tea.

"This one is new," Hermione said when she opened her eyes and thanked him. "Where are we?" She asked.

"Er, we're about an hour northwest of Quantico," he answered sheepishly.

"Well I did say the furthest grocery store you know," Hermione said with a small smile. "Do I have to worry about the shop's sugar supply?" She teased.

"Ah, no," Spencer said with a light blush and ran his hand through his hair. "Just your own supply," he teased in return. He was surprised at the laugh he drew from her. "What's that?" He asked when she spread out a thick cover inside the front of the cart.

"It's a trolley cover," she explained. "Jack can finish with his nap while we shop."

His mobile went off after they entered the store and he excused himself. "This is Reid," he answered.

"Reid," he heard Hotch say. "I have your information. Malfoi industries is a legitimate business that operates under different companies in literally every part of the world. The owners are rich enough to be anonymous. They can buy the US out of debt seven times over. That's all I found for you, I can have Garcia look for more," he offered.

"That's all I really needed to know," Reid replied.

"Why are you looking into the business?" Hotch asked.

"Our recent acquaintances are more powerful than we thought," he answered. "Apparently very powerful to be able to have global operations."

"Shit," Hotch muttered. "Maybe we should pull out and regather."

"I have a feeling if we pull out now then we'll never see Hermione or Teddy again," Reid replied. "We're already on the inside, it's better we maintain our position and gain firmer footing to gather more intel and then figure out how to help from there."

"I have a feeling this is going to change our whole lives," Hotch said quietly. "But I agree with you. I'll ask Hermione if I can move my things into a spare bedroom today."

"Are you ready to tell us the rest of what happened?" Reid asked carefully.

"We'll talk after work," Hotch said before disconnecting.

He pocketed his mobile and turned to find Hermione had already wandered out of the fresh and organic section. His steps quickened as he searched for her and Jack. He really should have been keeping an eye on her. If Hotch found out she and Jack were lost he would kill him three times over before bringing him back and gouging out his brains for every detailed scrap of information.

He found them two aisles in the over in the breakfast foods and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Are you alright?" Hermione asked when he caught up to them.

"I thought I lost you and Jack," Spencer answered. "Hotch would kill me."

"Then forgive you because he does trust and care about you, whether you want to admit that or not," she pointed out.

"I suppose he does," Spencer said thoughtfully, thinking of the few times where Hotch had shown him how much he trusted him, then downplayed it and eventually pretended it never happened. His thoughts broke when he noticed her on her toes reaching up to grab a cereal box on the top shelf. He placed a hand on her shoulder and easily brought it down for her. It wasn't until he handed it to her that he realised how close they were and immediately stepped back.

"Thank you," she said softly, then placed it in the cart. "Baking needs," she said, then turned to manoeuvre the cart. "Do we have time for a bookshop?" She asked. "I know they have an education section filled with workbooks for Teddy for his home education. Maybe we can stop at the craft shop for supplies," she said rapidly with excitement. "I can turn his old nursery into a schoolroom and paint the alphabet near the ceiling. Do you think it would be distracting to paint a dragon and a knight on the walls? Perhaps with a castle in the background and a forest at the edge with a large black lake nearby and an enormous squid being chased by mermen!"

"I can see where Teddy gets his imagination," Spencer commented before she could continue her description. "Imagination is important for an education, ¹if more schools allowed children to expand their minds that way then three out of five children would eventually gain a superior intelligence score by the time they finish middle school."

"I will take that as a yes," Hermione said with a smile. "A trip to the paint shop is in order also!" She said excitedly as she pushed the cart along the aisles.

"We have groceries to deliver first," Spencer said, looking into the cart and seeing it was half full of food already. "Are you stocking up for a reason?" He asked.

"Is this too much?" Hermione stopped and asked with slightly wide eyes. "I was thinking of all the hungry bellies, and… Jack is old enough to be starting on solid foods," she explained. "I hope Aaron is not upset that I overstepped him."

"I think he'll be relieved," Spencer replied. "Hotch would be lost in raising Jack without direction."

"He is still Jack's parent," Hermione pointed out. "I would be grateful to know, but still want to be the one to give Teddy his first taste of solid food," she said nostalgically.

"You missed Teddy's first taste of food?" Spencer asked.

"Oh, no," Hermione said with a short laugh. "I was reminiscing. His first taste of the puree I made him ended up all over the walls, floor, and ceiling. From then on it was and is a battle to get him to take even one bite of a carrot." He smiled at the mental image she painted for him.

"I see what you mean," he said. "Maybe just a hint to Hotch would do," he advised. "He's a smart man, he'll catch on quickly."

He hurried to load the bags into the back of the car while she settled Jack into his safety seat with a bottle. She smiled at him when she felt another tug at her core and he giggled. It was curious, Jack seemed to know what was happening and Hermione suspected, but said nothing. If she felt a little more drained at the end of the day, then it was worth it for Jack and Teddy.

"Oh," she said when Spencer closed the rear gate. "You were quick."

"How about we leave the groceries for your permanent guests to put away, then we can take Teddy to the craft and paint stores?" He suggested.

"I like how you think, Spencer," she said with a wink. "Will you drive again?" She asked. "I am going to have to see to Jack in a few minutes."

"Sure," he agreed. Thirty minutes into the drive he gagged while Hermione only cooed at Jack while he giggled and released more gas. He rapidly rolled down the windows and breathed in the fresh air by the mouthfuls.

"It was not that bad," Hermione teased him.

"I have no idea what ruined your olfactory senses, but that was worse than bad!" Spencer exclaimed. "Throw me a dirty diaper when I think out loud of wondering if I'll ever get the chance to have a child! It'll cure me!" Hermione tossed him a bag and he swerved before tossing it into the seat beside him while she laughed. "I'm driving and that was just gross! Ugh, I can still smell it on my skin!"

"Stop exaggerating," Hermione teased. "But there are a few fresh wipes in the glove box." He hastily reached for them and rubbed at his skin furiously while also keeping an eye on the roadway and steering with his knees. He glared at her half-heartedly while her tinkling laughter filled the car. His lips twitched upward and he threw the used wipe back at her.

"You booger!" She laughed and picked it up by a small corner and tossed it into a plastic she had taped to her door.

"You asked for it," Spencer laughed.

The hour to Hermione's home went by fast. They pulled up to find Teddy and Pansy playing on the swing while Gideon watched them with a slight smile on his face. He casually stood up when they pulled into her garage and followed Teddy and Pansy when Teddy ran toward the car.

"Auntie Mymy! Doctor!" Teddy yelled, smiling widely as he ran. He knocked Hermione off her feet when he barrelled into her and she felt Spencer catch them.

"Someone is excited," she laughed as Spencer helped her onto her feet. "Are you happy to see me, Spencer, or Jack?" She laughed. She noticed an odd look come across Teddy's face when he glanced at Jack, but then he smiled just as quickly and it was gone.

"What did you get me?" Teddy asked.

"Was I supposed to get you something?" Hermione asked teasingly.

"Auntie!" Teddy complained.

"Did you give Pansy any trouble today?" Hermione asked. "Or Mister Gideon?"

"I suppose the little sniffler was fine," Pansy said with dramatic reluctance.

"Teddy was an angel," Mister Gideon spoke up. "He really gave us no trouble at all."

"Alright then," Hermione said and placed something small in Teddy's hand. "A reward for your wonderful behaviour," she said as she wrapped his fingers around the small object.

Teddy excitedly opened his hand to see a small figure of a centaur.

"It's Magorian!" Teddy laughed. "I finally got him!"

"Go place him with his friends while I take care of the groceries," Hermione suggested.

"Thank you, Auntie!" He yelled as he pulled Pansy along with him. "Are you coming, Doctor?" Teddy asked hopefully.

"I… need to help your aunt," Spencer said.

Teddy looked disappointed as Pansy distracted him and led him toward the front of the house.

"Let me help with those," Gideon said, grabbing a handful of bags from Hermione while Spencer grabbed the rest. The two of them followed Hermione down the stone path leading toward the back of her home and into a mudroom.

"The kitchen is just through there," Hermione said as she closed the door behind them.

Gideon had missed the exit on his exploration of the house the evening before, and another sweep of the kitchen that morning. The door blended seamlessly into the kitchen wall. He idly wondered if there were similar entrances throughout the house. The Victorian manor was old so there had to be.

"How did the paperwork go?" He asked while helping Hermione unbag the groceries.

"Oh," Hermione said with slight surprise while putting away a few tins. She had barely exchanged a few words with Mister Gideon so she supposed he was curious about her. "It went swimmingly," she answered. "Teddy is registered with my local council for his home education."

"Your local council?" Spencer asked.

"I keep up my parents' home in England," she replied with a shrug. "I can legally give Teddy his home education as long as the proper authorities are also notified here. The confirmation letter assured me that is all that is needed. They already notified the right offices and all is well."

"That seemed easy," Spencer commented.

"It was since I know the right people to speed it along," Hermione replied.

"You seem well connected," Mister Gideon casually said. Hermione hummed noncommittally as she placed the vegetables in their proper drawer in the fridge.

"Not as well connected as you might think," she said after a moment.

"You are too modest," Professor Snape drawled, standing in the kitchen entrance.

"I finally get to see you today and know you are not a part of my imagination," Hermione said with slight awe. She slowly stepped toward him as he looked down at her. "You are here," she breathed, then quickly embraced him tightly. "Thank you so much for everything, Professor," she said as she wiped away a few tears and stepped back.

"I-" he disappeared from the kitchen before he could say anything foolish. Miss Granger had surprised him completely. He had again followed her throughout the morning and was surprised at her determination to place her trust and faith in him, even after he had betrayed the Order by killing one of their strongest hopes.

She had said he earned her trust with his sacrifices.

Had he truly?

With Albus, it seemed as though he would never earn his redemption and he paid with his life to win the war for Lily and her son. He had died in that cursed shack, but Miss Granger didn't know it was she that saved him with her tears. The tears of a virgin were nearly as powerful as the tears of a phoenix, and her tears were freely given with the want to heal him.

To heal him.

Of all people she could have wasted her tears on, she wasted them on him.

He slowly ran his fingers over his lips as he remembered their sweet taste, the warmth as they helped his skin slowly knit together and purge the venom from his body. He silently promised to be the friend Potter and Weasley should have been to her as he thought of the warmth her healing.

"Severus," Narcissa called. "You seem occupied."

"Miss Granger surprises me still," he said softly. "I hope you and Lucius know what you are doing," he warned. "I will not have Miss Granger play a part in any of your games."

"Severus," Narcissa sighed. "Whether we want it or not, Miss Granger is a part of this new board. She is the most important player," she pointed out. "This time she is the king we must protect."

"The king that your husband nearly broke and threw out into the wind!" Severus hissed. "Do not underestimate Miss Granger and do not underestimate me," he advised before leaving. Miss Granger's library was calling to him and he wanted to answer right away.

Spencer stepped back into the dining room and turned to find Gideon looking past him just outside of the dining room. They chose to step back into the kitchen to help Hermione with the small tasks of helping her make their late lunch.

"I thought you wanted some time to yourselves," Hermione said with a slight smile when Mister Gideon grabbed a few apples and started copying her technique in slicing them. Spencer took up the task of cutting the lemons she had set out and started grinding a half piece into the raised edges of the juicer.

"We figured we could have lunch sooner if we helped," Gideon replied.

"If you are this hungry now then I may just have to make extra," Hermione said with a small smile. "Start out lightly," she explained to Spencer as she placed her hand over his when he placed a fresh piece of lemon over the juicer. She slowly rotated his hand as they gradually pressed into the soft flesh of the lemon and more juice spilled into the bowl underneath.

He breathed carefully as she showed him how to collect more juice. It made sense, as the technique allowed more of the delicate pulp to burst and release their sour liquid. Though his heart started racing at the unintended lesson and he steadied his breathing as his hand soaked in her warmth. He hurriedly snapped his mouth shut when he realised he had spouted off the effectiveness of her technique. She patted his arm and smiled warmly at him before taking up her task with the apples again.

"What are you going to do with these?" Gideon asked when they finished.

"Making roses," Hermione answered with a mysterious laugh. "Apple roses were my mother's favourite and I was craving them."

Gideon smiled after a moment. "Your mother had good taste," was all he said before helping her finish up with them.

"You seem to know what you're doing," Hermione commented with a slightly pleased tone.

"They were my father's favourite," Gideon confided. "I often helped with their preparation. I haven't had them in years."

"I hope these live up to your memory," Hermione replied. She started chopping a few vegetables with his help and they created a tuna salad in under two minutes. "I should ask for help more often," she laughed. "Thank you both for your help."

Spencer pulled the croissants out of the oven and helped her split a line down their inside while Gideon filled them with the salad. Hermione prepared a fresh spinach salad and they set up the table while she brewed tea and served the strawberry lemonade Spencer made.

Hermione sent word to everyone that lunch was prepared and made it back in time to find Mrs. Malfoy chatting with Mister Gideon. Teddy hastily claimed his seat next to her while she set Jack in a chair next to her with his bottle.

"I do believe this is quite good," Mrs. Malfoy said after tasting.

"It is something simple and easy to make," Hermione replied. "I know the croissants are one of Teddy's favourites," she said carefully. Mrs. Malfoy nodded with a slight smile.

"They are!" Teddy agreed. "I like eating two whole ones!"

"Something smells good," Hotch spoke as he entered the dining room. Everyone looked at him in surprise. "I came by to check up on Jack," he said.

"Have you had lunch?" Hermione asked. "We made plenty for everyone."

"I have a few minutes," he replied after a quick glance at his watch.

"Auntie Mymy!" Teddy complained. "You used carrots!" He said disgustedly.

"Do they taste that bad?" Hermione asked.

"I 'pose not. Suppose," he said with a twitch of his nose.

"Draco dislikes carrots also," Narcissa said softly.

Hermione smiled.

"Carrots were Teddy's first taste of solid food," she explained. "I was excited to introduce him to solids when he turned four months and I pureed the first vegetable in my sight. It turned out Teddy loathed the carrot with a passion. I ended up cleaning it off of every surface in this room all night," she laughed with Mrs. Malfoy. "I can show you pictures later," she offered.

"I would love that," Mrs. Malfoy immediately agreed.

"Should Jack be eating solids already?" Hotch asked with a frown. "He's already five months."

"You can start as early as four months, but he should be on solids as a complimentary to milk by six months," Hermione answered. "Jack seems to be teething early so cold fruits with a coolie teether may be used as an alternative to a ring teether."

"You seem to know what you're doing," Hotch commented.

"I read every parenting book I could get my hands on," Hermione replied. Then with a softer voice added, "I had no one to help, and I needed the information. I fear his… doctor… dreaded my name every time he received a message with a question."

"I suspect he received an essay instead of merely one question," Professor Snape smirked. "I only speak from experience."

"I can only hope I was not that horrible," Hermione laughed.

"My dear Miss Granger," Severus said silkily. "You were undeniably worse," he confirmed. "I dreaded your actual essays. In fact, I dreaded assigning your class those type of assignments!"

"Draco was grateful that you were easier on his class," Narcissa said with amusement. "I now know we have Miss Granger to thank for the easier assignments you handed out."

"Oh, the teasing," Hermione groaned. "I may just teach Teddy my methods just to spite you both," she said mischievously.

"I thank all that is good I am retired from teaching," Professor Snape said dramatically. Hermione laughed and they finished up with their lunch. Hermione moved to gather the dishes before the professor stopped her. "I can do this," he said firmly. "You prepared lunch. It is only proper for someone else to wash up."

"I had a lot of help," Hermione replied. "It is why the table was set faster."

"I will still do the washing up," he said firmly.

"Alright," Hermione agreed reluctantly. "I will just place them near the sink though. There is still a little dessert for everyone."

"There is?" Teddy asked excitedly.

"Hmm," Hermione answered with a nod. "My favourite."

"Yummy!" Teddy smiled. "Roses!"

Hermione brought out the dessert soon after and smiled when Mrs. Malfoy admired them. "A simple and fast dessert to make," Hermione explained.

Gideon frowned as he chewed his first bite and looked at Hermione.

"You added something else," he commented. "What is it?"

"A family secret," Hermione replied with a wink. He quickly thought back to her unlabelled cinnamon bottle as he finished his rose and listened in while she chatted with Hotch about taking Teddy to a craft store.

"Spencer should go with you again," Hotch directed. "Or Gideon, if Spencer wants to switch."

"I'll go," Spencer said.

"May I go along with you all?" Mrs. Malfoy asked.

"There is plenty of space for one more person," Hermione replied.

"How about you take the agency car and Gideon can go along with you all," Hotch suggested as he handed Gideon his keys.

"Oh, but my care is safer," Hermione rejected his suggestion.

"You and Teddy will be fine," Severus interceded. "I will go with you all also, if I may?" He asked.

"There's plenty of space," Hotch reassured him, then looked at his watch. "Do you mind if I take your truck?" He asked Gideon.

"I would say yes, but unfortunately the alternator is giving me trouble," he replied. Hermione reluctantly handed him her keys before Hotch could ask.

"Thank you," he said as he took them from her. "I'll bring her back with a full tank," he promised. "Courtesy of the American tax payer."

"I would normally refuse, but there is just enough petrol to get you to work," Hermione responded. "Please find a reasonable price."

"I will," Hotch said, then kissed Jack goodbye and left.

He glanced at the meter and noted that he would have just enough to make it to a gas station after work. His mobile went off and he glanced at the screen before throwing it on the seat next to him. He didn't need to hear from her about why a team of agents grabbed all of his and Jack's things and served her dissolution papers.

He looked up and barely hit the brakes and swerved to his right when the car stopped on its own.

His heart beat fast while the car in front of him flipped him off and the car on the lane he swerved into honked and yelled. He ignored them and instead concentrated on the thought of what the hell happened.

By all accounts he should have hit the car in front because he wasn't paying attention and would have been hit by the second car after swerving, but Hermione's car stopped with barely a touch of the brake pedal. Just that small touch would have slowed the car down, not stopped it completely and he avoided both cars when he definitely should have caused an accident.

The driver from the second car was getting angrier and he flipped his identification open and held it up with a glare. The man hastily backed off and he went back to thinking of what just occurred as he righted the car and drove away.

Hermione's car model had automatic brakes, but not a sensor that would have engaged the brakes. The sensor could have been added at her request, but still, the second car didn't have enough time to stop. It should have hit him.

He should have been in an accident.

But he wasn't.

Because Hermione's car pulled a weird stunt that stunned him out of his thoughts of Haley.

o.O.o

¹ I completely made up that statistic, lol…

o.O.o

As soon as Hotch pulled into the park at work he handed the keys to a car technician and asked him to check for a brake sensor and even to fill up Hermione's car. Thirty minutes later he was just as stunned to find her car lacked that certain feature, but she did have side and front air bags for the back seats. They were installed at her request for that car model and year.

"Hotch." He numbly answered his office phone.

"Agent Hotch, your wife is insisting on seeing you."

"No," he said and hung up. He should have known she would do that, thankfully she still needed permission to get past security. He immediately sent off an email to the department head with the barest of details and went back to studying the files on his desk.

The time flew by fast and he was interrupted by Gideon knocking on his open office door.

"Why are you here?" Hotch asked as he hastily stood up already prepared to dash off if there was an emergency. "Is Jack alright?"

"He's fine," Gideon reassured him. "Miss Granger insisted on collecting her car before you could fill it up," he explained. "Reid, Hermione, Teddy, and Jack are downstairs. I came to return the SUV."

Hotch was quiet.

"I want you to drive it to her house," he said firmly. "Don't stop at the traffic light at the busiest intersection."

"What?" Gideon asked with surprise and confusion. "You want me to do that with children in the car?" He asked with disbelief.

"I wouldn't tell you to do it if I knew they wouldn't be safe," Hotch replied.

Gideon reluctantly manoeuvred himself into being the driver. He claimed he wasn't comfortable with anyone else. Besides, she was short, he and Reid would be more comfortable in the front and it he didn't want to suffer through Reid's driving. Reid glanced at him before Hermione conceded that she was the smallest and should be the one to sit in back.

He reluctantly drove through the busiest part of town with Hotch's crazy mad plan in mind. Reid grew more nervous with every light he passed before they could turn red and Hermione grew more nervous.

"Are you alright, Mister Gideon?" Hermione asked anxiously. "You seem to be in a hurry."

"Don't mind me," he said as he came to a red light and kept going.

"Gideon!" Reid yelled as the truck on Gideon's right suddenly screeched and stopped, but they kept going. Gideon breathed and eased up on the pedal while Hermione yelled at him for endangering Teddy and Jack, which he now doubted would have happened.

That truck should have hit them.

Instead they ended up on the lane closest to the kerb, almost as if they appeared there by magic. If not the truck, then the car beside them should have hit them because it ignored the traffic light too. Instead, it ended up twenty feet behind them at the light again. He pulled into Hermione's garage a few minutes later and she was instantly standing in front of him with righteous fury.

"I have no idea who you think you are, driving like that with babies in the car!" She hissed as she poked his chest on every few words to emphasise them, "Just be lucky I am too furious with you to even think straight right now."

She hurried to unload the kids from the car and ushered Teddy inside the back door, leaving him and Reid to unload the paints from her car.

"What were you thinking?" Reid asked with a slight shake of his head.

"You saw that didn't you?" Gideon asked. "Think Reid."

"By all accounts we should have been hit. You and Teddy should be injured the most, but neither of you are, none of us are," he replied. "We appeared in the slower lane. You didn't swerve, I was watching your hands and the side mirror. The car beside us didn't brake, but we ended up in front of them with plenty of space to spare."

"Exactly," Gideon responded. Reid followed him inside while Gideon continued talking, "Hotch told me to do it. I take it he had a similar experience this afternoon. Did you see her hair?" He asked.

"Hermione's?" Reid asked in return. "It was my imagination," he replied. "Her hair wasn't getting frizzier with her anger with gold sparks rolling off the ends."

"Yes, it was," Gideon said firmly. "I saw it too."

Reid closed his mouth and followed after Gideon into the kitchen where Mister Snape was standing and glaring at them with his arms crossed.

"What did you do to make Miss Granger upset?" He hissed at them.

Reid felt like he was at the Principal's office being scolded for something he didn't do, which actually happened once and he did his best not to repeat the experience, but Mister Snape's glare felt ten times worse than Mister Golding's.

"We avoided an accident," Gideon answered with a shrug. "She's upset because the children were in the car when it almost happened."

Mister Snape glared at them harder and Reid unconsciously took a step back at the intimidating aura rolling off the man while Gideon stared back with interest. Mister Snape growled before turning and striding out of the room with his house coat billowing behind him. It was a graceful stride that even his cane didn't impede upon.

Severus found Hermione and Teddy in the nursery with Jack. Hermione was explaining an assignment from Teddy's workbook while Narcissa watched.

"What are you going to do with all these paints?" Severus asked after Teddy became busy with his studying.

"I'm going to paint, of course," Hermione answered with gleaming eyes and started pointing at various parts of the walls while explaining. "I can see the Black Lake right here with the mermen chasing the Giant Squid away. There is a knight fighting a dragon, defending the castle in the background. The forest would be just here at the edge and the centaurs with their bows ready to protect their herd."

Severus and Narcissa smiled at her view of Hogwarts.

"I suppose I will have to look into hiring someone to paint," she said sadly. "Though I doubt they could do my thoughts any justice."

"Why would you have to hire someone?" Severus asked. "Why not just ask me?"

"Professor," Hermione said softly. "You know why I cannot allow you."

Severus's lips twitched. "You think I can snap my fingers and make it magically appear?" He asked. "No, Miss Granger, even I am not that talented."

"Severus is talented," Narcissa reassured Hermione. "He will be upset with me, but Severus is a true artist. He can definitely bring your thoughts to life."

"Alright," Hermione conceded after a few moments. "I will leave it to you," she said to him.

"Excellent," Severus said with his eyes shining brightly as he looked at his blank 'canvas'. Hermione knew she wouldn't have the heart to tell him if she didn't appreciate his work after he finished. "It has been a few years since I lifted my brushes, but I will do my best," he said after a moment.

She definitely wouldn't have the heart to even vanish the paint if she didn't like the results.

He was gone in a flash, and back before she could blink, with a wooden box. Hermione watched as he gently lifted a brush and smiled at it softly, like he was greeting a precious friend who had been gone for a while.

"You should move to the conservatory," Severus murmured. "I want this to be a surprise." Hermione agreed and allowed Mrs. Malfoy to guide them out of the room after collecting Teddy's things.

Severus mentally drew the image Hermione already canvassed for him and started mixing the paints. He had already finished with the drawing when he was done and internally sighed at the first stroke of his brush. The opportunity to give something to Hermione and Mister Lupin motivated him as he allowed his brush its second stroke over the walls.

He could just imagine a friendly half-giant in the Forbidden Forest with his large black dog who was easily frightened. A red-haired child playing in the parapets of the castle with her dark-haired best friend while sparkling blue eyes looked down upon them from the highest tower. There was a nosy, but well-meaning cat keeping an eye on them while she lazily twitched her tail as the sun shined down on them.

His thoughts were broken by the sound of the nursery door opening.

"Out!" He growled as he refreshed the paint. He set the brush to the wall again when he heard the person still at the door.

"Sorry," Hotch replied.

"I am busy," Severus snapped. "OUT!"

Hotch hurried to vacate the room and Severus swiftly sent a spell at the doors to lock everyone out until he was done.

"Sorry!" Hermione called from her room. "I forgot to tell you," she said as she moved into the hall. "Professor Snape is busy painting the nursery. It is going to be Teddy's school room," she said excitedly. "I moved your things to the room next to Teddy's. I am sorry for not letting you know what was happening," she said contritely.

"I actually wanted to talk to you," Hotch responded.

"Oh?" Hermione asked. Jack giggled inside her room and she turned to smile in that direction. She collected him and brought him out to the hall for Hotch to greet his son. "I was just going down to prepare dinner," she replied. "We can talk in the kitchen."

She set a few pillows down in the play yard she left set up in the kitchen while Hotch watched Jack play and make noises. He was amazed that he hadn't come home to crying. He settled in a corner inside of the small circle and held Jack while he made noises and moved the bear.

The bear that had most likely belonged to Hermione's nephew when he was about Jack's age.

He had never seen Jack playing with the bear he had bought before he was born. Haley set it up on the shelf and never removed it. He frowned when he thought of all the toys that went untouched.

"Auntie Mymy," Teddy called as he walked into the kitchen. "How do I do this?" He asked, pointing to a lowercase a. Hermione helped him settle at the small table set in the kitchen's alcove and placed her hand over his to help him write out the letter a few times before leaving him to practice on his own.

"You wanted to talk, Aaron?" Hermione asked while returning to her vegetable chopping on the kitchen island where the play yard was settled next to.

"Hmm?" He asked. "Oh, yes. I," he sighed. "I know we hardly know each other," he started out. "But I wanted to ask you something very important."

"Hold on one moment," Hermione replied with a teasing smile that was growing across her lips. "I know we met yesterday, Aaron, but is really is too soon that you are proposing," she said seriously with a mischievous gleam in her golden eyes. "I have yet to meet your wife. Who knows how well we will both do in a marriage with you?" She said a little more teasingly.

Hotch laughed when he got her meaning. It had been a while since someone got a full laugh out of him and he enjoyed it.

"You should laugh more often," Hermione said. "I know Jack enjoys it," she said after Jack giggled and shoved his small hand into his father's mouth. Hotch pulled Jack's hand out and wiped it with the end of his tie. "What did you need to tell me?" She asked.

He frowned and sighed before answering, "I'm… leaving my wife." He ran his hand over his face. Hermione stopped chopping the vegetables for her stew and gave him her full attention. "I know you offered to let us stay here for a few days," he said slowly.

"You may stay here as long here for as long as you need to," Hermione said firmly. "Finding a good home is hard to do in this city, and as I said before, I have plenty of room to spare. You may stay here as long as you wish."

"Even with Jack?" he asked.

"Even with Jack," Hermione replied with a smile. "I will even offer free child care because I miss babying someone so much."

"Jack has never been so happy," Hotch said quietly. Hermione frowned and waited for him to continue. "Every day I went home Jack was screaming his head off. I didn't think it was healthy. Haley would already be at her wits end and I'd take Jack and he would calm an hour later.

"I think she was jealous of me at times," he confessed. "On my days off I would take care of Jack while Haley went off to the spa or somewhere just to be alone. I never said anything against that because she deserved the break after dealing with Jack for so long during the week, most of the time without a break because I have to be out of town on business.

"Last night," he paused, "I went home and found her in our bed with-" he looked over at Teddy as his tongue stuck out of his mouth in concentration as he wrote out his letter. Hermione motioned for him to move on when they were sure Teddy was suitably distracted. "Jack was right there!" He hissed quietly. "Right there crying his head off while she- …I took him and left," he explained. "I couldn't leave my son there with her."

Hermione kneeled outside of the yard to look at him through the netting of the yard.

"Was she… neglectful?" She asked with hurt in her eyes.

"I can't say for sure," he answered. "Every time I called, or she called, Jack was crying and she was at her wits end. I suspect she was neglectful of him, but I can't say for sure."

"Aaron," Hermione said softly. He looked at her after a moment. "You and Jack stay here as long as you need to." She stood and finished up her chopping for the stew.

"How do you do it?" Hotch asked.

"Do what?" Hermione replied.

"Raise a baby all by yourself," he clarified.

"It was and is not easy," Hermione answered. "I have no help, to begin with. I thought I might have been able to rely on Harry, but he quickly proved me wrong from the very beginning." She scoffed at herself, then her face softened. "I had Pansy to cry to after the first year, but Pansy has her own things to worry about. I made mistakes, I still make mistakes, but they are all worth the effort of learning for Teddy, of making sure he is happy and healthy."

"Spoken like a true mother," Gideon spoke up. Hermione turned to see him coming in through the back. His cheeks were rosy with the autumn night. She served him a hot cup of chocolate and handed it to him with a glare. "I see you're still mad," he commented as he accepted the cup.

"Your driving is atrocious and I refuse to trust your lack of skills with Teddy and Jack in the car again," Hermione said with a twitch of her nose and swiftly turned. Gideon took a step toward the dining room when he fell to the floor with a loud oomph. Hermione smirked as she started on a dessert dish.

Hotch observed at her curiously while Gideon picked himself up off the floor.

"Are you alright, Mister Gideon?" Hermione asked as she rolled out dough for a pie.

"I think my storyteller hurt his hand," Teddy said with wide eyes.

Hermione looked up to see him holding his hand as he wiped the hot chocolate off his shirt. She swiftly grabbed a tin of tea leaves and placed them over the burn then placed a towel soaked with cold water over his scalded flesh.

"Keep it there to draw out the heat," she instructed as she led him toward a tall chair at the island. "We will have to replace it every five minutes."

"What happened?" Spencer asked as he came in from the outside. He slipped on the spilled chocolate and landed on his backside. "Ow!" He groaned as he stared up at the ceiling, noticing how sparkling clean it was compared to most homes he had been in.

Hermione rushed to the cleaning cupboard to grab the mop and bucket. She returned to find Teddy pulling on Spencer's hand as he tried to lift him off the floor while Hotch and Gideon watched them with amusement. Jack was giggling while playing with his father's tie and Mrs. Malfoy walked in and smiled at the scene everyone presented.

"Can you help me with my next letter?" Teddy asked Spencer when he finally stood.

"Sure," he agreed.

Teddy smiled widely and pulled him back to the table. Hermione could tell Spencer held back, he wanted to spend time with Teddy, but was unsure of himself.

She hoped he wouldn't break Teddy's heart.

She finished up with the cleaning and looked at her kitchen floor, then at everyone's feet with a frown. She internally sighed and went back to her pie and listened when Spencer made the history of the roman alphabet seem just a little more interesting for Teddy.

She turned and caught Mrs. Malfoy stealing a swipe of the egg whip for the orange meringue and laughed while Mrs. Malfoy looked sheepish. It was a different side of her that Hermione witnessed and she was thankful for the glimpse. Gideon stole a swipe right after and Hermione playfully frowned.

"Between the two of you there will be nothing left," she lightly chastised them, struggling to hold back a smile.

"Is this another favourite of yours?" Gideon asked.

"My mother said it was a favourite of her brother's," Hermione replied. "It was also a part of our Sunday dinner."

"You are a day early," Mrs. Malfoy pointed out.

"I have not had this in at least six years," Hermione said softly. "I thought it was about time I made it again." Gideon swiped a bit of the orange and looked at her as soon as the flavour hit his tongue. "Family secret, Mister Gideon," she said with a small smile. She finally finished putting the pie together and swiftly placed it in the oven before Gideon and Mrs. Malfoy could eat it straight from the bowls. She nearly had the door to the oven closed before Spencer reached in and stole a swipe off the top. "Hey!" Hermione laughed and grabbed his finger and swiped it across his nose.

He looked at her with wide eyes, then turned back to the island and picked up the bowl. He swiped his finger inside and lifted it to his mouth before suddenly reaching and swiping it across Hermione's face.

"Hey!" She laughed again and dived for the orange bowl and did the same to his cheek.

"Is this a food war?" Hotch asked as they all watched.

Spencer ignored him and reached to swipe his finger across her chin, but she swiftly grabbed it and licked the whip. He looked down at her with wide eyes and they both blushed and stepped away from each other while Hotch and Gideon looked at them with open amusement while Mrs. Malfoy started scheming with a light in her eyes.

"I," Spencer cleared his throat, "I, um, I'll go… find something to do," he hastily said and left before he finished his sentence.

Hermione cleaned her face with a towel and handed Gideon another cold one for his hand.

Spencer passed Hermione's room before doubling back and entering. He took his time taking in the understated feminine touch of her room, much like the rest of her home, and spied his face in the mirror of her vanity.

He carefully wiped the meringue from his face with one of her tissues and accidentally knocked over a perfume bottle. He set it straight and brought his hand to his nose to smell the oil that stayed on his fingers. The scent was light and understated, sweet, but not too sweet, just like her. There was a hint of sandalwood with something floral. He turned to leave, but noticed the picture on her mirror.

It was the only picture there besides the one of Teddy off to the side. Or he assumed it was Teddy, as the baby was smaller than Jack. He pulled out his mobile and snapped a picture of the first on her mirror and left the room.

He found a room to hide in while he kept sniffing the perfume that had rubbed off on his fingers. He could still feel the tip of her tongue swiping across the tip of his finger and her warm lips wrapped around it. He grabbed a pillow at the head of the bed and groaned into it.

No one had ever unnerved him like that.

He could still see her wide golden eyes looking up at him and the blush staining her pale cheeks. He stopped rubbing his finger across his lips as soon as he realised what he was doing. It was hard to stop thinking of how she made him feel and he finally gave in and licked his finger himself.

He could still taste a some of the meringue.

The door opened and he pulled the pillow over his face to hide his blush.

"Hermione is as surprised as you are," Hotch said as he sat at the edge of the bed. "She won't stop blushing. I find it amusing. Who knew we had two virgins in the same house."

"Shut up," Reid replied and hit him with the pillow.

"I read your email," Hotch said, pulling the pillow away from Reid and setting it at his back while he leaned into the headboard.

"Can't they just decide whether the Malfoys are trustworthy or not?" Reid asked.

"Hmm," Hotch agreed.

"First the Malfoys are the bad guys, then they're good, then they're bad or not bad, according to who you ask," Reid continued.

"Hermione is smart, if not naïve," Hotch commented.

"She is," Reid agreed. "She's too stubborn to listen to reason!"

"Is that your professional knowledge or your newest crush?" Hotch asked. Reid blushed and hit him again with another pillow.

"I haven't profiled her," he confided. "I don't know if I want to. She's not one of the bad guys we're after."

"Don't do it," Hotch said from experience. "It might upset her, and you might not like what you find. It'll make you second guess yourself and you might just ruin whatever relationship you're beginning with her."

"She might go back to England if we ruin it by profiling her," Reid said.

"What?" Hotch asked.

"She registered Teddy's home schooling with some local council because she keeps up her parents' home in England," Reid explained. "I think the only reason she came here was to search for her uncle. She's hoping he's alive."

"If she finds him and he's not alive, then she might go back," Hotch gathered. "Did she say which council?" He asked.

"No," Reid answered.

Hotch sighed and stood up.

"Dinner will be ready in a few," he said. "We should go downstairs."

"Can I eat up here?" Reid asked, hiding his face under his pillow again.

"Up and at 'em," Hotch said and easily pulled him up.

Spencer sighed as he followed Hotch downstairs. He really wanted to just hide in the room and not face Hermione after that… experience… mostly because he wanted to repeat it again. He entered the dining room to see Mister Malfoy sitting at the head of the table and quietly talking with his wife.

He tried not to be outwardly suspicious when they turned their gazes onto him and he fought off a blush and looked away. He was saved from a few comments when Hermione and Gideon exited the kitchen with the soup bowl and a few side dishes.

"I did not see you all day, Mister Malfoy," Hermione commented as she took the only available seat to his left. Spencer ended up being seated next to her and she had a feeling it wasn't a coincidence. Narcissa looked a little too smug as she glanced between her and Spencer before giving her attention to her husband and Spencer's colleagues looked suspiciously busy filling their plates.

"I had no idea you would miss me so much, Miss Granger," Mister Malfoy said with a smirk.

"On the contrary," Hermione said lightly. "I simply did not realise you were missing until this moment," she said with all seriousness, then just as quickly hid a smile behind her napkin.

He sighed dramatically, "Now I know how long it will take you to send out a search party."

"Thankfully Mrs. Malfoy will be here to remind us to send out the search party sooner," Hermione replied.

"I hear you have Edward's education in hand?" He asked.

"Everything was taken care of this morning," Hermione answered. "All that is left is his books."

"I will send for them," Mister Malfoy said dismissively. "He will have them by morning."

Hermione sat straighter in her chair and did her best not to glare at the man. "I have taken care of Teddy's needs so far," she said firmly. "I will continue to do so. There is no need for you to send for his books." Mister Malfoy simply stared down his nose at her and Hermione stared back. She was about to continue when she jumped out of her seat and nearly on the other side of Spencer's lap.

She could have sworn she saw something, but it could easily have been a trick of the light. She didn't notice how Hotch and Gideon's hands immediately went to their sides, reaching for their weapons, but she did notice someone had set out her good candles.

"Is something wrong, Miss Granger?" Mister Malfoy asked softly.

"N-no… no," she repeated as she slowly lifted herself from Spencer's lap and felt his arm release her waist.

"Then we agree that I will take care of my nephew's books," he said with finality. Hermione ignored him and silently spooned some of her stew into her bowl while she tried to think of explanations while eying Mister Malfoy from the corner of her eyes.

It had to have been a trick of the light.

Because she refused to process the thought of Mister Malfoy employing the darkest of magic.

It was a trick of her candles.

They were red.

It must have been a rapid flash of the flames and wax making his eyes appear red for the briefest of moments. She held tightly to her spoon and the warm hand in hers gripping just as tightly to her hand in return. It wasn't until she smelled her pie that she hastily stood up with a hurried excuse and pulled out the meringue in time to save it from burning.

"Is something wrong?" Spencer asked behind her.

Hermione yelped and dropped the pie onto the counter.

"I-I," she stuttered.

"Is something wrong?" Gideon asked as he hurried into the kitchen.

"I burned myself," Hermione said before she could think of a more believable lie. They looked at her oddly and she looked down at the almost ruined pie just as soon as the words were out of her mouth.

"Okay, well you have another visitor," Gideon replied. "A Draco."

Hermione paled more and backed away from the counter.

It was easy to deal with Mrs. Malfoy alone, especially Mister Malfoy when she had company surrounding her, but all three Malfoys together in her dining room set her on edge. She swiftly turned and closed the oven door before clinging to it as if it were her only lifesaver in a vast ocean.

She jumped away with a whimper at the touch on her shoulder and looked up at light brown eyes looking down at her wide fearful ones before she closed them and wiped away the sudden tears. She felt him tentatively place his hands on her shoulders again before opening her eyes to see his concerned, hazel ones looking down at her.

"Are you okay?" Spencer asked carefully.

"I need to be out there with Teddy," she replied with a wavering voice. "Is-is he staying for dinner?" She asked softly. She looked off to the side to see Mister Gideon looking down at her with just as much concern.

"He served himself," Gideon answered.

She lowered her head and squeezed the yarn from Spencer's sweater.

"I have to be civil for Teddy," she breathed out quietly. "I have to."

"I'll… take the pie out," Gideon said as he grabbed a mitt and picked up the hot pie. She heard Draco's smooth voice float into the kitchen before the door swung shut and felt her knuckles crack under the strain of her tight grip.

She felt his arms wrap around her and allowed him to hold her. She opened her arms and gripped the back of his sweater just as tightly as she had gripped the sides of it. He quietly shushed her while she hid her face into his chest and gradually closed her eyes until she felt herself calming. He slowly released her and she felt his lips brush against her temple before he looked down at her again.

"I think we need tea," she murmured, "and coffee," she added.

"I might steal your coffee for myself," he replied with a small smile. She turned, but kept his arms wrapped around her waist as she prepared the coffee and tea. She felt him pull her against his chest and he lowered his head to sniff the coffee pot as it brewed. She leaned her head to the side to look up at him and he slowly turned his head and brushed his lips down the side of her neck, then lightly licked the pulse point behind her ear.

She kissed the corner of his lips and felt his arms squeeze around her tighter. His hand felt hot on her bare stomach and she gasped slightly at the sensations he provoked in her lower stomach. He finally turned his head a little more and placed his lips over hers.

She turned in his arms and pulled him closer as their lips moved over each other more firmly. She ignored the counter pressing into her back and concentrated on his hips moving against hers as they gripped each other tightly and she moved her own hips in response to his.

"What are you doing?"

They scrambled break apart and she lowered her foot back onto the floor. She had no idea at what point she or he had lifted it to rest against his hip.

"Spencer was helping me with the coffee," Hermione hurriedly and turned to find the French press had switched off.

"Well you're taking long," Teddy said before leaving the kitchen. They could hear him telling everyone that his Doctor was helping his Auntie Mymy brew coffee.

"I, er, will you take the tea?" Hermione asked as she placed the teapot on a tray with cups.

"Um," Spencer blushed and looked down, then up just as quickly.

"Right," Hermione said with a bright blush. "I will take the tray and you take the press." She waited at the kitchen door for him to walk closely behind her as they set the beverages out on the side table. She served herself a cup of tea and him a cup of coffee before he followed her back to the dining table.

Hotch looked at Reid's lap pointedly and he blushed brightly in reply.

"Granger," Draco greeted.

"Malfoy," Hermione said in reply.

"Your hair seems to be just as unruly as it was in school," he commented. Hermione ducked her head in embarrassment. "I have to say," he said with a smirk, "that your friend's," he emphasised, "hair seems to be just as unruly."

Hermione blushed more before fleeing into her kitchen while Spencer's hands immediately went to his head, then down into his lap just as quickly.

Hotch and Draco's laughter followed him as he followed after Hermione into her kitchen.

"Draco," Mister Malfoy said tightly and his son's laughter abruptly stopped. Draco idly ate his pie as watched his parents quietly converse. He looked at Hermione's oldest guest who watched him with rapt attention and he mentally rolled his eyes.

"Are you waiting for a trick?" Draco asked him softly.

"No," Gideon answered, but never stopped looking at him.

"He's my storyteller," Teddy said. "Can we look at the stars tonight?" He asked Gideon.

"That can be arranged," he agreed.

"You can tell me more stories?" Teddy asked.

"Yes," Gideon replied. "I can tell you the story of Atlas, and how he was condemned to hold the sky on his back for eternity, though we have to wait until after dinner."

Teddy looked disappointed but hurried to finish his food, then dessert by the time his Auntie and Doctor returned.

Mister Malfoy glanced between them with a slight smirk before finishing his coffee and excusing himself from the table. Mrs. Malfoy followed soon after, but not before giving her son a stern glance.

"I take it we can no longer call you Saint Granger," Draco said with a smirk. Hermione blushed hotly. "Or we can," he drawled.

"Shut up, Malfoy!" She hissed. "There are impressionable ears," she said and glanced at Teddy before glaring at Draco again.

He shrugged and took a sip of his coffee.

"Where did you get this?" He asked as he eyed his cup suspiciously.

"A mutual friend brings it to me," Hermione answered. Draco looked at her interestedly but she refused to say who her friend was. They merely stared at each other for the next few minutes.

Draco finally sighed before he set his cup down on its saucer.

"Are you going to make me say it in front of witnesses?" He asked.

"Say what?" She asked with confusion.

"Dammit, Granger!" He hissed as he slammed his fist down on the table.

"Go finish your letters in the kitchen," Hermione hastily said to Teddy. "I will be there in a few minutes to check on your work."

"Yes, Auntie," Teddy said with wide eyes.

Hermione waited until he was in the next room before standing up and glaring at Draco.

"Let me set one thing straight," she hissed. "Do not ever curse in front of my godson again, am I clear?"

"Crystal," Draco answered slowly. They were quiet for a few more moments before Draco slammed his fist into the table again. Hermione looked at him, unamused. "Do you have to make this so difficult?" He asked with a raised voice.

"What are- …I cannot read minds, Malfoy, you are going to have to come out with it and tell me what you want so I can say yes or no," Hermione said defensively.

"He's trying to apologise," Spencer clarified.

"What he said," Draco said tightly.

"Draco," Hermione sighed. "If you apologise, then I will have to apologise and we will be here all night sorting out our differences," she said tiredly.

"I am sorry for the name I called you in Second year," Draco said softly.

"We were children, Malfoy," Hermione replied. "If you insist on apologising for every single thing, then let us at least start with apologies after we turned seventeen."

"I am sorry for ruining your teeth our Fourth year," he continued.

Hermione abruptly stood up.

"I find myself tired, Draco," she said with exhaustion. "If you insist on apologising for everything from our childhood then you will wait for the morning and we can talk in my study." She started collecting the dishes and was nearly to the kitchen when Draco's voice stopped her.

"I am sorry for everything, Hermione," he said quietly.

"You only pointed out what everyone thought about people like me," Hermione said as she faced the kitchen door. "I can only thank you for bringing that to my attention, even if you did it the way you did. Our Fourth year was an accident, albeit an unfortunate one for me, but I benefited from it in the end, and again, I can only thank you for it," she said before entering the kitchen.

"You truly are a Saint, Granger," Draco murmured before taking another sip of his coffee and excusing himself from the table.

Spencer gathered the last of the dishes and took them into the kitchen.

o.O.o

"Wonderful!" Hermione exclaimed as she leaned over Teddy's shoulder. "You have done a marvellous job with your letter today," she said with a wide smile.

"My A's don't look anything like yours," Teddy frowned.

"Oh, love," Hermione said softly. "Writing takes practice. Your letters may not look anything like mine. You will develop your own unique hand as you continue practicing. You are off to a marvellous start!"

Teddy looked at Spencer and he ran toward him with his paper.

"Look what I did today!" He exclaimed.

"Wow," Spencer replied. "You did a really great job," he complimented. "This is better than what I could write when I first started."

"Really?" Teddy asked.

"Definitely," Spencer confirmed. "I kept writing my A's like U's," he said with a slight smile. "Keep up the good work and your writing will be better than mine when you're my age."

"But you're old!" Teddy exclaimed while scrunching his nose.

"Teddy!" Hermione exclaimed.

"I'm sorry that you're old," Teddy said before going back to the table.

Spencer laughed and handed Teddy's paper back to him.

"That was not nice," Hermione said firmly.

"I'm sorry, Doctor," Teddy said contritely.

"That's fine," Spencer replied. "No hard feelings," he reassured him.

Teddy yawned and rubbed his eyes.

"Bedtime for you, little bird," Hermione said softly.

"I don't want to," Teddy complained. "My Doctor might be gone when I wake up."

"Doctor Reid has his own responsibilities," Hermione said gently. "Let me tuck you in."

"Will you sing?" Teddy asked.

"If you insist," Hermione sighed.

"Will you come tell me goodnight, Doctor?" Teddy asked hopefully.

"I will," Spencer agreed.

Hermione smiled at him before leading Teddy up to his bedroom. She turned down his bed and patted the sheets for him to lay down, but he shook his head and clung her legs.

"Is something wrong, love?" Hermione asked softly. He pointed to the rocking chair in the corner of his room. "Oh," Hermione drew out the word. "It has been a while since the chair has been used, has it not?" She asked after she sat.

"Yes," Teddy agreed and climbed up onto her lap when she motioned for him to do so. He clung to her while she patted his back then closed his eyes while listening to her humming and singing.

"Goodnight, Teddy," Spencer whispered.

Hermione looked up to find him kneeling beside her. Teddy tiredly opened his eyes and smiled before closing them again. She sang softly while her gaze never broke from the doctor's and eventually finished with a whisper.

"You speak French," he said quietly.

"I was born in France," she replied. She slowly moved to stand and struggled until he carefully took Teddy from her and gently placed him on his bed. "Thank you," she said softly. "I had not realised how much Teddy has grown."

She switched off Teddy's light and his bedside lamp turned on, casting stars and a moon over the ceiling and walls. She left his door slightly ajar and was surprised to see that Spencer was waiting for her near her room. She slowly walked toward him while he looked at her.

"Hello," she said quietly. He leaned down and rested his forehead on hers and placed his hands on her hips.

"Hello," he softly replied. She put her hand on his shoulders to reach up to lay a soft kiss on his lips. His arms went around her and pulled her into him as he deepened her kiss.

"What are we doing?" She asked breathlessly as his lips whispered down the length of her neck. She whimpered when he placed a soft kiss at the top of her neck. He was suddenly kissing her more intently and pressing her into the door frame of her room and she moaned as his hips pressed into her core harder.

"You have a room." They hurriedly broke apart to see Hotch looking at them with amusement. "Use it."

They blushed hotly and he left them standing in the hall.

Hermione pulled Spencer into her room and started pacing while he looked at her worriedly. Eventually he began to doubt himself, but she spoke up before he could leave.

"What are we doing?" She repeated. "Are you only interested because of my inexperience?" She asked.

"I'm just as inexperienced as you," he replied with a blush.

"Just this morning I asked you to not hurt Teddy," she said quietly. "But starting something with me, if that truly is what you want, will place you in the same role, except now there would be another role, Spencer," she said worriedly. "Is this truly what you want?" She asked. "Now my heart would be on the line as well as Teddy's and I would go back to England just to prevent the chance of ever seeing you again."

"I can't say," Spencer said uncertainly as he started pacing himself.

"Maybe you are too close to us to properly decide," Hermione said softly.

His chest squeezed uncomfortably at the thought of leaving. He tried to distance himself from Teddy throughout the day, but he gravitated Hermione in the end. Now, he couldn't find it within himself to leave Hermione or Teddy.

"No one has ever made me feel this way," he confided.

"It is lust for you," she responded and walked toward her bay window.

"No," Spencer said firmly. "I've felt lust. This is new, different. Whatever is happening between us is happening fast, but I don't feel the same way."

"I am not the person you last felt lust for so you would feel differently," Hermione replied. "I have to think about what will happen if this burns out too fast."

He ran his fingers over his hair as he paced.

"Hotch asked us all to go into work tomorrow for a case," he said reluctantly. "We could be gone for a few days, a week, or longer if the case calls for it."

"We can both utilise that time to decide how we feel," she said quietly.

He slowly stepped toward her and lowered his head to rest on her shoulder and she kissed the back of his neck and lightly scratched his scalp with her nails. After a moment, he nuzzled aside her collar and placed his lips on her bare skin.

He slowly walked her toward her bed and lowered her onto it. She looked up at him, feeling his full weight gradually press her into the mattress. She lifted her head and kissed his throat. His arm went around her back and he pulled her up against him as their hips pressed into each other and she mewled at the feel of his whole length pressing against her. His hand slowly kneaded its way up her stomach and teased her bare flesh as he lifted her blouse.

"We have to stop," she breathed, then moaned as he pressed against her a certain way.

"Why?" He asked as he grinded into her. She moaned louder and he covered her mouth to keep her from getting too loud. "Why?" He repeated.

"Why what?" She asked breathlessly when he removed his hand.

"Why do we have to stop?" He reminded her as he grinded into her again. He covered her mouth again when she moaned.

"It'll be harder," she gasped against his neck. "Our decision."

He growled into her neck and grinded into her one last time before pulling back and rolling off her. They stared up at the dark ceiling while they cooled. She moved to leave the bed after a while but he pulled her back and held her hand.

They eventually fell asleep and kept their hands clasped together as they slept.

Their legs entwined sometime through the night and he was holding her close. Her arm rested on his waist while her other fisted in his shirt pulling him closer to her. She woke to find their foreheads touching and the ends of her bed cover tucked under them.

Someone had rolled them tightly inside the cover.

She looked up toward the entrance of her room and her head nearly rolled off the pillow.

Someone had also given them a pillow to share.

She looked down again to find Spencer's eyes open and watching her.

"What time is it?" He tiredly asked.

She lifted her head to squint at the round clock hanging off to the side of her bed.

"Looks like it's a quarter past three," she answered sleepily. "Did you?" She asked while looking at their blanket and pillow.

"No," he replied. "I assume someone else did because we're rolled together so tightly, I can barely move to undo us."

They were quiet for a few moments before Hermione said, "Jack is crying."

"He is," Spencer said after a moment. "He doesn't sound too happy."

She pulled herself up and laid a kiss over his temple.

"Go to sleep," she said softly. "You have a long day ahead of you."

"Where are you going?" Spencer asked as she wiggled upward.

"Jack is crying," she said again. "I can at least offer my help. I will come back in a few minutes," she whispered. "You might want to adjust your legs." They were hanging off the bed and she knew they would be aching with the blood that pooled in that area.

He flinched as he lifted his legs and groaned with discomfort. He was surprised when she lifted them the rest of the way to the bed and helped him to right himself.

"Give me a few minutes," she whispered while elevating his legs with a few of the decorative pillows then covered him with the sheets and blanket.

'Her legs must be aching too,' he thought as she tenderly walked toward her bedroom door. She was gone before he could suggest she lay down and allow her blood to properly circulate.

Hermione winced as she followed Jack's cries up to the second storey. She silently cursed Hotch for taking up the furthest room from them, probably to spare them from Jack's crying.

Foolish man.

She knocked on his door and waited for a few minutes before it opened.

"Sorry," Aaron said when he finally opened the door. "I thought this might happen and I didn't want to disturb anyone."

"Foolish man," Hermione murmured and held out her arms for Jack. "Did you help him burp after dinner?" She asked.

"Was I supposed to?" He asked.

"He most likely has colic," She sighed. "He will stay awake until we can help him relieve his stomach," she explained. She was sorry she hadn't thought of brewing potions for Jack. She had nearly everything else but one of the most important things.

"I'm surprised no one else is awake," Aaron said quietly as he followed Hermione down to the main floor.

"I suppose they are heavy sleepers," Hermione replied. 'Or most likely used a silencing charm,' she mentally added. "I could barely hear him on the first floor. Are you alone upstairs?" She asked.

"The Malfoys are up there too," he said with a slight smirk. Hermione laughed quietly. He had been keeping an eye on their coming and goings. "Gideon is up there with me."

"I think Spencer took your room next to Teddy," she commented. "I will bet that Professor Snape is on the fourth storey close to the attics.

"The room at the back, overlooking the yard," Aaron confirmed.

"He does like his peace," Hermione murmured. "Close the doors, please. The sound carries throughout the house in here."

He closed both sets of sliding doors that led inside from the entrance hall and the others to the hall leading toward the conservatory. He turned to see her settling in a rocking chair positioned before the bow windows. She placed Jack nearly upside down on his stomach while her arm supported him and her other patted his back firmly. She quietly shushed Jack and hummed some nursery song Aaron hadn't heard before. It was probably an English lullaby.

"I don't think it's working," Aaron said after ten minutes of watching.

"These things take time," Hermione replied. "It has been a few hours and his body needs the extra help. We just have to be patient."

Suddenly the sliding doors flew open and Severus glared at them as he strode toward her.

"Miss Granger!" he hissed and handed her a light blue phial. "You are both disturbing me from my work!" He strode out of the room and slammed the doors shut just as quickly as he had thrown them open.

"Brilliant man," Hermione said with her hand still out and holding the phial.

"What's that?" Aaron asked.

"A miracle," Hermione answered as she righted Jack in her arms. She pulled out the cork and rubbed a drop onto her finger before rubbing it on the roof of his mouth. Jack let out one last cry before his face turned red and he release the gas from his stomach.

"Oh, dear God!" Aaron gagged and stepped back.

Hermione laughed.

"I believe Jack is yours now," she teased and attempted to hand his son to him, but he stepped back and shook his head while Hermione laughed again. "Big baby," she said with another laugh. "Come, Jack," she murmured soothingly as she walked out of the room. "You need a bath after that."

"Cheater," Aaron called after her.

"Hardly," Hermione chuckled. "We need to give him a bath. A thorough bath," she said wryly.

"Oh," Aaron said with slightly wide eyes when she held Jack up. He had poo staining nearly his whole back, soaking through his nightclothes and she had some staining her lap.

"I think the basin for bathing is in the attic," Hermione said.

"I'll go find it," Aaron offered.

"That could take the rest of the night," she replied. "The bathroom sink is a good alternative for now."

The sink on the first floor was a large oval basin that Jack could comfortably stretch out in for his bath. She carefully adjusted the tap and filled it while she undressed him.

"Will you hand me some of Teddy's wash?" She asked. "I have not had to buy any baby products for a while. I will have to remember to do that today."

"I should have thought of that," Aaron said. "I didn't see any in his things so it must have stayed behind."

"You are busy with work," Hermione said dismissively. "You cannot be expected to think of every single thing Jack needs."

"Am I too busy with work?" Aaron asked.

"That is a question for you to think on," she said as she lowered Jack into the sink and placed a wet hand towel over his lap

"You're modest, having taken care of a male yourself," he commented.

"I simply wish to stay as dry as I can." She lightly laughed. "How would you feel if you were cold?" She asked pointedly.

"Oh," he said, then handed her the wash awkwardly. He watched as she carefully bathed Jack and made him laugh a few times. They were done after a few minutes and Hermione wrapped him in a towel.

"Would you like me to put him to bed?" She asked.

"I want to," Aaron answered as she handed him his son.

"Good night then, Aaron," she said before leaving.

"Night, Hermione," he called after her. He found Gideon sitting at the top of the staircase. "Can't sleep?" He asked.

"Jack kept me awake," Gideon said without preamble.

"Sorry," Hotch apologised. "I didn't know I had to help him relieve his stomach after dinner."

"Miss Granger's a huge help," Gideon commented.

"I've been thanking God since this morning that Reid found her," Hotch said, then stiffened and pulled Jack away from his chest.

"You should go put a diaper on the little guy." Gideon chuckled.

"And shower," he said. "Definitely shower. Now I know how Hermione felt when his shit covered her lap." Gideon laughed just as the shower downstairs turned on. "I can definitely say I'll be making sure Jack burps or farts after dinner."

Gideon laughed until Hotch's room door shut. He chuckled after and shook his head. Spencer was lying the correct way in Miss Granger's bed when he passed her room again. The first time he passed through he almost left before seeing her shivering.

It would have been amusing to see them figure out how to undo the covers. He had nearly knocked off her perfume bottle on the way out, but caught it before it could crash onto the floor and hastily left, but not without glancing back to see if he had disturbed them.

It amused him they hadn't thought to shut her door.

Miss Granger was most likely used to keeping it open so she could hear her nephew when he needed her. Reid should have thought of closing it, but they were distracted. He had never seen two people so attracted to each other from the beginning.

Reid wasn't the type to act on his feelings so suddenly, he was cautious. Miss Granger was close to Reid's type so she would be cautious too, especially with her nephew, Teddy, or Edward. He would have to ask the child's name in the morning. Teddy was most likely a nickname. Mister Malfoy had used Edward and he was the no nonsense type, affectionate with only his wife and sometimes his son and nephew.

He thought of Miss Granger's reaction to Mister Malfoy at dinner. Something had scared her into having a panic attack. He recognised the symptoms of PTSD in a person. He saw the way she carried herself around Mister Malfoy, as if she were ready to attack or flee. Mister Malfoy was being careful around her, but tonight he did something. Maybe it was the way he overstepped Miss Granger's role as a guardian.

She definitely didn't appreciate it and was about to fight him, but the way he looked at her and caused her to go into a panic wasn't normal.

Gideon stopped.

He was there, Mister Malfoy.

He was there when Hermione was tortured.

The Malfoys were all there. It was all in Hermione's reaction to them this evening.

Draco Malfoy was her schoolyard bully, but Mister Malfoy was her nightmare come true. Mrs. Malfoy though… Hermione was tense around the older woman but was more willing to be accepting of her. Mrs. Malfoy had redeemed herself in Hermione's eyes.

He spread out a few pillows and blankets in the conservatory and laid down on the nest he had made from the pillows and blankets.

It was easier for him to disconnect from the stress of work and his mind while losing himself in the stars and myths until he heard soft footsteps heading in his direction.

"Mister Gideon," Miss Granger said softly.

"I'm awake," he answered.

"That floor has to be a strain on your back," she said.

"I've slept in worse places," he responded.

"Is your bedroom uncomfortable?" She enquired. "I can easily ask someone replace your mattress if you find it uncomfortable."

"The bed is fine," Gideon replied. "I just needed a distraction."

She looked up and smiled softly.

"The stars are your distraction," she said quietly. "I have a roll out cot in the attic. If you wish to, I will bring it down and the doors lock so you can have privacy if you wish to sleep here."

Gideon stood up and gathered the blankets and pillows.

"I'll get it," he said. "Thank you."

"You are quite welcome, Mister Gideon," she replied. "Good night."

"Good night, Miss Granger," he said in return.

Hermione nodded and returned to her room.

Spencer was sleeping when she climbed into her bed and pulled up the covers. She silently cast a charm to tell her when Teddy woke. He didn't need to see her and Spencer sleeping together and get his hopes up for something that could easily come and go as fast as a match burning out.

That's what she was worried about the most… that what was going on between her and Spencer would burn brightly like a match pushing the thick cloak of darkness away, then just as quickly burn out. It would leave Teddy and her heart broken, but the consequences would hurt Teddy more.

She lied when she said she would go back to England if he broke her heart.

If he chose to be closer to Teddy, but not to her, she would deal with it. If he broke just Teddy's heart, then she would leave for Teddy.

He turned and spooned her, distracting her from her thoughts.

"What time is it?" He asked.

"Five am," Hermione answered.

"I have another hour," he said sleepily. His breathing even out again and she closed her eyes. His warmth soaked into her and she snuggled closer to him. He squeezed her tighter for a moment before relaxing again.

An hour later she opened her eyes to the sun rising and groaned. The curtains had stayed open.

Spencer laughed into her ear before saying, "Good morning."

"Good morning," she repeated. "I should get started on breakfast."

"Thank you," he said sincerely as they climbed out of bed.

"For that," she smiled, "I will send you off with a thermos of coffee, the largest I have."

"I knew I loved you," Spencer laughed, then paled and stepped back. Hermione looked up at him with wide eyes. "I-I," he stuttered.

"Spencer," Hermione said, then hurried to close the door to her room. "Spencer," she repeated. "We have to think seriously about this, alright?" She asked.

"Yes," he agreed while pacing.

He told her he loved her.

He told her he loved her.

"If you feel you do not feel the same when you return then I will accept that," she said quietly. "Remember Teddy, though, if you want to be closer with Teddy, but not with me I will also accept that. You will think this over?" She asked.

"I will," he replied. He really would. Their time apart could only be beneficial in helping him sort everything out.

"I promise I will do the same," she said.

"What if I want something and you don't?" He asked.

"No matter what we choose, we have to complete at least three dates," she suggested. "If one of us still chooses differently then we will part as friends."

"That's a good compromise," Spencer agreed. He wouldn't know how to go forward if she didn't have feelings for him. The three dates would be giving him a chance to fight for her.

Hermione stood on the tip of her toes and slowly kissed him.

"Go get ready," she said softly.

"When did you change?" He asked, noticing she was in a long nightdress that clung to her in all the right ways.

She smiled wryly in reply.

"Jack had a bit of an accident last night," she replied. "It took us a while to get things straight."

"Is he okay?" Spencer asked with concern.

"He is fine now," she said with a soft smile.

She changed and checked on Teddy before going down to the kitchen to start on breakfast. She had barely turned on the oven to heat it up when Severus entered the kitchen, covered from head to his boots in paint. He gave her a satisfied look as he stood in the entrance.

"Miss Granger," he said. "Come with me," he said briskly and swiftly strode out. She swiftly followed him, nearly running to keep up with his long strides and they were at the door to the old nursery in under thirty seconds. Spencer and Gideon stopped right behind her.

"Is something wrong?" Spencer asked. "You were running pretty fast."

"Nothing is wrong, Doctor Reid," the professor drawled. "Are you ready?" He asked Hermione.

"Quite excited," she said with a wide smile.

He slowly opened the door and Hermione's eyes grew wide and her mouth fell open.

"You did it," she breathed as she stepped into the room and slowly turned as she took in the whole room. "This is exactly what I wanted and more."

"Wow," Spencer breathed.

The Black Lake seemed to be alive as the waves moved with the wind. He could almost swear there was someone in the water who waved at him. There were merchildren playing ball with a giant squid while laughing and splashing around in the Lake.

Instead of one knight taming the dragon flying over the enormous castle, there were four, each with a green, red, blue, or yellow tassel streaming from their helmet. They had shields with a snake, lion, eagle, and badger. The dragon's fire looked alive, as if it were spewing live fire from its mouth while it stood on the tallest tower seemingly protecting the only occupant, a man with a long white beard and tall pointed hat that matched his twinkling blue eyes.

The Forbidden Forest was as alive as any forest would smell and feel if you were actually there. Spencer felt he could just reach out and touch the green leaves and grass. There was a centaur watching through the thicker part of the forest with a bow slung over his shoulder and a quiver on his back filled with arrows.

"This is so cool!" Teddy breathed with wide eyes as he twirled and took in the room.

"Professor Snape is amazing," Hermione agreed with him. "Wonderfully amazing," she breathed with tear filled eyes. "Just like it was before," she whispered.

"Exactly as it was before," Severus replied.

"Thank you so much, Professor," she said softly.

"I am no longer a professor, Miss Granger," he responded. "It is either Severus or Snape to you."

Hermione smiled and said, "Thank you for bringing this to life, Severus." Then whispered, "Again."

"You are welcome, Miss Granger," he replied with a small tilt of his head.

"It must be Hermione," she insisted. "I cannot think of how I will pay you right now, but if you can think of a way, please let me know."

"Payment of any kind is not necessary," Severus said firmly. "Just the chance to put my brushes to work again was payment enough for me."

"Breakfast will be ready as soon as I can tear my eyes away from this marvellous work," she said as she reached out to touch the paint, but Severus immediately stopped her.

"Most of it is still wet," he warned.

"Of course. We should open the windows and doors," she suggested. They ran about the house, opening every window and door on the first floor.

"It's a bit cold this morning," Spencer observed.

"Do you smell that?" Hermione asked as she closed her eyes and leaned out the window at the end of the hallway.

"The paint fumes?" He asked with a smile.

"Autumn," she corrected. "The leaves, the crisp air, even the grass. Simply wonderful," she breathed. He followed her back into the nursery while she looked over the walls and ceiling again. He hadn't noticed the ceiling.

There were rafters and arches, a few owls resting above them and one spreading out its wings as it flew toward an arched window.

"Woah," Hotch breathed as he entered the room and pulled out his mobile to snap a few pictures. "I'm going to save this as an idea for Jack," he said.

"Jack!" Hermione exclaimed. "The paint!"

"I made sure you bought lead-free and low odour paint," Spencer replied. "It's safe for Jack and Teddy."

"Thank goodness," Hermione said with relief. "I was so excited yesterday that I had not thought of it. We should still avoid the first storey today," she said. "The paint may be low odour, but it still has a scent to it." She looked at the room one last time before following them downstairs.

o.O.o

Hermione started on a proper breakfast and had it on the table by the time everyone was awake. This time, Severus was seated next to Mister Malfoy and she sat next to Severus with Spencer on her other side. She had an inkling Mrs. Malfoy had a hand in the seating arrangements this time.

"Edward's books are in the parlour room, Miss Granger," Mister Malfoy said.

The grip on her fork tightened.

"Thank you, Mister Malfoy," she replied with some tenseness.

"I made sure the helps and study guides were included in the purchase. You will also find a suitable supply of penmanship paper and… pencils," he continued.

"I take it that means I get to pick which books Teddy gets to read," she said.

"I have taken care of that also," Mister Malfoy replied. "The shipment will be delivered this afternoon."

Her fork clattered on the table and she glared at the man.

"Mister Malfoy," she said firmly. "I said I would take Teddy's home education in hand and-"

She whipped back at the glint in his eyes.

It was a repeat of the evening before, but this time Severus was there towering over his friend.

"Lucius!" He hissed. "What is this?" He asked.

"I have no idea what you mean," Mister Malfoy said as he looked at Hermione with concern and Severus with confusion. Severus swiftly pulled the man out of his seat and into the kitchen where their furious yelling was muffled by the door.

Then all was quiet.

The two men glided into the room and retook their seats while Hermione was seated in her seat again, but tightly gripping Spencer's thigh.

"I apologise, Miss Granger," Mister Malfoy said as sincerely as he could. "You are not familiar with… our ways… and Severus has explained to me that I have overstepped your duties as Edward's guardian."

"Mister Malfoy," Hermione said.

"I cannot say it will not happen again because… we are unfamiliar to each other," he continued.

"Mister Malfoy," Hermione tried to interrupt him again.

"I support my family in all things and I was doing for you and Edward what I do for them," he said. "Again, I am sorry we did not understand each other."

"Sir!" Hermione said more firmly. "If you would allow me to speak?" She asked and continued without waiting for his permission. "You need not have made a public apology-"

"On the contrary, Miss Granger," Mister Malfoy lifted his hand to stop her. "I overstepped you in front of your guests, it is only proper that I apologise this way."

"Mister Hotchner and his son are permanent residents of my home," Hermione corrected him with a small smile. "Mister Gideon and Doctor Reid have a permanent invitation to stay when and however long they like. I would hardly call them guests."

"I… see," Mister Malfoy said.

"It is the same for you and Mrs. Malfoy," Hermione continued. "I expect Severus to be another permanent resident."

"I think you forgot me," Draco drawled from the other end of the table.

"I figured you would be more comfortable in your own home, but you may come and go as you please," she replied.

"Well," Hotch said as he stood up. "We must be leaving for work," he said. "Are you and Teddy ready, Hermione?" He asked.

"Ready?" Hermione asked with confusion.

"Reid didn't tell you we need to sort out your clearance with security?" Hotch asked with a slight glare at Reid who suddenly turned red.

"I forgot," he said. "Sorry," he apologised to Hermione.

"I can have us ready in seven minutes," Hermione said. She promptly excused herself and Teddy, made sure their teeth were brushed, and grabbed a few of his workbooks from the parlour.

Hotch was waiting at the door with her keys and refused to hand them over when she asked. He settled Jack in his seat while she saw to Teddy and they left.

"I hope your driving is better than Mister Gideon's, Aaron" she said.

"I have to wrestle with him for the keys," Aaron said with a slight smile. "Edward?" He asked.

"Yes?" Teddy answered.

"Sorry," Aaron said. "I didn't mean to disturb you. Edward?" He said lower for only Hermione to hear.

"Edward Remus Lupin," she clarified.

"I didn't do anything!" Teddy said with wide eyes. "Promise!"

"Are you sure?" She teased.

"Yes, Auntie Mymy," he answered right away.

"Alright," Hermione said slowly. "It was my mistake, love, sorry."

"It's fine," Teddy said with a relieved smile and went back to looking over his book.

"Why the separate cars?" Hermione asked Aaron.

"I'm going to get you past gate security," he said. "Then we'll spend ten minutes with the head of security. I also wanted to ask you something," he said hesitantly.

"Spencer said you all are leaving for a case," Hermione said.

"We are," he confirmed. "I want to ask though, if you would mind taking care of Jack."

"I would not mind at all," Hermione smiled. "If you need my help when you go on future business trips, all you need to do is let me know. If something is going to come up for me, I will let you know so you can plan accordingly."

"Thank you," he said with relief. "I didn't want to take Jack back to Hayley."

They were quiet for a few moments before Hermione asked, "Have you talked with your wife?"

"I…" he let the word hang. "I can't yet," he said. "I just can't."

"Aaron," Hermione said softly. "I hate to say this, but you have to at least try to talk to her for Jack."

He took a deep breath and relaxed his tight grip on the steering wheel before saying, "I know. We'll talk when I come back. Just not now."

Jack's sharp cry pierced their ears and Hermione turned to lay her hand over his stomach and pat it.

"We're almost at the gate," Aaron said as they passed the public entrance. Hermione turned to see it was busy, even at eight in the morning. "Shit," he muttered.

"Language," Hermione warned. "There are young ears listening."

"Sorry," he said.

"What happened, anyway?" Hermione asked.

"My wife," he said quietly. "She's waiting."

He rushed past the security gate at the end of the car park. Hermione instructed Teddy to hold tightly to her hand or coat and to not leave her side because he could easily be lost in the big building. She settled Jack across her chest in the baby wrap before Aaron ushered them past the public entrance when Hermione heard his name being called.

"Ignore her," he said, putting his arm around her shoulder to keep her from turning.

She wanted to say something, but it wasn't her place to nose further into his life and feelings unless he let her in. They waited for the lift while his wife kept calling to him and Teddy was looking between them in confusion.

Hermione hastily kneeled to whisper in his ear, "You and I do not know her, but we should keep out of her business, alright love?"

"Yes, auntie," he said. "Why is she upset?" He asked.

"She did something wrong," Hermione explained. "She might want to make it right, but it is not our place to ask."

The lift doors opened and she kissed his cheek before allowing Aaron to guide them inside.

"I'm sorry," he said when they were alone in the lift. "She came yesterday and I asked security to keep her out."

She bit her cheek.

"You have your reasons," was all she replied.

"It's really hard for you to keep your words to yourself," he said.

"It is," she said, "but you do have your reasons and I do not want to say something off the mark or out of line when I am sure you have not told me everything."

"I sent her dissolution papers," he responded.

Hermione was quiet for a moment then finally said, "I see."

"Was I rash?" He asked.

"I cannot say," she answered. "I hardly know anything about your marriage… but… if you feel this is the right thing to do-"

"There's gum in the corner," Teddy interrupted.

"I was talking, Teddy," Hermione lightly chastised him. The lift doors opened and they didn't get to continue their conversation.

"Hotch!" Someone called. "Clark is waiting for you in your office."

"Thanks," he said as he guided them down the hall and into a bustling room.

"Doctor!" Teddy yelled excitedly and ran toward Spencer.

"Teddy!" Hermione gasped when he dodged a few people who stopped to look at them with interest as she scurried after her godson.

"Auntie Mymy, it's my Doctor!" Teddy laughed as he hugged Spencer's hips.

"Edward Remus Lupin!" Hermione said firmly. Teddy stopped smiling and looked up at her with wide eyes. "What did I say about leaving my side?" She asked.

"To stay by your side 'cause I could easily get lost," he quietly answered.

"Correct," she said briskly, "and what did you do just now?" She asked.

"I left your side," he nearly whispered. "I'm sorry auntie. I know you would cry if I got lost."

"I would," she said in a softer tone. She kneeled in front of him and gently placed her finger under his chin to lift his head. "I will have to withhold Magorian until after dinner, but that is all," she said. "I understand you were excited to see Spencer."

"Not Magorian!" Teddy gasped.

"Just until after dinner," she reassured him. "Hand him over." She held out her hand and waited for him to place the centaur in her palm.

"Promise?" He asked.

Hermione smiled and put her hand over her heart and lifted her other hand before saying, "I solemnly swear," she said seriously.

"You can't say that!" Teddy complained. "Then you'll be up to no good!"

Hermione laughed and kissed his cheek.

"I promise you will have Magorian back after dinner tonight. Now say goodbye to Spencer. We're keeping Aaron from his meeting and I am sure he does not appreciate being late."

"Goodbye, Doctor!" Teddy cried as he clung to Spencer again.

"Goodbye, Spencer," Hermione said softly before turning and following Aaron.

Spencer watched as they followed Hotch into his office and the door closed.

"What was that?" Morgan demanded. "That hot thing with that sweet accent was sweet on you, kid!"

Spencer blushed and ignored Morgan's comments. "We have to be in the meeting room," he said while gathering his files.

"I think our pretty boy has a crush!" Morgan exclaimed.

"Reid has a crush?" Prentiss asked.

"On a little British girl!" Morgan gossiped.

"Shut up," Reid shoved Morgan, which didn't do much to his friend's bigger frame. Morgan just laughed as they were followed by the rest of the team into the meeting room.

"Even the kid has a crush on you!" Morgan laughed. "What was his name?" He asked. "Edward Remus Lupin."

"Don't even think about it!" Reid protested.

"Don't think about what?" Morgan asked.

"Profiling them! Or looking them up in the database!" Reid exclaimed. "I'm sure Hotch won't appreciate it if you did that either!"

"Wait," JJ said. "What is Hotch doing with her?" She asked.

"Something happened recently," Reid answered. "We have to wait until he's ready to tell us."

"Alright children," Gideon said as he entered. "Start the slideshow."

Parents were scared to send their children off to school in Maine. The police suspected one of the staff at the local school, but they had a solid alibi. Everyone had an alibi that checked out. The team was asked to consult on the case because the last child had disappeared right off the playground during their recess. Five adults were watching the class of twenty children at the time.

The usual suspects and their background were discussed, possible theories to the disappearances. They were sure the children were alive because the parents were sent daily pictures of their child in a room, other parents were sent thirty second videos of their child crying for them.

"Oh, dear God."

The lights abruptly flipped on.

"What was that, auntie Mymy?" Teddy asked with his face hidden in Hermione's dress. "Was she crying because she lost her parents too?"

Hermione immediately pulled him up onto her side and stumbled back with his weight added to Jack's. Aaron swiftly caught her while Reid rushed to help and they guided her to an empty seat in the corner of the room.

"I should have waited," Aaron said after she was situated.

Hermione ignored him while she talked to her godson and wiped his tears with her sleeve. Teddy spotted Spencer kneeling close to them and promptly threw himself into his arms. Spencer caught him and ended up on the floor, but held him tightly while he cried.

His heart stuttered in his chest while he comforted Teddy. It was so hard to keep pulling back from his obvious desire have a father figure in his life. He would have given anything to have his dad back when he was younger, to have done anything to convince him not to leave his mom and him.

He wanted to keep Teddy and Hermione wrapped in his arms to protect them from the world, but he needed to think it through before either of them were hurt.

"We should go," Hermione said after Teddy calmed.

"I wanted to introduce you to the team," Aaron said. "You and Gideon can leave after."

"Mister Gideon is staying behind?" Hermione asked. She swiftly stuffed her hand into Aaron's coat pocket and pulled out her keys. "I will be driving," she said hastily.

Spencer laughed while Aaron's lips twisted upward at her reaction.

She scowled at them in return and glared at Gideon who tried to look innocent.

"Who might this English rose be?" Morgan flirted obviously trying to get a rise out of Doctor Reid.

Hermione looked at him, unimpressed, and lifted an eyebrow before saying, "Who do you suppose he is talking to?" She asked Teddy in French.

He lifted his head from Spencer's chest and looked up at her. "I don't know, auntie, but he's really big. Bigger than my Doctor," Teddy answered as he looked up at Morgan with his head tilted slightly.

"He's a flirt," one of the team members said. "Ignore him if you want. I'm Agent Prentiss, by the way, Emily Prentiss."

"I'm Hermione Granger and this in my nephew, Teddy," she introduced herself and her nephew. "I was born in France, by the way, and lived there until I was eight," she said to Morgan.

"I've always wanted to kiss a real French girl," Morgan winked.

Hermione blushed and looked away.

Teddy immediately jumped up from Spencer's lap and yelled, "You don't talk to my auntie that way!" Then stomped on Morgan's foot.

"Teddy!" Hermione exclaimed half-heartedly, hiding her smile behind her palm while the rest of the team laughed.

"You're a firecracker," Morgan said as he limped back to his chair.

"Well," Hotch said while smirking at Morgan, then turned to Hermione. "You've met Emily Prentiss and Derek Morgan. All that's left is Jennifer Jareau," he motioned to her and Hermione firmly shook her hand, "and Penelope Garcia. Garcia is busy at the moment. Everyone, this is Hermione Granger and her nephew, Teddy."

"Nice to meet you all," Hermione said. "I am sorry to cut our meeting short, but I have a few things that need to get done today. If you will please excuse us?" She asked.

"Goodbye, Hermione," Spencer said quietly.

"Goodbye, Spencer," she responded with a soft smile.

"Pretty Boy and French Girl are too cute!" Morgan teased.

"I cannot say it was nice to meet you, Mister Morgan," Hermione said dryly before leaving, followed by Gideon. Laughter followed her out of the room while Gideon just shook his head. "There really is no need to stay behind," she said to Gideon as they waited for the lift.

"I need the break," was all he said when they entered and the doors closed.

"You call minding the children and me a break?" Hermione asked.

"I don't have to put my brain to use as much." He shrugged.

"You seem to be a man of few words," Hermione replied.

The ride down was faster.

"Mister Gid?" Teddy asked. "Who 'vented, in-vented, the lifts?" he asked.

"The first known elevator was spoken of by a Roman," Gideon answered. "Vitruvius reported a man named Archimedes built the first elevator around two hundred thirty-six B.C."

"How long ago was that?" Teddy asked.

"A very long time ago, thousands of years ago," he answered.

"How long is 'sands?" Teddy asked. "Two-sands," he said with his brow furrowed.

Hermione guided him off the lift while she corrected him, "Thousands," she said slowly, he repeated her.

"It's that lady who did something wrong," Teddy pointed toward her and Gideon put his arm around her shoulders before she could turn.

"It is not proper to point," Hermione scolded Teddy. "That was very impolite."

"I'm sorry," Teddy said.

"Now you know not to do it again," Hermione told him with a soft smile and gently squeezed his hand.

"Where are we going today?" Teddy asked.

"Today," Hermione replied, "we are going to pick up a few things for Jack at the grocers, and you are going to point out everything you see that starts with an A. Do you remember what A sounds like?" She asked.

"Ah, ah, ah, ah," Teddy said with a laugh.

"You are brilliant!" Hermione smiled.

"Ah, ah, ah-pple!" Teddy exclaimed. "Apple starts with A!"

"Marvelous job!" Hermione said with a wide smile. "Apple also has the letters P twice, an L, and an E. e," she spelled for him and Teddy repeated the letters.

"Apple!" He excitedly exclaimed when he spelled the word twice.

"Apple," Hermione laughed as she settled him and Jack in the car. She turned to find Mister Gideon in the driver's seat with his hand held out. He wiggled it when she stared at him. "Why should I trust you a second time?" She asked.

"The first time was a test," he answered. "I wanted to see your reaction."

"Then what will stop you from provoking a second reaction?" She asked with her arms crossed.

"The first was enough," he said, then wiggled his hand again.

She sighed.

"If you make me regret this…" she warned while she held out the keys.

"You'll make me trip?" He asked.

Hermione slid on the pavement before she caught herself and looked up at him before hastily going around the car to the front seat after righting herself.

"I have no idea what you mean," Hermione said with a slight sniff. She gripped the belt tightly as he pulled out into traffic and slowly relaxed.

"Which store?" He asked.

"One close to home," she replied. "Teddy and I need to get started on a few things."

He hummed in reply, but she noticed him keeping an eye on all the mirrors.

"Is something wrong?" She asked.

"You're going to be mad in a minute," he answered.

She tensed. "Why?"

He passed the next stop light and she glared at him. He suddenly swerved into the oncoming traffic and she shrieked until he manoeuvred the car onto the right side of the road and started tailing another car.

"What in Merlin's name do you think you are doing?" She yelled over Jack's cries.

"They were following us and now we're following them," he answered as he switched lanes just as fast as the car in front.

"The children are in here!" She shrieked. "What do you think you are going to do when the chase ends?"

He hit the wheel with his fist and slammed on the breaks and did a quick turn to the right. She flinched at the cars squealing behind them and gripped her belt tightly again.

He pulled into the car park at the grocers a few minutes later.

"We lost them," he said.

Hermione glared and opened her door.

Their shopping was short, and Teddy quiet while she soothed Jack and chatted with Teddy. He smiled at a few things but only nodded or shook his head at her questions. She tried everything to get him to talk, but he refused all her attempts.

"It's time to go," Gideon said suddenly.

She glared at him but allowed him to manoeuvre them towards the checkout counters.

Once home, she instructed Teddy to find anything in the kitchen that started with the letter A and he ran inside. She looked up at Gideon and scowled.

"It couldn't be helped," he said. He had to take a step back when she planted her fist into his arm. He looked down at her in surprise and numbly followed her as she strode inside with Jack.

o.O.o

"Hello Wonder Boy," Garcia greeted Reid over her mobile.

"Hey, Garcia," he said. "I didn't get a chance to talk to you before we left, but I have a favour to ask, nothing to do with the case."

"Oh," she prolonged the word, "a personal favour. You can count on me!"

"Thanks," Reid said. "I'm sending you a picture of a photo. I want to identify the boy in the picture. He'll be about fifty, but search for men between forty and sixty."

"Gotcha," she said. "Anything else?"

"Search as worldwide as you're allowed," he answered.

Garcia whistled before saying, "Got it."

He disconnected soon after and set his mind to concentrate on the case. It took him a few moments of trying to disassociate his personal life from the job, but gave up after two hours. He laid back on the hotel bed and found it lacking a certain someone. It was close to two am and for the hundredth time, he was still reaching for the opposite side of the bed, expecting to feel Hermione's warmth, but his hand landed on cold sheets.

He finally fell into a restless sleep only to be woken three hours later by rapid knocking on the door.

"Coming," he called. He reached for his shirt and had it buttoned by the time he reached the door.

"It's gonna be a long day, doc," Morgan greeted him. He handed him a picture of a light-haired child as they walked toward the lobby. "Theodore Scott. Went missing from his room sometime during the night," Morgan said.

"What happened to disappearing from the school?" Reid asked.

"Mayor ordered the school to be closed until further notice this afternoon," Hotch answered.

"That must be every kids' dream come true," JJ said. "School cancelled indefinitely."

"Except that the plans to bus them to the elementary an hour away were kept under wraps," Hotch said.

"The kidnapper must have been desperate and took Theodore from his room," Morgan surmised.

"Anything wrong?" Hotch asked Reid.

"No," he answered and pocketed Theodore's photo. He did his best not to liken him to Teddy and had to remind himself that Teddy was safe at home with Hermione and Jack.

Hotch patted his shoulder before leading them toward their cars.

Hermione had sent him a short clip of Teddy making Jack laugh and he had been replaying it in his room when he got the call for them to go in and check out the scene. He had noticed a few of the jealous faces Teddy had made when Hermione gave her attention to Jack. She hadn't noticed or didn't realise what was going on with Teddy, but she seemed to be a natural at dispelling Teddy's hurts and lifting him up when she didn't realise how he felt.

She truly was a perfect mother to her godson.

He was lucky she and Jack had taken to each other as naturally as Jack and Haley should have. He hastily pushed that thought away.

Gideon messaged him about their tail after leaving. He kept it from Reid. Reid didn't need to add worry to his new, maybe relationship with Hermione. He would have to keep an eye on him. Theodore Scott was similar to Teddy in his colouring, and his mother… he'd have to keep an eye on Reid…

"Nothing in the room is out of place," JJ said as she exited. "But," she added, "We might have prints on the window."

"That's something," Hotch said. "They were desperate this time. Looks like we may have arrived just in time for them to mess up. Let's talk to the parents."

"Just the mother," the police chief said. "Mrs. Harding's husband passed away a year ago."

"How did he pass?" Hotch asked clinically.

"Car accident," the chief answered. "A bad one. The leaking gas lines caused the car to explode. By the time the fire department got out there nothing was left of Mr. Harding to be recovered, not even his ashes."

"That's impossible," Reid said. "Something of his would have melted into the seats or floor. If the forensic team searched carefully, they would have found something because something is always left behind."

"There was nothing," a woman said despondently from a chair in the corner.

Reid noticed her tamed curls first and unconsciously took a step back. He likened her to Hermione before he started pointing out the differences to reassure himself. Differences like the colour of her light blue eyes that were almost grey like her son's, opposite of Hermione's golden eyes with flecks of green. She sat higher in her seat, indicating that she was taller than Hermione. She wore glasses, small wire-free glasses that neatly blended with her skin, you almost couldn't tell she was wearing any, save for the silver bridge and temples that gave the glasses away.

She was hardly responding to her missing son. She was in shock. Her red eyes showed him she had been upset before they arrived, but now she was numb, her monotone voice led him to believe she was pushing away her emotions or stopped processing them. She had most likely stopped processing, therefore the shock.

Mrs. Harding was upset because she didn't hear her son or anyone's entrance. If he had called out to her she should have heard. Theodore's door always stayed open and she always left her door open so she could hear him if he called.

"Why didn't Teddy call for me?" Mrs. Harding asked.

Reid closed his eyes and tried to disassociate Theodore from Teddy as much as he could before he answered, "Your son may know who the person is that took him. He most likely saw no reason to alert you."

"We have to leave," the police chief said immediately. "There's a body," he told them quietly to avoid Mrs. Harding from hearing. She simply sat and looked out the window, showing no sign that she had overheard.

Reid was glad to be back in his hotel room.

He went over the details of the case again before his mind went back to Hermione and Teddy. They were a packaged deal. He couldn't think of having the paternal relationship Teddy desperately wished for without a romantic relationship with Hermione. Even after being separated for a few hours, he still imagined her and Teddy smiling, their faces of wonder when Mister Snape finished painting Teddy's old nursery, now schoolroom.

He tried to imagine leaving, going back to his flat, living his life as he always had before knowing them, but his life seemed so empty without them. His life before them did have some meaning, he used his intelligence to help his team save people, to bring murders to justice and put a few bad men behind bars… but Teddy had brought colour into his life and Hermione made it more vivid, like he had been living with seeing everyone in black, white, and grey until Teddy made him notice the colours of the leaves falling behind him while looking up at him with those wide adoring eyes.

Autumn would forever be his favourite season because it was the season he actually saw life around him coming into being, showing him there was more out there than crimes to solve, but there were actually people to love.

Love.

He knew he meant it when it slipped out so naturally.

He loved her.

Spencer Reid loved Hermione Granger.

He fell asleep with thoughts of her on his mind, of her warmth soaking into him while he wrapped around her, and the soft sighs she breathed as she slept.

He wished his dreams were filled with her happiness. Instead he dreamt of her tears and heart-wrenching sobs as she paced a doorless, windowless room, banged on the walls while shouting for him and Teddy until she tired and eventually fell into a restless sleep on the cold floor. He kept calling to her trying to let her know she wasn't alone, that he was going to save her, but she couldn't hear him. He couldn't reach or touch her to reassure her.

"Reid!" Morgan called.

He abruptly sat up and wiped at the tears on his face.

He had been crying with Hermione in his dream.

He felt dread pool in his stomach, but didn't know why. Perhaps it was because of Brenda Fielding, the girl who was accidentally killed by the kidnapper cum murderer.

He shelved all thoughts of his dream and turned his mind into working the case.

Hermione and Teddy were fine, he was sure.

o.O.o

Becoming friends with Mrs. Malfoy was easier than talking to Mister Malfoy and Draco.

Thankfully Mister Malfoy only came home by dinner and left sometime after breakfast, if not before. Draco had only come that Saturday night and left before lunch on Sunday.

Teddy avoided Mister Malfoy and Draco as much as Hermione did, though she made sure the two of them both did what they could to invite the two men into getting to know them, or know Teddy at least. Mister Malfoy insisted on using Teddy's proper name and it put his nephew off. Lucius had to have his reasons for keeping Teddy at a distance though, he took every opportunity offered to get to know Teddy.

Mrs. Malfoy, or Narcissa, enjoyed time with Teddy after his lessons. Narcissa had become the aunt that spoiled him and Hermione could only find herself thankful that she truly cared about her nephew. She also seemed to care about her. It made Hermione nervous at first, but Narcissa was proving that she cared for her just as much as Draco and Teddy.

"Auntie Mymy!" Teddy screamed as he ran around the house looking for her with tears streaming down his face.

Her heart leapt in her chest when she heard him running, Gideon's thundering steps coming from the conservatory with Severus, and Mrs. Malfoy's gasp from beside her.

"Teddy!" Hermione called, running toward his voice. He rapidly changed direction and barrelled into her. He knocked her off her feet, but clung to her tightly. She soothed him as she rubbed his back and thanked Gideon when he picked them both off the floor and set her on her feet.

"It's coming!" Teddy cried into her neck. "I don't like it!"

"What's coming?" Gideon immediately asked.

"The thunder," he answered.

"Oh, love," Hermione said softly. "I am very sorry I had not been paying attention."

"Can you make it go away?" Teddy pleaded.

"I wish I could," Hermione replied. "I would just for you if I could. I have an idea!" She said suddenly.

"What?" Teddy asked before clinging to her more tightly when rumbling was heard in the distance.

"Have you ever made a thunder cake?" Hermione asked.

"A thunder cake?" Teddy pulled his head away and looked at her as though he was questioning her sanity.

"A thunder cake." Hermione smiled. "Have you made one, Narcissa?" She asked.

"Not in a very long time," Narcissa answered.

"I don't wanna, want to, make a cake," Teddy said into her neck.

"This is the perfect weather for thunder cake!" Hermione exclaimed. "This cake is very special because we must have it in the oven right before a thunder storm!"

Teddy looked at her again.

"We must hurry!" Narcissa followed along. "The thunderstorm will be on us in a few more moments."

"You need to count for us, Teddy," Hermione said. "Can you do that for Aunt Cissa and me?"

"I'll do my best," Teddy said uncertainly. Thunder rumbled once again and Teddy again hid his head.

"You need to count and tell us what we need for the cake," Narcissa said as everyone followed Hermione and Teddy into the kitchen.

"Every time you hear the thunder you must stop counting so we know how far the storm is," Hermione instructed him. "Here we are," she said and sat him at the table. "You must sit here and watch and listen for us. Mister Gideon and Severus will help you count and read us the list! Hurry now," she said when lightning flashed and thunder distantly rumbled.

"One," Teddy said uncertainly. "Two… three… um… six?" He asked, trying to remember his numbers through his fear.

"Four comes after three," Severus corrected him. "Start again."

"One," he started again while Hermione and Narcissa hurried to gather utensils and bowls to start the cake. They smiled every time Teddy started over and started counting more enthusiastically. "Hurry!" He shouted. "The storm is getting closer! Mister Gideon says you need 'nilla, va-nilla!"

"We are doing our best!" Hermione reassured him while she measured and poured the ingredients into a large bowl and Narcissa whipped up the batter with a wooden spoon.

Eventually, Teddy was jumping up and down on his seat as the storm grew ever closer and his two aunts scurried to grab and measure out the ingredient he told them they needed.

"One… two… No more ingredients!" Teddy shouted.

"Our thunder cake is ready for the oven!" Hermione exclaimed.

A little more than half an hour later the cake was done and the rain was starting. "We have a real thunder cake!" Narcissa laughed when they pulled it from the oven.

"Yay!" Teddy exclaimed. "Thunder cake! Thunder cake!"

"Do you know how we are supposed to eat the cake, Teddy?" Hermione asked.

"Are we supposed to eat it before the storm is over?" He asked.

"Right!" Hermione exclaimed. "But it tastes so much better when we eat it and watch the storm from the conservatory. It tastes like heaven!"

"Really?" Teddy asked.

"That isn't safe," Gideon spoke up. "The windows and glass-"

"We will all be safe," Hermione said reassuringly.

Oddly, he believed her.

Later, he emailed the video he recorded and sent it to Hotch, then added Reid after a moment's thought. Jack had been laughing in his play yard as Hermione and Mrs. Malfoy scurried around the kitchen and sometimes literally tossed ingredients into the batter bowl while Teddy counted and sometimes shouted ingredients at them over the sound of thunder rumbling in the background.

He felt light. His mind relieved and refreshed after the afternoon they had with the thunder cake preparation and eating it in the conservatory while they watched the dark grey clouds cry above them. His mind was off the case the team was consulting on in Maine and he felt the stress melt away a bit more with each laugh Teddy and Jack shared with the four adults.

"You seem happy," Hermione said and slowly reached over to rub her thumb between his brows. "Relaxed too," she said, lowering her hand. "Today suited you."

"I haven't had this much fun in a while," Gideon revealed. "I've done drinks with the team, but that is to unwind and disassociate from a case," he said.

"You have been having trouble putting your cases aside," she said softly.

"Eventually," he sighed, "we all have trouble putting them aside."

"Do you not have an escape?" Hermione asked. "Something that helps you distance yourself from work?"

"My haven was compromised last year," Gideon answered quietly as he pushed the crumbs around on his plate with his fork. "The suspect hacked our database and found all our information… It's hard to relax when my haven is now known."

"Mister Gideon," she said softly. "I cannot be sure how you would feel about this, but… my parents' left me a cottage just outside of Whitehaven. Any time you feel you need to get away, just ask and it will be available, any time," she stressed. After a moment, she said in a softer voice, "I find I cannot go back there. We spent more time at the cottage than the home in London."

"That's… very generous," Gideon said. "I just might take you up on it sometime."

"Do," she said with a slight smile. "I think you will find it very much to your liking." She stood up and collected Jack from his bassinet and took Teddy by the hand. "We three are going to go on an adventure in the house," Hermione said with a wide smile. "We will be back by dinnertime, do you mind?" Hermione asked Narcissa.

"The thunder cake wore me out," she said with a soft smile. "I was thinking of taking a rest for a few minutes, go on without me."

"We haven't been on an adventure since last week!" Teddy exclaimed as the left. "Are we going to see the fairies?" He asked.

Hermione quietly shushed him as they left, not noticing the dark eyes that narrowed at them with suspicion.

She followed Teddy as he rambled on about Magorian catching a niffler for the Headmistress because it had stolen her wand and Professor Dumbledore laughed her out of her office. Professor McGonagall hexed him really good when she returned with it and now the whole Hogwarts staff was laughing because he was missing his beard.

"Do you remember the password?" Hermione asked.

"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good!" Teddy laughed and a door appeared in front of them. He immediately pulled it open and ran inside. "Magorian!" He shouted. "We're back!"

"I can hear you, young foul," a voice spoke from between the trees. "The whole forest can hear."

"You're back!" Teddy laughed.

"As I promised," Magorian replied with a slight bow of his head and a twitch of his lips. "Thaddeus has been waiting for you to visit."

"I had school," Teddy said. "But Auntie Mymy is teaching me at home now."

"As she should have in the beginning," the centaur said admonishingly toward Hermione who blushed in return.

"Go find Thaddeus and have your adventure," Hermione said to Teddy. "We only have a few minutes to visit."

"Who is this young foul?" Magorian asked. "He smells different from you so he does not belong to you."

"This is Jack," Hermione said. "I watch him now while his father works."

Magorian looked up at the night sky, "The stars are in Jack's favour. He shall have a long, happy life."

"That makes me happy to hear it," Hermione said softly. "Would you like to hold him for a moment?" She asked.

"The herd must imprint on him," Magorian said as he stepped closer and gently took Jack from her arms. "He is a healthy foul that will grace Hogwarts in a few years."

"He will?" Hermione asked with surprise.

"Can you not feel your magic supporting him?" Magorian asked. "He relies on you for his growing core. He could not find that from his mother."

"What?" Hermione asked.

"Jack would have been a squib if he had not met you, Hermione," Severus spoke up. "Magorian," he greeted.

"Headmaster," the centaur said. "You have finally made your way back."

"Not completely," Severus said. "I refuse to return to the school."

"You will return in a few years," Magorian said. "It is your destiny."

"Tell me more about Jack, please?" Hermione asked. "What do you mean he would have been a squib?"

"His family were once well-known American wand-holders that eventually bred themselves out a hundred years ago," Magorian answered. "Jack's father needed the right combination to become a wizard, but his surroundings were lacking in magic. Jack inherited the want of magic, but again, lacked the magic… until he met you."

"Your magical core is supporting the growth of Jack's," Severus said. "He lacked the connection with his mother. They are not compatible together. Jack is relying on you for his core to grow healthy. I would say the connection between the two of you happened the instant Jack entered your home."

"There really is nothing I can do if Aaron choses to leave with Jack at any time," Hermione said worriedly.

"Worry not about his father," Magorian said, "but his mother."

"She must feel lost without her son," she said sadly. "I know I would without Teddy and Jack." She looked at Severus after a moment and chuckled. "I suppose it would have been hard to keep this room hidden from you forever."

His lips twitched before saying, "Teddy's comments about fairies made me too curious."

"Our visit must come to an end," Magorian said and handed Jack back to Hermione. "I have asked Firenze to come visit next month. The forest has been unsettled recently."

"Is this because of events we are still uncertain of?" Severus asked.

"They are connected," Magorian answered. "You must stay in this house," he said to Hermione. "You will be safe here."

"What is going on in Britain?" Hermione asked.

"Be safe, young witch," Magorian responded before trotting into the forest.

"What is this place, Hermione?" Severus asked.

"It was the greenhouse," she answered. "I wanted to make an enchanted garden for Teddy to enjoy and it became this… a connection to the Forbidden Forest."

"Is it safe?" He asked.

"Magorian and Firenze assure me it is," she answered. "They sometimes bring the herd's foal here when poachers become a problem."

He slowly pulled out his wand and muttered. She observed the way he meticulously flicked and twisted before eventually nodding to himself and turning to her.

"A few extra precautions," he said. "Magorian will have expected it of me."

"Then I thank you for being thorough where I have been lacking," Hermione replied.

"You were only lacking because of inexperience," Severus responded. "I will teach you," he said firmly. "Come, we have been gone long enough and Narcissa will be looking."

"Teddy!" Hermione called. "Time to leave!"

"Auntie!" Teddy grumbled a moment later after being led out of the forest by a young foal.

"Good evening, Thaddeus," Hermione greeted.

"Good evening, Auntie," Thaddeus greeted excitedly. "I brought Teddy as soon as we heard."

"Thank you very much for doing so," Hermione said and pulled a fresh peach out of her pocket. "Your favourite, I believe."

"Thank you!" Thaddeus called to her with excitement as he trotted back into the forest.

They exited the greenhouse and heard Narcissa calling for them. Severus left them to start on dinner, taking the task from Hermione. Narcissa found them soon after he left and, together, they gave Teddy a review of his day's school lessons in the parlour.

That night, after all was quiet and Jack was asleep in his bassinet near her bed, she settled a few pillows next to her and snuggled into them. All day she had been replaying Spencer's words, his slip of words. Her heart leaped and beat faster when he said those three words, but she held back on reciprocating his feelings.

It was hard for her to decide if a relationship with Spencer would only end up hurting her and Teddy in the end. She knew he was unsure and spent the day distancing himself from Teddy, which only brought him closer to her. Was it a mistake?

Had it been proximity and… hormones… that brought them together? Or the desire to feel romantically wanted?

Romance had been a fleeting thought through the last five years.

Ronald had pushed too hard for something between them, something she knew would burn out quicker than Neville could melt a cauldron.

She wished her pillows were actually Spencer.

Nothing could prevent her from missing one of her best friends now.

Who had killed that sweet man in such a horrible manner?

They had tea and lunch on Wednesdays. He was always there to bring her a new specimen for the garden outside and see to her vegetable patch in the early spring.

He wouldn't be there any longer.

She would never forgive the Order for keeping his death quiet.

Luna might never forgive her for not seeing Neville off, for not being there for her when she was needed the most.

She started out of her thoughts when she saw Jack levitating himself out of his bassinet. He slowly floated toward her and settled on her chest.

Now she understood how he ended up with her that first night. Teddy had done the same when he wanted her. She slowly ran her fingers through Jack's hair and he sighed in his sleep.

He really was a sweet baby, much like Teddy had been.

She hardly slept as she thought more about Spencer and Neville.

Neville would have liked to meet him. He was as protective of Hermione as Harry had once been, but never jealous like Ronald.

Maybe they would have grown to be best friends.

She could imagine Spencer standing up as Neville's best man for the date Luna had settled on for their wedding.

Her hand suddenly stopped over Jack's head.

She had just imagined her and Spencer in a relationship. A relationship that would allow him to grow closer to her best friend.

Her pillows were sorely lacking as a substitute for Spencer.

She needed him there with her. It scared her how fast she had become attached to him after barely knowing him. Her and Teddy had only seen him a few days out of the week when he paused to admire her home.

She never imagined he would one day become someone important to her, someone who could be important to Teddy, maybe Teddy and her if he chose to do so.

Her dreams were filled with Neville talking to her, telling her that Luna needed her… Luna and their child. He was asking her to watch out for them, to protect them. He spoke of Spencer, how pure of a soul he was, and how he matched Hermione perfectly. He would have liked to have met him when he was alive, they would have been best friends like she had predicted.

He turned toward the greenhouses at Hogwarts.

They were beautiful inside. It was like a heaven that only Neville could have dreamed up.

"Will you watch out for my parents?" Neville asked. "They have no one left and my daughter is too young."

"I will," Hermione promised. He smiled and stepped toward the greenhouse. She hurried follow after him, but Neville stopped her.

"You can't go with me this time, 'Mione," he said sadly. "This is my next great adventure."

"Please," Hermione pleaded. "Stay with us."

"It's my time," he said with a sad smile. "You must watch out for Teddy. Don't be rash."

"I am never rash with him," Hermione said with a frown.

He pulled her into a tight hug and whispered, "You'll understand when the time comes, 'Mione. I'll see you and Spencer in a hundred or so years. Give me lots of nephews and nieces!" He teased, then started toward the greenhouse again.

"Please, Neville!" She called. "Please don't go!"

"I love you, Hermione," Neville said just before stepping into the greenhouse and disappearing.

"I love you too," she screamed after him. She crumpled into the grass and grabbed handfuls before someone picked her up and held her closely.

"Shh."

"He's gone," Hermione sobbed. "My brother's gone."

"Shh, Miss Granger," Gideon said softly.

"Bring him back," she begged. "Please! Please bring him back."

"I'm sorry," Gideon said quietly. "I can't. I would bring him back if I had the power, but I don't, I'm sorry."

He gently rocked her as she drifted off.

He had been checking to see if all the windows on the first floor were closed and locked after they we're all opened that morning. He heard Miss Granger murmuring and came to check on her. She had been sleeping with Jack stretched out on her chest. He turned to leave, thinking she was awake and putting Jack to sleep, but her murmuring turned into sobs. He entered her room and put Jack in his bassinet when she started begging for Neville not to leave.

Her sobs became cries and he lifted her and held her.

She needed someone to hold her and he was already there.

He really did wish he had the power to bring back people. There were a lot of families he had been acquainted with that would have given anything to have their loved ones back.

He gently laid her down on the bed again and tucked the covers in around her.

She amazed him.

In their short acquaintance, he underestimated her once and she had proven to him that she could be just as fierce and she could be kind. She was a small slip of a young woman, someone who made Reid look… not so stringy… and yet she felt emotions so deeply. She wore her heart on her sleeve for the whole world to see and he could only admire her for it.

She and her nephew captured everyone around them with their hearts and never expected anything in return. People like Hermione and Teddy needed to be protected.

He took up Reid's room, but left his door ajar so he could hear everything that went on in the house. Hotch messaged him after a few moments and he replied to him with a picture of Jack napping that afternoon before the thunderstorm.

He thought of Miss Granger's offer and decided he would take her up on it after he cleared some vacation time.

o.O.o

"I need to find Luna," Hermione said to Severus while he helped her with breakfast in the kitchen.

"Luna?" He asked.

"Luna Lovegood," she elaborated. "Was-was she there for Neville's funeral?" She asked, whipping the batter for hotcakes more harshly than she intended. He gently placed his hand over hers and she stopped.

"She was only there for a moment, then left," he answered.

"Did she talk to anyone?" Hermione asked.

Severus sighed. "She talked to Potter for a moment. He was… harsh with her, she left right after a few words," he answered.

"I need to find out the conversation," Hermione insisted. "I need to go to England."

"No," Severus said firmly. "Lucky for you I was near." He tapped his temple with a smirk. "I can let you know what was said by tonight."

"Thank you," she breathed then wiped away the tears. "It is very important I find her."

"Lucius and I will see what we can do," Severus replied.

"There…" she sighed. "There might be a child," she confided.

"What?" Severus asked harshly. She flinched and stepped back. "I need to know," he said. "Their lives will depend on it."

"Neville," she said softly. "He was in my dreams last night. He told me to protect Luna and their child… I promised him I would."

"They must be found," Severus said with determination. "I will find them for you," he promised.

"Does Neville have a will?" Hermione asked. His silence was all the answer she needed. "I need to know what it was he wrote," she said firmly. "I must look out for Alice and Frank Longbottom until Neville's child is old enough to do soW."

"Was that another promise?" He asked.

"It was," she answered. "I will watch out for them." She turned and collected Jack from the play yard and grabbed her and Teddy's raincoats from their hook near the back entrance.

"Where are you going?" Severus asked.

"I need to send an owl," she said.

"You cannot go into the post shop," he said firmly. "You need to stay away from anyone who will recognise you."

"I am going to the post shop," she said slowly but just as firmly while she helped Teddy into his coat and bundled up Jack with another blanket.

"I am forced to go with you," Severus said with a scowl.

"If you must," she answered as she opened the back door and ushered Teddy toward the car.

He followed after her with a deeper scowl on his face.

His scowl grew the further away from home she drove. Teddy dozed in his seat and Jack babbled to himself while Severus drew deeper into himself, she could see him closing off his mind. By the time she parked, he had become Professor Snape, spy for the Order.

She palmed her wand before exiting the car and situated Jack in a pram, then placed a tracking charm on Teddy that she made sure could only be removed by her. Severus's eyebrow lifted at the tracking charm, then he sneered at a blonde-haired woman behind her who scurried off in the opposite direction.

"Your magic is scaring the children," Hermione admonished him.

He breathed as he pulled it back into his core and glared at the retreating woman's back before following Hermione inside the diner. They went to the back, toward the lavatories, but stopped at the exit before she tapped a certain rhythm on the door with her wand. They waited for the door to fade away before entering.

She hastily pulled the hood up on her and Teddy's rain coats before anyone noticed them standing at the entrance to Buttonhole Lane. He followed her closely as she made her way toward the Magical Beast Emporium and Post shop. They were mostly ignored, except for one or two people who stopped to point at him. He scowled in their direction and they dashed away faster than the latest Firebolt.

"You still have it," Hermione said with a smirk.

"I did not think I lost it to begin with," he retorted.

"Touché," she said with a chuckle. Someone bumped into her and she swiftly pulled them back with a silent spell. "I believe that belongs to me!" She hissed at the unkempt man and pulled her coin bag out of his hands. "Begone before I hex you," she threatened.

He scampered away before she could issue another threat.

They proceeded toward their destination in silence while Teddy looked around him with awe.

"Miss Granger," an older man greeted her.

"Mister Clavel," Hermione said with a small smile and pulled her hood down. "How has the family been?" She asked pleasantly.

"Fine as can be," he smiled. "My new grandson was born just two days ago."

"Congratulations!" She replied with a wider smile and handed him a galleon. "My gift to your grandson for health and happiness," she said softly.

"You are too kind," he said with his head bowed. "I thank you very much for the gift."

"I have a letter," Hermione said as she pulled it out and handed it over. He took it and handed it to the nearest owl. "Thank you, Mister Clavel," she said sincerely and handed him a generous number of sickles and knuts. Mister Clavel protested, but she insisted he use the extra for owl treats.

"I have a new addition," Mister Clavel said. "A sad little thing," he said as he showed them toward the back. "The poor kneazle may not make it through the next day or two."

Hermione looked into the box to see a small kitten with wide blue eyes looking up at them as he laid and mewled for his mother.

"May I take the kitten?" Severus spoke up.

"Are you sure?" Mister Clavel asked. "He may not make it and-"

"I said I will take it," Severus scowled. Mister Clavel stuttered before handing the kitten over to him.

"No charge," he said when Severus reached for his coin purse. "Just knowing if he lives will be payment enough for me. Maybe a picture to see him happy, if you please?" he asked.

"Of course," Severus said more softly.

They left the shop after their business there was complete and started for the grey limestone building at the fork in the alley. People watched them as they made their way and she realised she had forgotten to put her hood up again. Severus rushed them toward the building and nearly shoved them inside the doors.

"Shrink the pram," he ordered. "It gets in the way if we need to hurry again."

She did as he said before they walked deeper into the building. The counters were nearly full, except for one in the corner. She hastened her feet in that direction and got there in time to catch the goblin before he could leave.

"Good morning," she greeted. "I need to see someone on a matter of a friend's last will."

"Miss Granger," the goblin said with slight respect. "Follow me, please," he ordered.

He lifted the counter and they followed him through a door and into a large chamber with a desk situated in a corner where the head goblin was working through a stack of parchments.

"Mister Snape, Miss Granger," the goblin greeted when they entered. "I have been waiting for you, Miss Granger," he said.

"You have?" She asked with confusion.

"Have you not received our summons?" The goblin asked.

"No," Hermione answered. "I have not received any mail since I moved here five years ago."

The two goblins shared a surprised glance between each other before looking back at her.

"We will see to it that it does not happen again," he replied. "We apologise."

"You have no need to apologise," Hermione responded. "I am here now. May I ask what I have been summoned for?"

"The Last Will and Testament of Sirius Black, The Last Will and Testament of Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, The Last Will and Testament of Remus and Nymphadora Lupin, The Last Will and Testament of Neville Longbottom, and confirmation on the wills of Luna Lovegood and Minerva McGonagall."

By the time he finished she was stunned into silence.

"I was supposed to have received summons for all those?" She finally asked.

"Yes," the head goblin answered. "I will see to it this does not happen again."

"Thank you," Hermione said sincerely.

"Shall we start from the beginning?" He asked.

"I think that is best," Hermione replied.

By the time he was finished, Hermione's vault was fuller than she was comfortable with and there was more to come in a few years, her library gained more books than it could currently hold, she received twenty letters for Teddy to read on his birthdays, and she accepted Ambrosia Alice Longbottom as her goddaughter.

"Why did Neville keep Ambrosia a secret?" Hermione asked when they were safely back in her car. "Every Wednesday I had tea and lunch with Neville and he never once hinted at him and Luna expecting."

"He had his reasons," Severus said softly.

"What reasons?" She snapped.

"Events did not pop up overnight," he answered.

"What do you mean?" Hermione asked.

"Things have been the same since the death of the Dark Lord," Severus explained. "Potter likes to see everything through rose coloured glasses, but nothing changed. There are still sympathisers, there are still Death Eaters on the loose in the open, and Hogwarts still has not recovered from the damage."

"Why has no one told me?" Hermione asked. "I have been living life thinking everything was fine now! That we earned the change we fought for! Why have I been kept in the dark?" Her voice rose.

"Do you really want to know why?" Severus hissed. "You are a very powerful and well-known muggleborn witch and that makes the purebloods very uncomfortable. They will not rest until your head is on a pike in front of the Ministry. You left without any forwarding address and they are in a scramble to locate you and take you down with the harshest means possible. Your death will not be a quick one, Hermione.

"Anyone who is suspected to be in contact with you is in constant danger. You are very lucky to have left when you did and did not look back. Potter never told anyone where you live," he informed her. "I took extra precautions early on to ensure Potter could not tell anyone. You must stay here and out of the limelight like you have been doing until we can neutralise the threat in Britain."

She was quiet as she soaked in all the information.

"You still have not told me why I was not told," she said in a more subdued tone.

"Because Potter sees the world around him as if he were a child again and Mister Longbottom wanted you to enjoy a life without having to look over your shoulder, you insufferable know-it-all!" He hissed.

She pulled into her drive to find Gideon waiting for them with a scowl on his face that matched Severus's. She ignored him while gathering Jack and Teddy.

"Let us get one thing straight," she hissed at the both of them. "I am not a shrinking violet. I can very well take care of Teddy, Jack, and myself without interference," she hissed at Gideon. "If those bloody sympathisers want my head on a pike then I will go back to Britain and prove to them just how inbred and powerless they really are!"

Severus grabbed her arms and yelled, "You will do no such thing, you stupid girl! We are trying to protect you, not hand you over to that scum! Do you want to die and leave Teddy to the mercy of Potter or alone with the Malfoys? Do you want undo all our hard work with your rashness?"

She stepped back

"Don't be rash."

She could hear Neville telling her that again as she ushered Teddy toward the house until Severus pulled her shoulder back.

"I apologise for being harsh," he said softly.

"You can thank Neville for telling me not to be rash," she replied. "Otherwise I would be packing my bags right now."

"Foolish girl," he murmured.

"I may be foolish," she retorted, "but I am tired of this never-ending war and I am sure everyone else is tired too. If my death is what it takes to end everything, then I will take down as many of those bastards as I can with me!" She hissed at him quietly, then turned and ushered Teddy into the mudroom, then the kitchen where Narcissa and Mister Malfoy were waiting.

"Miss Granger," Mister Malfoy greeted.

"Since mostly everyone is here," Hermione interrupted. "There is one rule in this house that has not been enforced. Everyone must take their shoes off at the door and slip on a pair of house shoes from the storage cupboard. I do not like the gunk from outside entering my home, I have allergies that cause migraines," she said shortly then turned and opened the closet to take out a bucket and rags. "I will be busy for the next few hours. I am starting with the kitchen, if you please," she said pointedly. "You may play outside for today," she said to Teddy more softly. "Remember the rules."

"Stay behind the fence and don't talk to strangers," Teddy repeated dutifully.

"Right," Hermione said, watching as he ran out excitedly.

"Miss Granger," Mister Malfoy said again.

"Your shoes, if you please," she said firmly before placing Jack in a bouncer and getting down on her knees.

"What are you doing?" Mister Malfoy and Narcissa asked in alarm.

"I am washing my floors," she answered as she dipped her hand into the bucket with the rag.

"Why are you doing servant's work?" Mister Malfoy asked. "I can easily have-"

"Mister Malfoy," Hermione said with slight exasperation. "I like performing this mindless task, I find it stress relieving. Now if you please, I have to clean the rooms down here along with the upper floors."

Mister Malfoy's jaw set, he lifted his head and strode into the dining room. Severus slowly kneeled and grabbed a rag.

"I think I will help," he said. "I could use a mindless task anyway."

Mrs. Malfoy floundered for a moment.

"Why do you not play a game with Teddy," Hermione suggested. "I am sure he would enjoy the company."

Narcissa smiled before following after Teddy. Hermione had never imagined Narcissa as a parent who would play outside in the leaves or snow, but she was. Teddy would enjoy his aunt and much as he enjoyed his godmother.

"Miss Granger," Gideon said with his arms crossed. "I'm going to ask that you not leave me alone with Mister Malfoy again."

She tried her best to hide her smile, but failed.

"Sorry," she said, looking up. "I will remember to let you know the next time I go out."

"Thank you," he said. "And if you even think of running off to get yourself killed, I'll make sure Reid follows."

She slipped onto her chest and glared up at him.

"Don't do it and I won't tell Reid," Gideon said with a small nod, then went outside with Narcissa and Teddy.

"Graceful," Severus said with a scoff.

"Shut up," Hermione murmured as she picked herself up and started scrubbing again.

She thought about Spencer again as she scrubbed.

How easy it was for her mind to turn to him when he was barely a passing thought a few days ago. How easy it would be to love him back if she allowed herself. It was hard to allow the feeling to overcome her senses when she and Teddy had more to lose than Spencer did.

She could dispute for the next week or month on the fact that her and Teddy had a lot to lose, the question she knew she should be asking herself was if Spencer was worth the loss if they tried at a relationship and eventually failed.

Was he worth any heartaches if she let him further into their lives?

"Is something wrong?" Severus asked.

Hermione looked at him then started scrubbing again.

"Thinking," she replied. It was nearly lunch time and her back and knees ached, Severus and her were half over with cleaning the floors.

"This task is supposed to be mindless," he said with a bit of sarcasm.

"It is, but I cannot just turn off my brain," she retorted. "Besides, I was able to get to the root of what I should be asking myself not a moment ago."

"I seem to have thought of a way to shorten the brewing time for a calming draught," he said with a slight smile.

"Speaking of which," Hermione said. "I think you might find the northwest attic a very good place to set up a lab."

Severus stopped scrubbing and looked at her. "You will let me?" He asked carefully.

"I will," Hermione said with a small smile. "I know you will be careful."

"I will," he promised.

"You always are," she murmured. "Perhaps we should order some lunch today," she suggested.

He uprighted himself and popped his spine while doing so.

"Wonderful suggestion," he muttered.

"I will finish up the rest after lunch," Hermione said. "You can start on setting up your lab in your attic."

"Oh no."

Hermione stiffened, but started scrubbing the floors more furiously.

"You gave Uncle Severus leave to disappear into your house for days or weeks at a time," Draco teased Severus.

"Draco," Severus drawled with a warning edge to his tone. "You forget I have known you since your birth," he said lightly, but no less threateningly.

"Do you need any help setting up?" Draco immediately responded. "My father brought lunch," he said to Hermione just as hastily before turning to help his godfather off the floor.

Hermione slowly popped her own back and lifted the bouncer with Jack inside.

"Allow me," Draco said. Hermione hesitated, but eventually handed the napping baby over to him.

"Thank you," she said with a wince as she started walking tenderly toward the staircase. "Perhaps I should finish with the floors tomorrow." She groaned. "Oh, this is hell on my hips."

"Try being my age," Severus said as he handed over a pain potion, then glided past her with Draco on his heels.

"Cheater!" Hermione called after him.

"It is called Slytherin cunning," Draco called back to her.

"Cheater," she mumbled as she followed them.

"Miss Granger," Mister Malfoy said as he placed a large basket down on the table. "Where did you say those house slippers are?" He asked.

She nearly laughed.

Lucius Malfoy was standing in her dining room… barefoot.

"In the storage room, just off of the entrance hall," she answered. "If you feel more comfortable, you may wear your own as long as you have not been outside in them."

He looked a bit relieved and swiftly left the dining room.

She had to bite her cheek to keep herself from laughing.

"Are you done cleaning?" Teddy asked.

"Nearly," Hermione answered. "Did you need something?" She asked.

He pushed the pasta around on his plate while saying, "I wanted to go to the park."

Hermione pulled out her mobile and typed in a few words before replying.

"How about we do something better?" She asked.

"Like what?" Teddy asked excitedly.

"The Children's Theatre is putting on Pinocchio in two hours," she said and waited for his reaction.

"Yes!" Teddy shouted.

"Shh, love," Hermione quieted him. "Jack is napping," she explained. "After you finish up with your plate we will go," she promised.

"We're going to have so much fun!" Teddy smiled as he hurried to finish his food, only slowing down when Hermione warned him to eat slower.

"How about we invite Aunt Cissa to come with us," Hermione suggested to Teddy.

"Will you come with us?" Teddy asked Narcissa.

"I will," she agreed with a smile.

Teddy all but pushed them into the entrance hall after they were done eating and grew impatient when Hermione couldn't find her keys. She checked the hooks in the mudroom off of the kitchen and still could not find them.

It wasn't until she was back in the entrance hall that she found Mister Gideon slowly tossing them in his hand.

She crossed her arms and glared at him.

"You do know the idiom, 'Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me'?" She asked.

"I'm familiar with it," he answered.

"Make it a third time and you will never grow a single hair on your head again," she promised him.

He could only believe her.

Needless to say, Gideon was a consummate rule breaker.

He broke the traffic rules where he could get away with it, but otherwise did nothing else to upset Hermione… like chasing a car that had been tailing them, or nearly causing accidents by passing stop lights… though she would never tell him she had charmed her crossover to prevent an accident.

Hermione was relieved to arrive at the theatre without another incident. Gideon didn't know how serious she was about him losing his hair permanently… for a few months at least… just to scare him.

She purchased the tickets and they spread out a blanket and pillows to watch the string puppets. Pinocchio was Teddy's favourite story and she was glad to see he was enjoying it as the voice actors used the puppets to bring the story to life.

Part way into the story she noticed he had practically buried himself into her side and kept looking between the stage and a woman sitting close to them off to Narcissa's right side. She kept a side glance and noticed the woman kept looking over at them for long periods of time and would look back at the stage when she turned her head to look at her.

After the third time, she put the woman at the back of her mind when Jack started whinging. She discreetly cast a warming charm on his bottle when she stuck her hand in his nappy bag to grab it and fed him before he could start crying.

It wasn't until she needed to burp Jack that she noticed the woman staring again.

It made her uncomfortable and knew it made Teddy uncomfortable.

"Pick me up in the front," Gideon said just as the lights were raised after the show.

Hermione turned to find the woman but she had already disappeared into the crowd.

"Are you alright?" Narcissa asked.

"Sorry," Hermione said as she led them to the car and met Mister Gideon at the front. He was scowling at the crowd, but just as suddenly wiped the expression off his face when she pulled up to the front of the theatre. "Is everything alright?" She asked him when he got in.

"Fine," he answered shortly. "The team is nearly done with the case," he said. "They'll be back in two days."

"Jack will be excited to see his father," Hermione smiled as she drove off.

o.O.o

The case became more complicated as soon as it seemed everything was going their way.

The kidnapper turned out to be Mr. Harding, who everyone thought was dead. He had left a viable finger print after taking two more children and they ran the print through the identification records collected by the DPS. The print was determined to be from Mr. Harding. Garcia had managed to pull a clip of his voice from one of the videos sent to the parents, and they retrieved a home video from Mrs. Harding to have them analysed and it was all confirmed a few hours later.

Finding where he could be hiding the children was more difficult.

Mrs. Harding refused to let them read and examine her husband's journals and other personal effects until they brought her a court order from a judge.

After a few more hours wasted on waiting for the order, they finally had the journals in their possession and Mrs. Harding was once again shocked.

"She believed we were fabricating a story that Mr. Harding was alive," Reid said. "I don't think she's going to recover anytime soon unless she chooses to get angry and move on."

"I'll take the angry card," JJ said. "'Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.' She's going to get even."

"She cares about her husband still, obviously," Morgan disputed. "I say she'll be broken over it for a long time."

"She's a mother," Hotch said as he skimmed through a journal. "She'll concentrate on Theodore before revenge or staying broken up over her husband."

"I think she'll concentrate on Theodore, but take her revenge by not letting Mr. Harding see Theodore until he's at least 18," Reid said as he sorted through a few boxes.

Hotch's mobile and his went off.

"This is Hotch."

"Reid here."

They answered together.

"Teddy's been taken," Gideon said gravely.

"What?" Reid shouted as he grasped at an object at the bottom of the box. His heart squeezed uncomfortably in his chest and he lost his breath. He grasped his mobile as his world flipped upside down with Gideon's message.

Hermione would be inconsolable, he needed to be there for her.

"I'm coming," Reid said instantly knowing he had to go back.

He had to find Teddy.

He had to make sure Teddy got back to them safely.

"You can't leave!" Morgan was quick to object. "We need you here to figure out where Harding is hiding the children!"

"They have you!" Reid shouted at his friend. "Teddy and Hermione need me right now, not the children!" He pushed the letter into Morgan's chest. "You'll find the kids there," he said with certainty.

"We'll be right behind you as soon as we get to the children," Hotch replied.

Reid nodded before rushing to collect his go-bag and hop on the next plane back to Virginia.

The ticket cost him extra but he didn't care how much he had to pay out of pocket for an airline ticket. He was back home after two hours and drove up to Hermione's house to find all the lights off. He dialled Gideon as soon as he determined no one was home.

"She's not home," Reid said as soon as Gideon answered.

"We're at headquarters," he responded.

He drove the rental car faster than he knew he should, but he had to get to Hermione and he had to find Teddy for her. He nearly rammed the security gate, but stopped just in time to flash his ID to the guard and sped into the first open spot he found.

He found Hermione in the meeting room, pacing and weeping as she argued into her mobile.

"Hermione," Spencer breathed, struggling to catch his breath after climbing all those stairs instead of waiting for the lifts.

She swiftly turned and she had never looked more beautiful to him, red swollen eyes and all.

"Spencer," Hermione whispered.

He immediately swept her into his arms and held her tight.

"I got here as fast as I could," Spencer murmured into her hair. He pulled back and looked down at her. "I'll find Teddy," he said. "I'll find him and bring him back to us safely," he promised.

"They won't tell me anything," Hermione cried. She pulled him back into her arms and held onto him just as tightly as he was holding her again.

"I'll find out," he whispered. "I'll find out everything and bring Teddy home."

He leaned down and kissed her firmly before releasing her and turning to leave, but stopped when he saw Garcia was blocking the doorway with her hands clasped together and proverbial stars shining in her eyes.

"You're so romantic, Wonder Boy!" She exclaimed.

"Where's Gideon?" He asked, ignoring her comment.

"In his office gathering a few smart people to start on the search," Garcia said. "Hi," she told Hermione. "I'm Penelope Garcia and you're super beautiful!"

"I-I, um, thank you," Hermione stuttered. "I have always liked the name Penelope," she said uncertainly.

"Oh, bloody gosh!" Garcia squealed. "She's smart enough to like me and she's British too!" She practically screamed with excitement. "Don't you worry now, Junior G-Man is going to find your nephew for you! He promised and Wonder Boy always keeps his promises!"

Jack's cry split the air and Garcia stopped talking to watch Hermione as she reached into the pram she hadn't noticed before and pulled out a familiar baby.

"What are you doing with Jack?" Garcia asked. "You're not stepping out on Genius with Hotch are you?" She asked, making gagging noises. "Because then I'll have to hurt you for hurting Wonder Boy and I really, really like your face."

"I am just watch Jack for Aaron," Hermione said quietly.

"What happened to Haley?" Garcia asked suspiciously.

"That is not my business to tell," she replied.

"So what's your name?" Garcia asked.

"I apologise, Hermione Granger," Hermione answered.

"No middle name?" Garcia enquired. "I wish I had one. Maybe I'll add Maria to my name."

"Jane," Hermione said softly. "Hermione Jane Granger."

"Hermione," Spencer called, walking into the room again and wrapped his arms around her and Jack. "Does Teddy know your cell phone number or landline?" He asked.

"My mobile," Hermione said. "I did not set up a landline."

"May I have your phone?" He asked. "We want to intercept any calls so we can track them to Teddy's location." He looked at Garcia and she hastily scrambled to her tech room.

"Yes," she said as she handed him her mobile. "Do you need anything else?" She asked.

"Do you have a safe word or phrase to let Teddy know you're coming for him?" Spencer inquired.

"We… we have a phrase that means more than one thing," Hermione answered.

"Like what?" He asked.

"Well, if we are happy and we say it, it means we can be as silly as we want," she explained, "but if we are in trouble and I speak it then Teddy takes it to mean one of two things or both."

"How would he interpret it?" Spencer asked.

"If he is scared, he will take it to mean that I will be there for him, always," she said. "Or he may take it to mean to be as mischievous as he can to escape if his feelings are being hurt."

"What's the phrase?" Spencer questioned.

"'I solemnly swear that I am up to no good,'" Hermione answered.

"Do you need to say it or can someone else?" He inquired.

"I think Teddy trusts you and Gideon enough to take the words seriously if one of you were to say them," Hermione replied.

He felt his heart warm at that.

"Is there anything else you all need?" Hermione asked.

"Right now, we need whoever took Teddy to call," Spencer said softly as he stepped closer to her and rested his forehead on her shoulder. "They will call," he said firmly. "I'll do whatever it takes to bring Teddy back when we trace the call."

"You must come back too," Hermione said worriedly. "You must come back with Teddy or I will have to… I will have to…"

Spencer kissed her neck and she never completed the thought.

"I'll bring Teddy back with me," he promised again.

He could hear Garcia cooing at them inside her tech room.

"Miss Granger," Mister Malfoy stepped into the room, followed by Severus and Gideon.

"What did Kingsley say?" Hermione asked immediately.

"All our hands are tied, including yours," Severus answered.

"What?" Hermione yelled. "Teddy is out there and they are refusing to allow us-"

"It is a mundane matter," Mister Malfoy interrupted. "Our hands are tied. We cannot do anything that will compromise the… Ministry… or we will face prison time."

Hermione grew red as she stared at them in disbelief.

"Fuck prison time!" She screamed at them and banged her fist into the table.

Spencer and Gideon stared at her in surprise.

"Do not be rash, girl!" Severus hissed.

"Don't be rash," she muttered as she bounced Jack. "Don't be rash. Don't be rash. Damn Neville. Damn you Severus, you manipulative bastard, do not ever use my brother's words against me again!" She hissed.

"I do wish you would not damn your goddaughter's father," an airy voice said.

Hermione gasped.

"We found the last person who could at least keep you from being so headstrong," Mister Malfoy said with a sneer.

"Hello, Hermione," Luna said with her ethereal voice and knowing smile.

"Luna," Hermione sobbed. She rushed toward her friend and pulled Luna into her arms. "They found you," she cried and held her friend tight as they sank to the floor.

"I do believe someone is unhappy," Luna murmured as she allowed Hermione to hug the life out of her. She swiftly swapped her daughter for Jack between them somehow. "Meet your goddaughter, Ambrosia Alice Hermione Longbottom."

"She is beautiful," Hermione whispered. "Oh, Luna. Ambrosia is simply a vision!" She slowly ran her fingers through the tiny baby's white downy hair. "I thought it was Ambrosia Alice Longbottom," she said after a moment.

"Neville and I decided to add Hermione at the last moment," Luna said with a small smile. "We wanted it to be a surprise."

Hermione leaned her head on Luna shoulder and cried.

"You will not leave me too?" Hermione whispered.

"I will do my best," Luna promised. "Will you introduce me to your soulmate?" She whispered to Hermione while looking up at Spencer.

Hermione looked at Luna with disbelief.

"Hello, I am Luna, Hermione's almost sister," she greeted Spencer, holding her hand out to him.

"I, uh, I'm Doctor Spencer Reid," he answered while looking down at her and shaking her hand uncertainly. Luna was as small as Hermione with a similar build.

"You match," Luna said softly. "I can see how you and Hermione will complete each other."

Hermione's mobile went off and she jumped up to answer, but Spencer held her back and connected the call.

"This is Doctor Spencer Reid for Hermione Jane Granger," he answered and looked down at Hermione.

He overheard her conversation with Garcia and knew the techy would currently be in her room, looking up Hermione.

"Doctor," Teddy said as he hiccupped.

Gideon pulled Hermione back and covered her mouth before she could so much as utter a small sound while Spencer talked to Teddy.

Spencer's heart wrenched in his chest at Teddy's voice. He was scared, crying, and looking for comfort in Hermione's voice.

"It's me, Teddy," Spencer said reassuringly. "Are you alright?" He asked. "Do you know where you are?"

"Shut up," a woman's voice said harshly. "Teddy, is fine… for now," she said and disconnected.

Hermione screamed into Gideon's hand and thrashed around until he released her. Spencer was at her side in one stride and holding her up as she screamed into his chest.

"Oh, dear," Luna murmured as she deftly rescued her daughter from Hermione's hysterics. "Would you mind taking the children home, Professor Snape?" She asked. "I fear the situation is too upsetting for these young ones."

"Mister Snape can stay in the tech room with Garcia," Gideon said before Severus could agree. "The children can be closer to you and Hermione if they need you right away," he reasoned.

Severus was relieved at the suggestion.

"I will see to what connections I can at the Ministry here," Mister Malfoy told Severus before leaving.

Gideon escorted Severus to the tech room just a room away from the meeting room. He opened the door to familiar beeping and clicking of the keyboard.

"Ah ha!" Garica shouted. "Found something! Oh… hello," she said uncertainly when she saw Gideon and Severus.

"Why are you looking up Miss Granger?" Gideon asked as he peeked over her shoulder.

"Oh… uh… just wanted to make sure she checked out?" Garcia asked.

Gideon stared and she twitched.

"Did you know that she was coined as a Baroness by Her Royal Highness?" Garcia asked with a high voice. "She earned the title-"

"We all earned titles for saving our country," Severus drawled.

"Oh," Garcia said, then after a moment asked, "What title were you given?"

"Duke," Severus said with a sneer.

'Duke,' Garcia mouthed.

She rolled her chair closer to him and leaned in closer.

"Any chance of a date?" She asked while fluttering her eyelashes.

Severus looked down at her before abruptly taking her lips with his.

She gasped for breath when she pulled back and patted her heart.

"You are taken," Severus said. "I do not date women who are in relationship with someone else."

"What is this?" Gideon asked.

He completely ignored the scene and surprised Garcia with his question.

"Junior G-Man asked me to find the boy in the photo," she answered breathlessly.

He stared at her with a blank expression.

"Spen-" she tried to clarify before he abruptly left, "-cer," she finished lamely.

Gideon nearly ran into the meeting room and stopped in front of Spencer with a furious expression.

"Where did you get it?" He asked harshly.

"Get what?" Spencer asked with confusion.

"The photo, Reid! Where did you get the photo?" Gideon yelled. "The one you sent to Garcia!"

His face cleared before answering, "It belongs to Hermione."

"What photo?" Hermione asked hesitantly.

"The one of your mother and her brother," Spencer answered. "I wanted to help you find your uncle."

"Oh, Spencer," Hermione said softly. "I think I might have given up hope when I found out their adoption records were burned."

"Garcia can find him for you if he's in our database," Spencer said determinedly. "Did she find anything?" He asked Gideon who was looking at Hermione intently.

He slowly pulled out his billfold and handed her a picture that had been handled and folded so many times, though the subjects had been left undisturbed from the constant handling.

She looked at the picture to see two children with their arms wrapped around each other as they sang a duet next to the Christmas tree.

"Little Drummer Boy," Hermione said softly. "My mum sang it with her brother in that photo. Is this-are you-?"

"My sister and I sang Little Drummer Boy our last Christmas together," Gideon softly replied. "This photo captured the last Christmas I ever saw Perdita."

"You are my uncle?" Hermione asked with no little hope in her voice.

Gideon turned his photo over and she read their names written on the back: Gideon and Perdita Jane.

She hastily grabbed his arm, seeking something or someone to ground her, and looked up at him.

"You have your mother's hair," Gideon murmured. "How didn't I see it before?"

She gripped his arm tighter as he tenderly cupped her cheek.

"Are you really my uncle?" Hermione asked.

"I am," he murmured. He slowly wrapped her in an embrace, but gripped her fiercely. "I'll help Reid bring Teddy back to you," he whispered. "I'm going to do everything I can."

He released her and brushed her tears away.

"Reid," he said while still looking at his niece. How did he not see his sister in her before? Perdita and Hermione were practically twins, but Hermione was Perdita all grown up. "Go help Agents Riesa and Henley question the neighbours, they should be waiting for you in my office."

Spencer moved to leave, but not before Hermione squeezed his hand.

"I'll go have Garcia pull up the street cameras in the area," Gideon said softly, but stayed looking at her and taking her in. "Is… how… Perdita… how is your mother doing?" He asked.

Hermione's face crumbled and buried it in her hands.

His heart fell to his feet and he pulled her into a hug.

"How?" He asked.

"Home… killed," she said brokenly.

He hid his face in her hair and cried for the first time since he left his sister behind.

She was gone.

His sister… gone…

Again.

"You've been alone," he whispered. "All this time."

Hermione nodded.

"I have you," he murmured. "I'm here now."

He slightly pulled away, but she held onto him more tightly. The girl, Hermione's friend… he forgot her name… she looked at him and nodded, then easily manoeuvred herself into his place.

He would be back to reclaim it when he found Teddy.

"I will find him," he said firmly before leaving.

She thought she had gotten over emotional days.

Doctor Spencer Reid had run into her life, bringing Teddy to life again and bringing her family back to her. Meeting him had brought back the long-gone days of stress from war, the emotional ride of putting trust in people she was unaccustomed to, the loss of trust in a best friend, even Teddy being taken.

But despite all the chaos, he brought joy, love, and family to her.

He was definitely a person she would risk a relationship with because it could only benefit them all in the end.

If, somewhere down the line, they split, then Teddy and her would be all the better for having known Spencer.

She looked at Luna and in that moment they knew, she knew, that everything would be alright.

Everything would be alright because Spencer and her uncle would see to it. Her Uncle Gideon who Spencer had found in an unintentional manner.

"Am I interrupting something?" Garcia asked as she handled a squalling Jack. Hermione looked at her but continued hugging Luna. "I, er, don't do nappies," she said with a wrinkled nose.

Hermione took Jack and set about changing his nappy. Garcia was gone before Hermione even undid the first snap.

She felt lighter, more certain of herself than she had in years.

"There you are," Luna murmured as she rested her head on Hermione's shoulder.

"Here I am," Hermione smiled and lifted Jack into her arms to cuddle with him.

Mister Malfoy entered again and took a seat near them. He and Hermione stared at each other before she discreetly flicked her wrist while bouncing Jack, and set up a strong silencing charm that caused every electrical gadget to short and spark.

Jack laughed at the sparks and Mister Malfoy lifted an eyebrow and smirked with approval.

"We were given the approval to take down the person who took Edward," he began. "There is one thing the American Ministry asked of us," he said and waited for her to ask. Hermione motioned for him to continue. "We must not allow the muggles to see us perform the magic."

He expected her to start shouting, but instead she surprised him with her calculating look.

"There are two agents who are very likely to be on the rescue team," Hermione started. "Agents Riesa and Henley, I believe. Spencer is with them at the moment, questioning the neighbours. I think a few charms and potions will… help… one of you easily be on the rescue team," she said. "The other will be disillusioned. If the one posing as one of the agents cannot take out this miscreant with a stunner, then they will make sure their partner can," she said. "We will not interfere in the rescue any other way," she warned. "We will stun and stand back as the agents move in."

Mister Malfoy gave her a nod of approval and stood.

"You are not fighting to be one of the two," he observed.

"I cannot because I will most likely end up killing them," Hermione said darkly. "I only ask the person to stun this miscreant use a strong one."

He chuckled and gave her another nod before being stopped at the door.

"Mister Malfoy," Hermione said. "This war is going to end once and for all."

"You will leave Edward to mourn the loss of another mother?" He asked.

"Not I," Hermione said. "I have a plan," she said decisively.

"I shudder to think that you are using that brilliant mind again, Miss Granger," Mister Malfoy replied. "I will make sure things go accordingly."

"I trust you, Lucius," Hermione said softly.

He stared at her before nodding slowly and left.

"What happened in here?" Garcia gasped as she ran into the room.

"There was a flash, then some smoke and a few sparks," Hermione answered carefully.

Garcia fluttered about the room as she murmured to herself and poked a few wires with the tip of a pen.

"I came to tell you that the team finished up with the case," she said dazedly. "They'll be here in the next two hours to help with Teddy."

Hermione noticed the odd looks Garcia was sending Luna as she danced around the meeting room. Luna was, of course, oblivious. Suddenly she stopped dancing and tilted her head.

"Ambrosia needs me," she said. Luna barely took a step towards the door when Severus appeared with her daughter. Ambrosia was crying and kicking, she wasn't happy about something.

Severus was quick to hand over the small child to Luna and Ambrosia immediately stopped crying when she was in her mother's arms.

He looked relieved.

"I have to help Lucius," Severus said hastily and left before any of them could blink.

Hermione's laugh followed him down the hall.

Luna smiled at her laughter.

"It is so nice to finally hear you laugh again," she said.

"I feel more me then I have in ages," Hermione replied. "When Teddy is back, we are going to visit Remus and Tonks in England," she said solemnly. "Then we will go to Australia to see to the repairs to our home in Port Fairy. I have not decided if I am going to sell it or keep it.

"After Teddy and I have seen to our home, I want to take him to see the spring blossoms in Japan and experience their culture," she said with a bit of wistfulness. "I can make our visit a part of his home education. There are so many things I want to teach him, but I held back because I did not feel brave anymore. I kept to myself and my research while keeping Teddy safe the only way I knew how."

"By hiding yourself behind books," Luna finished for Hermione with a small sigh.

"Why did you or Neville not tell me about Ambrosia?" Hermione asked.

"She needs to be unknown," Luna answered. "They wanted to erase the Longbottom family."

"I could have protected you," Hermione said. "I will protect you and Ambrosia."

"I know you will," Luna said with a smile. "Neville told me to wait until Professor Snape found us. He said the professor would bring us to you and you would protect us."

"Why did you and Neville not come before he-before," she wiped away the sudden tears, "before he died?" She finished.

"Neville was important, you know that," Luna said, almost chastising her. "His influence held back more supporters than any of us knew. It was hard to find our world once again turned inside out after they killed him."

Hermione hugged her.

Luna was hurting.

It didn't seem like it to anyone who didn't know her, she seemed the innocently happy girl she had always been when Hermione met her at Hogwarts, but Luna was truly hurting over Neville's death.

"I should not have waited to marry him like he asked," Luna said softly.

"Hindsight is a bloody bitch," Hermione said and Luna laughed.

"I have not heard you curse like that in a while," she said.

"I stopped after Harry and I decided I would be Teddy's main guardian," Hermione replied. "This situation makes me so angry!" She said harshly and started pacing. "I cannot find the will to hold my tongue!"

"Habits are hard to break," Luna said lightly.

"Of course," Hermione sighed. "I should not allow myself to fall into that habit again," she said with a slight smile.

"Well, well," Draco drawled with his arms crossed and a wide smirk on his face. "Who knew Saint Granger had a dirty little habit?"

"Stuff it," Hermione said with a roll of her eyes.

"Let's hear it then," Draco continued. "For old time's sake. You can use it on me, Merlin knows you want to."

Hermione bit her lip.

"No," she finally said. "Bygones are bygones. Rehashing whatever you have in mind will only ruin whatever truce we have come to." She sat again and turned to find Garcia staring at Draco with… was that drool running down her chin? "Have you managed to find the problem?" Hermione asked the woman who just stared.

Draco shifted uncomfortably and moved closer to Hermione and Luna while Garcia watched him while holding two wires in her hands.

"Miss Garcia?" Hermione asked, a little amused.

"What?" The woman asked. "Oh," she said and wiped the corner of her mouth with her sleeve. "Everything's fried, completely fried."

"Even your brain?" Hermione teased.

Garcia laughed and said, "I knew I liked you, your highness."

"What?" Hermione asked with confusion.

"Your Baroness?" Garcia asked.

Hermione blushed hotly.

"You looked me up," she said. "I supposed I should have expected that eventually."

"Why is this room dark?" Gideon asked, then flipped the light switch up and down before stopping and starting at Garcia. "Aren't you supposed to be working on the video feed?" He asked.

"I would be if two of my screens and units hadn't gave out," she answered. "I was looking through the feed and there was this lovely woman in a wonderfully retro dress that I would kill to have-"

Gideon cleared his throat and she abruptly stopped.

"Then Kaput!" Garcia clapped. "My screens flickered off, the CPUs sparked and gave up the ghost, and I rushed in here to find the whole room had fried too!"

"You can worry about the… fries… later," Gideon said with a stony face. "Go find more computers and get me the feed on the videos!" He yelled.

She shrunk back.

"Yes, sir!" Garcia said as she hastily climbed to her feet from her knees and rushed out of the room.

"I can see how you are related now." Luna laughed. "Definitely the temper."

"What?" Draco asked. "Saint Granger is related to tall, dark, and grumpy?"

He rolled his chair back at Hermione and Gideon's glares.

"Yeah," he said. "I see it now too."

"Did you come here for a reason?" Hermione asked.

"Just here to be a nuisance," Draco smirked.

Hermione placed her foot on the armrest of his seat and kicked hard. Draco glared at her as he rolled across the room toward the door.

"Go help your mother and father," she said. "Or I will have Severus drag you over there to help."

"Going," Draco said right away and immediately left to find some way to help before his Godfather gave him an earful… or worse… his mother.

"I wish I could get some of the people around here to move that fast," Gideon commented.

"I find it works better when the person is particularly motivated with the threat of having their ear talked off by their godfather," Hermione said with a smirk.

"Not something I can easily use then," Gideon replied. "I came to bring you both sandwiches from the cafeteria," he said and placed a few of them on the table with bottled waters.

"Thank you… Uncle Gideon," Hermione said softly.

He gave her one of his half smiles in return before opening the blinds on the windows to let the light in and left her with Luna again.

"I believe I have not been properly introduced to this little wizard," Luna said.

"This is Jack Hotchner," Hermione said as she ran her finger down his nose while he slept. "I suppose you can call me his nanny."

"Mm," Luna hummed. "I can see how connected to your magic Jack is. He is going to be powerful."

"I… I thought squibs were… unable to access their magical core or at least most of it," Hermione said. "I never thought…"

"Most squibs cannot tap into their core," Luna explained. "In the rare occurrence that they can, they have to tap into someone else's first to grow and connect to their own core in time. Jack is using your magic to grow connections to his core, a very powerful core. It will not take him long; his magic wants to be used."

"I think he already uses it," Hermione said.

"Oh?" Luna asked.

"He levitated himself to me the other night," she said.

"That is a good sign," Luna smiled. "It will not be much longer until he is using his own magic and only… cuddling with yours," she laughed.

"I think he already cuddles with mine." Hermione smiled.

"Hmm," Luna hummed. "Then he is just being greedy now," she laughed. "He wants to be coddled."

"He deserves to be coddled, all babies do," Hermione said dismissively. "I really do not mind."

Ambrosia chose that moment to cry and Luna settled in a corner to feed her while Hermione paced and worked on soothing Jack who had woken up with Ambrosia's cries. It took a few minutes for him to settle, but he was still restless and tired so she sang to him.

"Lavender's green, dilly, dilly

Lavender's blue

You must love me, dilly, dilly

'cause I love you."

She stopped singing when someone cleared their throat and turned to find Hotch standing there with the team poking their heads over his shoulder. He moved aside for them to enter and settle in the meeting room while they tried not to stare at Hermione again.

"Has anyone found out anything new?" Hermione asked right away.

"We just got here," Hotch answered. "We haven't been let in on the details yet."

Hermione hummed as she paced and the team watched.

"Why are the lights off?" Hotch asked, flipping the switch up and down like Gideon had done earlier.

"There was a short," Hermione answered.

"I've got something!" Garcia shouted just as Spencer rushed into the room.

"I did too," he said breathlessly. "One of the neighbours caught the scene from their security camera."

"They did?" Hermione asked hopefully.

"They did," Spencer said with a smile. He handed the footage off to Garcia to process.

"Well, a traffic camera caught Teddy on tape," Garcia said. "We got the license plate, I'm searching for it now. Should we send out an Amber Alert?" She asked.

"Amber Alert?" Hermione asked.

"Our equivalent to your CRA system," Spencer answered.

"Not until we know who we're dealing with," Hotch said. "We need the plate information to decide if we should or not. If it's another serial kidnapper then the alert will only send them into hiding and we'll have a bigger chance of losing Teddy after a few more hours."

"I suppose I should report my find to Mister Grump," Garcia said with a sigh.

"I already reported mine," Spencer said, then stepped closer to Hermione. "We're going to find him," he said softly with a smile.

"I know you are," Hermione smiled back. He slowly leaned down and kissed her.

"Reid," Gideon growled. "I don't want to walk into any room and see you kissing my niece!"

"Woah!" Morgan jumped up from his seat in surprise. "Hey, what now?" He asked. "French Girl is related to Gideon? Are you French too?" He asked Gideon.

"Don't be an idiot," Gideon said. "Now that the team's all here," he said pointedly. "We can move to the tech room because this room needs to be… de-fried."

"You and your friend can wait in my office," Hotch said to Hermione and waited for her and Luna to follow him. "There's a comfortable sofa in there and the lights work."

"Her highness's phone is getting a call," Garcia called after them.

"Send it to my office," Hotch called back. "You must not talk until we give you the okay," he stressed to Hermione. "If the need calls for it, then we will coach you on what to say and what not to say, depending on the situation."

He hurriedly situated Hermione on the couch and connected the call to the conference station while everyone surrounded the coffee table.

"This is Doctor Spencer Reid for Hermione Jane Granger," Spencer answered with the same greeting as he had the first time.

"Wh-where's my Auntie?" Teddy asked, his voice was strained as he talked through his tears.

Spencer shared looks with Gideon and Hotch and they both nodded.

"She's right here with me Teddy," he said soothingly. "We're doing everything we can to find you. Are you alright? Do your surrounding look familiar?" He repeated the same questions.

"Shut up," the same voice said and disconnected.

"It's a no go," Garcia called out to them.

The team stared at each other before Hermione slammed the conference phone into the coffee table.

"I am talking to my godson the very next time he calls!" She hissed at them.

"There's no need," Hotch said.

"I've got a hit on the plate!" Garcia called into the room. "The car's registered to-"

"Haley Brooks," Hotch finished for her.

"Yeah, how'd you know?" Garcia asked.

"She's my wife," Hotch said. "That was her on the phone."

Hermione sat back in her seat, stunned into silence, while Hotch ordered everyone to suit up and get ready. They all bustled out of his office while Hotch looked at her as she cradled his son and stared at nothing.

"I'll make sure she doesn't get any leniency because of our relationship," he said to Hermione.

"You will do no such thing," Hermione softly said after a moment. "She is Jack's mother and your wife. You will do everything you feel you need to do to help her."

"I…" Hotch said. "I'm sorry."

"It is not your fault," Hermione responded. "I will be going with you all," she said determinedly.

"You should stay here," he said immediately.

"Try and stop me," Hermione said firmly. "Either you take me with you or I will follow in my own car."

"Another call!" Garcia shouted.

Everyone rushed back into Hotch's office.

"I will talk this time," Hermione said decisively and connected the call before anyone could protest or stop her. "Hello?" She asked while Hotch ordered everyone to get to his home and get into positions to rescue Teddy.

"Who's this?" Haley asked.

"This is Hermione Granger, and this is…?" She asked.

Haley ignored her question.

"Do you care about your son?" She asked.

"I care about my godson more than you can imagine," Hermione answered.

"I care about my son more than you can imagine," Haley growled. "Give me my son and I'll give you yours," she demanded.

Hermione held Jack tighter to her chest and looked at Aaron.

"Jack is not mine to bargain with," Hermione finally replied. "He is Aaron's son just as much as yours."

"I don't think you really love Teddy as much as you claim to," Haley said threateningly. "Why don't you call Hermione mother?" She asked Teddy.

They could hear him sniffling and crying in the background.

"Call your Auntie Mymy mother," Haley ordered.

"Mu-mummy," Teddy's voice floated over to her. Hermione's heart tightened unbearably and she struggled not to sob at his small, uncertain voice.

"I am here, Teddy darling," Hermione hurried to reassure him. "You can call me anything you want… even mummy," she said as she wiped at the tears she was unsuccessful at holding back.

"How sweet," Haley said mockingly. "Anything else you want to tell your son?" She asked.

"Yes," Hermione swiftly responded. "Teddy," Hermione said, "You know I love you very much and I solemnly swear that I am up to no good!"

"Oh," Haley said slowly, "a safe phrase," she mocked. "Looks like the cavalry arrived!" She exclaimed. "They better be bringing me my son or-"

They heard the phone drop and Haley's muttering, then screams in the background.

"It's a demon child!" She screamed as she threw things that crashed in the background,

Hermione assumed she was throwing them at Teddy.

"Run to the neighbours, Teddy! Hurry!" Hermione yelled over Jack's crying. There was a loud thump and she held her breath as she grew pale and faint. She felt Hotch's arm support her as she sank to the floor with wide eyes and he immediately sat her on his sofa before taking Jack from her and pushing her head down between her knees.

"Doctor!" Teddy yelled.

There was running and Hermione sharply inhaled and held her breath as she listened.

"I've got him, Hermione," Spencer said. "We're on our way back."

Spencer had Teddy.

She sobbed in relief.

"I love you both so much," Hermione said, then gasped.

"We love you too, Auntie Mymy," Teddy said.

"We do," Spencer agreed before disconnecting the call.

Aaron silently took his son while Hermione paced the office, waiting for the team to bring back her nephew.

She could have easily taken Haley's bargain to trade Jack and Teddy, but she didn't.

It took a strong person to refuse.

Similar scenarios were discussed on their application form and the applicant could easily say they would do what Hermione had just done, but in the end, it was just a scenario without the stress of making such a choice.

He had underestimated Hermione so easily.

He would be glad to admit that he had been wrong in his initial profile of her. Hermione Granger would not only do anything for her godson, but also for the people she loved. He could only find himself thankful that she loved Jack even half of what he did.

"All is well," Luna murmured.

Hermione smiled and Aaron could only agree with Luna's statement at that moment.

"Auntie Mymy!" Teddy shouted. The boy wiggled his way out of Reid's arms and ran toward Hermione who caught him in her arms, but overbalanced.

Aaron was quick to catch them before Hermione could land on the floor.

She spent the next few minutes murmuring to Teddy how much he was loved and missed before they looked over at Spencer. Teddy reached over to him with his arms and Spencer was quick to answer. All three of them ended up being pulled together. Spencer gladly wrapped Hermione and Teddy in his arms and held them.

"I love you both," He whispered to them.

Teddy laid a wet kiss on his cheek before doing the same to Hermione.

She knew, in that moment, that Doctor Spencer Reid was worth every bit of heartache their future together might bring.

A Confusing Epilogue

"I remember standing just out there," Spencer said, standing just behind Hermione's rocking chair. "I imagined a nice little old lady sitting in this very spot, in her rocking chair," he fingered her white shawl, "with a white shawl over her small shoulders, and," he ran his fingers through her hair, "her hair up in a Gibson bun. She would be knitting a blanket, or crocheting a doily."

"Are you calling me old?" Hermione asked with a smile playing about her lips.

He ran his fingers through her soft curls, loosening her bun even more, then leaned down to place a kiss just behind her ear. His hands slowly went down her arms, to her waist, and softly cradled her swollen stomach.

Her breath hitched with his kiss. She dropped her knitting and reached up to pull him down a little further so her lips could comfortably reach his.

"I never imagined it would one day be my wife sitting in this very spot," he said softly, "knitting our child a pair of booties." He slowly kissed her again. "It still scares me that we might have never gotten this chance."

Spencer was referring to Hermione's return to Britain. They spent days before she left, arguing her return. Gideon was just as displeased as Spencer that Hermione had been planning on returning to make sure the silent war that had been raging since the day of the Battle at Hogwarts, would end.

She left a magical will behind, leaving her uncle the properties in England, and her parents' home in Australia. She would give Spencer and Aaron her home in Virginia and leave her vaults to Teddy and Jack.

She never expected them to receive notification of her intentions, which was apparently an American goblin practice so there would be no confusion upon the event of her death.

It started an argument between them all.

She never knew Aaron could be just as opposing to her plans as her uncle and Spencer. Severus had helped Aaron magically list her as Jack's godmother and he was very interested in her being alive to outlive him, as wizards and witches were wont to do, and he planned on her being alive for most of Jack's life.

Hermione made Severus promise to stay and protect the three of them, Jack, Teddy, Luna, and Ambrosia while she left with the Malfoys to start gathering more supporters for the Order.

It turned out she was very predictable to the three professional profilers.

The next few months were spent charming Hermione's London home to be found only by muggles, like her home in Virginia. They all had to be careful they were not being followed on the way home, which had led Mister Malfoy to her home in the first place when he followed Harry.

She was very anxious about all of them being in danger, which they had gladly proven her wrong about the first few days.

After their first week in England, it was Ronald who gave away their location to a few Death Eaters by showing up at her house. He had heard from Harry that she was back from the States and he had started his fuss about them getting married all over again and how Teddy should go live with Harry now that he was married to Ginny. He said other things that offended her and she ended up hexing him so bad that he had to call for help to get to St. Mungo's before taking himself back to the Burrow.

Five minutes later her home was turned upside down as three Death Eaters blew off her front door.

She was quick to disarm one of them and started duelling the other two when five shots rang out and disabled two Death Eaters while she duelled with the last. He turned to run, but her uncle was quick with his weapon and the last Death Eater went down.

"You are very lucky that bullets are faster than a wizard or witch can mutter a shield charm!" She snapped at the three of them. "If you had deployed those bullets with their shields raised it would have cause them to ricochet!"

"So, we just have to be faster and aim for the unprotected parts, right?" Spencer asked.

"You are insufferable right now," Hermione said after a moment, "but you are also correct."

Severus came running into her home at that moment with his wand raised. He lifted and eyebrow and lowered it, but kept it in his hand as he stared at the casualties in Hermione's home.

"Three down, sixty-seven more to go," Severus drawled, referring also to the sympathisers they needed to bring down.

"Do you know if any of these men were involved in Neville's death?" Hermione asked tautly.

Severus unmasked the three and looked saddened to reveal the faces of two of his former students.

"I see you managed to pay back Dolohov," he said quietly. "The others should be easier to catch without their so-called brains to help them function."

"It was me," Gideon said. "He turned to run like a coward and left himself open to attacks."

"That does not surprise me in the least," Severus said with a slight sneer and summoned his patronus. Spencer watched with fascination as he asked the silvery doe to deliver a message to Kingsley.

That night Severus helped Hermione erect the Fidelius charm over her London home. Her home was then only viewable to those Hermione chose to share her secret with.

A month passed without any more incidents and they settled as much as they could into a life where they always had to be looking over their shoulder. Hermione restarted her project on creating files filled with facts and information she had learned over the years on every Death Eater she knew. Severus and Mister Malfoy eventually joined her and added information only they could know to her files.

One morning, she found Spencer awake and reading through the folders she had left out.

"He would have killed you," he said stiltedly. "Greyback would have mutilated you and killed you."

"I see you have been going through my files," Hermione said softly.

"Do not use diversions!" Spencer snapped. Hermione stepped back at the anger he displayed. "Greyback would have used you and killed you and the rest of these scumbags would do the same if they could get their hands on you!"

"What's going on?" Gideon asked.

Spencer tossed him a folder and held back Hermione when she tried to retrieve it. Gideon scanned through the file and started on the others that had been left out while Hermione protested.

"What is going on?" Severus asked with his arms crossed.

"The files stayed out," Hermione said as she wiped away a few tears. "Uncle Gideon and Spencer read Greyback's file," she whispered.

Severus put his hands on her shoulders and looked down at her tenderly.

"It can only be to your benefit that they now know what you went through," he said softly.

"Greyback is dead?" Gideon asked Severus.

Severus looked down at the wolf's uncompleted file and scrawled in a few notes with his quill. Gideon hastily read them over and his face saddened at the last few words.

'Defeated by Remus Lupin'

That evening Kingsley flooed into her home covered in blood and gashes.

"The Ministry is falling," he said with small gasps.

Luna was quick to take the children upstairs while Hermione worked to heal Kingsley. Eventually she leaned over him with tears streaming down her face and landing on his as he faded away. She rested her head on his chest as his breaths became undetectable to her hearing.

The hand brushing through her hair comforted her, but did nothing to soften her friend's loss. She gently held the hand in her hair and gave it a slight squeeze. She straightened herself and looked down into Kingsley's gleaming dark eyes as he started up at her in awe.

Mister Malfoy and Severus rushed through the floo to find Kingsley surrounded in blood and Hermione crying.

"You did it again," Severus breathed.

"I did what?" Hermione asked while everyone stared down at her in amazement.

"Your tears, dear girl, it is your tears and heart that healed Kingsley and me," Severus replied.

Hermione wiped at her tears and stared up at them in confusion while Severus explained to her the true value of a compassionate heart and a virgin's tears.

"You saved me," Severus repeated. "I had nearly been dead for a moment before your tears landed on me, healing me before my heart beat its last."

"You were saying something about the Ministry," Hermione said to Kingsley after collecting her thoughts.

"We are here to bring you to the fight," Mister Malfoy said to Hermione. "It is only you now that can end things."

Hermione stood up and brushed herself off before waving her wand over her head and transfiguring her night dress into robes. It took her mind back to the event that led her uncle, Spencer, and Aaron to find out about magic.

Gideon had been checking over the house before retiring to the conservatory, he stopped at the blue bundle floating towards him in the dark and nearly started until he saw Aaron right behind Jack with his arms under him, waiting to catch his son if he fell.

"How are you doing that?" Gideon asked.

"I'm not," Aaron denied. He pulled his arms away and Jack stayed floating in the air. They followed as Jack entered Hermione's room. Spencer had been sitting up in bed with a book while Hermione slept and looked up at them when they entered the room.

He jumped out of bed at the sight.

Jack landed safely on Hermione's chest and stretched out on his stomach, then yawned and cuddled into her. Hermione's hand instantly placed itself on Jack's back and they slept on.

"What the hell?" Spencer whispered. "What trick was that?" He asked them excitedly. "Teach me!"

"That wasn't a trick," Aaron said. "Jack did that all on his own."

"That's not possible," Spencer replied. "Are you trying to pull a prank on me?" He asked suspiciously.

"Jack really did do that on his own," Gideon responded.

"'Facts which at first seem improbable will, even on scant explanation, drop the cloak which has hidden them and stand forth in naked and simple beauty,'" Hermione murmured. "Galileo Galilei."

"What does his quote have to do with Jack?" Gideon asked.

"I think the question you mean to ask is, 'What does his quote have to do with Jack, Teddy, and you?'" Hermione said and opened her eyes to look at the three of them.

"What does Galilei's quote have to do with Jack, Teddy, and you, Hermione?" Spencer asked.

Hermione smiled up at them as she stood up and carefully laid Jack down on her bed.

After she was done, she looked at them and said, "I have been waiting for the right moment to let you all know."

She lifted a stick over her head and waved it.

They watched in silent awe as her nightgown gradually transformed into a long-flowing, golden evening dress, sparkling with something that had to have been magic.

"I hate this tiara," Hermione muttered as she adjusted it. "It comes with the title though," she sighed.

"What the hell did you just do?" Aaron asked.

"I believe what I just did was-"

"Magic," Spencer breathed with wide eyes. "Tell me I'm dreaming."

Hermione stepped closer to him and smiled softly as she reached up and placed her hand on his cheek.

"I assure you this is not a dream," Hermione said softly.

"But you're even more beautiful in that dress with that unearthly sparkle," Spencer murmured.

Hermione's face glowed at his words.

She led them downstairs, past the conservatory and into the hallway that led nowhere.

She looked at them mischievously before saying, "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."

A door shimmered into view and they could only stare as she slowly pushed the door open to reveal a vast forest where sunlight struggled to shine through the trees.

"Hermione," a centaur greeted as he weaved his way toward her

"Magorian," Hermione smiled.

"You have brought us visitors," Magorian stated as he looked the three men over.

"I have," she smiled. "This is my Uncle Gideon, Aaron Hotchner, and Doctor Spencer Reid. Everyone, this is Magorian," she introduced them.

"There's a centaur in my dream," Spencer said with awe as he reached his hand toward Magorian.

"Spencer," Hermione warned, but Magorian was quicker and slapped Spencer's hand away from his arm.

Aaron laughed.

"Watch yourself, muggle," Magorian warned.

Spencer rubbed his hand and stepped back. Hermione lifted his hand and kissed his inflammed skin.

"This is Jack's father," Magorian said as he stepped up to Aaron. "I can see the potential he would have had as a wizard." He stepped over to Gideon and snorted. "I can see your temperament was inherited," he said to Hermione. "Thank you for introducing these two-legged humans to us, the herd shall not attack unless they present a threat to us."

"I thank you," Hermione said with a bowed head.

"Good evening," Magorian said his goodbye and trotted into the forest.

"He could have simply told me no," Spencer muttered as they watched the centaur disappear through the trees. "So…" he said, "not a dream…"

Hermione laughed as she led them into a clearing and held up a hand to silence their questions. She reached into her dress and threw a pocketful of golden raisins into the air. Suddenly a flock of tiny fairies flew up into the air, their transparent wings glittered in the limited sunlight and cast soft rainbows into the air around them.

Aaron caught a raisin between his fingers and a fairy flew over to him and put its hand on its hips as it glared up at him.

"Er, sorry," he said and handed it over. The fairy looked him over before taking the raisin and handed him a seed.

Hermione gasped when she looked down at it.

"That is so not fair you little buggers!" She shouted at the fairies. "I am the one who brings you all treats!"

Soft, tinkering laughter floated out from the bushes around them and Hermione scowled.

"What is it?" Aaron asked.

Hermione sighed, then kneeled and dug a small hole in the ground with her fingers.

"Place it in here," she instructed.

He did as she told him to and placed the seed into the ground, watching as she carefully filled the dirt back in.

"Tomorrow you will have a nice Fairyberry tree," she said when she stood and used her wand to make the dirt disappear from her hand and dress. "In a week, the tree will be ready for picking and pie making. That would make a wonderful Christmas treat," she said thoughtfully.

"I can't wait to show Morgan that magic is actually real!" Spencer said excitedly.

"Oh, Spencer," Hermione said quietly. "Mister Morgan is not allowed to know about the existence of magic."

"What?" Spencer asked. "Why?"

"Because he does not have any magical relatives or is magical himself," Hermione stated. "I am only allowed to tell you because here in the States, witches and wizards are allowed to tell their romantic partners about themselves, it leads to happier marriages in the end."

"What if they don't make it to marriage?" Gideon asked.

Hermione looked down, suddenly sad.

"Then the name of the non-magical partner must be submitted with their address to the Ministry to have their memories obliviated," she answered softly. "If the witch or wizard fails to do so then they risk ten years in a prison that is equivalent to Guantanamo." She would never tell them that it was ten times worse than that prison.

After finishing with those memories, Hermione rushed through the floo after Severus, followed by Mister Malfoy as they headed into Kingsley's office at the Ministry.

The plan was to wait for them to come to her.

One tense hour later, the wards to Kingsley's office were starting to fall and they prepared themselves.

It was the Order that entered first as they battled a few Death Eaters and some witches and wizards who were in plain robes.

It was the confusion of who to battle that earned Hermione her first new slash of the battle. She immediately retaliated against those who the Order were fighting, taking it to mean the others were enemies.

One by one the Death Eaters and sympathisers fell and the Order slowly filtered out to find out who else was lurking in the Ministry when a woman she once met, Kazimiera Mara, came running into the office. Hermione had her wand at the ready with a curse rolling off her tongue.

"I'm not one of them!" She shouted.

Hermione stopped, but kept her want raised. Kazimiera lifted her hands to show she was unarmed and Hermione lowered hers.

The next moment a masked wizard had her under the Cruciatus Curse while Kazimiera stopped her rolling wand with the bottom of her shoe. The woman smirked and she neatly twisted her foot and snapped the wand.

Hermione's thoughts went to Malfoy Manor and being rescued by Dobby, Harry, and Ron, but neither of them were there. Dobby died rescuing them, Harry and Ronald were stuck in their own little worlds to rescue her now.

She had no one.

Not anymore.

She could feel reality slipping around her while Kazimiera angrily talked to her about something, she didn't know what, nor could she figure it out through the liquid fire eating away at her nerves.

After five minutes of the curse, she finally screamed out her pain.

Her world started fading and the pain blessedly stopped when she stared up into worried obsidian eyes. She smiled softly up at him as her world turned black and she felt the blessed relief of a pain free world.

Sometime later she woke to Jack cuddling on her chest and Teddy lying next to her and she smiled as her eyes fluttered open. Teddy was working on his numbers while counting under his breath.

"…twelve, thirteen, fifteen?" Teddy asked.

"Fourteen," Hermione croaked.

"Mummy!" Teddy shouted as he rushed to Hermione and hugged her tightly. She tried to hug him back but her arms were still sleeping. It felt like they had been sliced open with thousands of knives and she whimpered at the pain.

"Get the Healer!" Gideon snapped at someone and they rushed out while Hermione slowly moved her arms to wrap around Teddy while holding Jack in the same position.

"Hermione," Spencer breathed as he looked down at her with red eyes.

"Hello, love," Hermione whispered as best as she could with her dry throat. "Water?" She asked.

It was quickly handed to her, but she struggled to hold the glass still with her shaking hands until Spencer held it for her and helped her drink.

"They had nothing on Bella," Hermione finally whispered as her eyes drifted shut. She heard someone snort and she smiled softly again.

The next time she opened her eyes the sun was setting. Teddy was gone, but Jack was resting by her side now. Spencer was drawing symbols on her palm and she smiled.

"Yes," she answered hoarsely. He stopped and his head popped up to look at her with wide eyes. She laughed softly and lifted his hand to draw over his palm with her finger. He suddenly laughed and jumped up, then leaned over and firmly kissed her.

Someone cleared their throat and Hermione could only laugh at her uncle's scowl.

"Do you want to tell him, or shall I?" She asked.

"She said yes!" Spencer exclaimed.

"We heard," Aaron replied. "But what did Hermione say yes to?" He asked.

Spencer blushed and stuttered a bit before finally saying, "To marrying me."

"And when did you ask?" Gideon enquired.

"I've been asking these last seven hours," Spencer admitted shyly.

Aaron looked at Spencer before he said, "Oh, you were writing on Hermione's hand."

"She said yes!" Spencer excitedly said again. He sat again and rested his head on her shoulder. "I thought I lost you," he whispered with a strained voice.

"I have too much to live for," Hermione whispered back.

Six months after her sojourn in St. Mungo's, Spencer had all but walked Hermione down the aisle. He had planned every detail with her and Narcissa, every single detail except her gown. He reluctantly stepped back and allowed her and Narcissa to go shopping at various shops together, until Hermione came across a gown on the internet. Narcissa fell in love with the dress and had her print out pictures for her own seamstress to recreate it with Hermione's measurements.

The detail that surprised Hermione the most was Spencer's choice to have them married with magic. He had been advised against doing that by Severus because it would be an irreversible arrangement that would not be able to be undone. Spencer took a few days to think about their choice and insisted on being married by magic.

Her Uncle Gideon had the honour of taking her father's place to walk her down the aisle.

As Hermione walked toward her future, she could only think about how much Spencer wanted to be a part of her small family. He was an untapped well of love and he was ready for her and Teddy to pull up buckets and buckets. She made sure to reciprocate and made sure he felt just as loved as he made her feel.

Nearly two years after they married, she became pregnant.

Spencer was simultaneously excited and worried about what genes their child would inherit. Hermione consulted with her Healer and Severus. A few weeks later, Severus brought Hermione and Spencer a potion that would erase any anomalies written into their child's DNA and rewrite them to make the baby healthier.

"You are an angel to my family," Spencer said to Severus as he accepted the potion. "You saved my wife and now you are giving our child a good start in life."

"Hermione gave me life again, and now I have a family to look forward to myself," Severus replied. "I owe her everything."

Hermione was pleasantly surprised when Severus announced his engagement to Penelope Garcia. The computer tech woman knew how to get Severus out of one of his dark moods. She was the light at the end of the tunnel for him. She brought joy and laughter into his life… and she was pregnant with their first child.

One couple who surprised her the most was Luna and Aaron.

Around Hermione's fifth month of being filled with Spencer's demon spawn, as she lovingly called their child when she was still huddled over the loo, Aaron and Luna announced they were going to be married.

No one had even guessed that they were dating.

Hermione supported Luna's decision after a conversation over tea.

She felt that Luna wanted a companion to spend a part of her life with so she wouldn't be alone after Neville. Luna reassured Hermione that she did love Neville, but she grew to love Aaron also. They had spent more and more time together in Hermione's home and eventually they couldn't stop thinking of each other. After a few more months their friendship grew into a loving relationship and Aaron eventually proposed to Luna.

Pansy eventually opened her own coffee house at Spencer and Aaron's suggestion.

A few weeks after opening her business, Spencer introduced his colleagues to Pansy's coffee house. Pansy had been talking with Spencer when Derek Morgan started flirting with her, mistaking her for a barista instead of the owner of the shop. After a few months of dating, Pansy finally admitted to him why she was allowed to give him free coffee every single time he visited. He was surprised she was the owner. They married when Hermione was six months and Pansy happily, or evilly, stuffed Hermione into the most horrid matron of honour gown she had ever seen.

Pansy only laughed when Hermione complained she was wearing a circus tent and the clowns were going to pop out at any moment.

Two months later Hermione felt like biting her tongue again… but didn't… she liked it where it was, after all, and labour wasn't conducive to help her keep her tongue in one piece if she tried to bite it.

"You!" She shouted at Spencer. "This is all your fault! You bloody wanker!"

"I'm sorry," Spencer apologised for the thousandth time.

"You are going to wank for the rest of your life or so help me, argh!" She screamed as another contraction caused her muscles to tighten. "Give me the Cruciatus curse!" Hermione pleaded after her muscles relaxed. "I can take that over this, please give me the curse!"

"It's almost time, Mrs. Reid," her midwife said soothingly. "When I tell you to push, you give it all you can!"

"Give me the curse!" Hermione screamed, "Give me the Curse!"

"Push!" The midwife yelled over Hermione's screaming.

Hermione grabbed the headboard and pushed with all her might.

"I see the head," Narcissa spoke from somewhere below her. "Keep pushing, Hermione," she said encouragingly.

Her face was turning red and she felt like she was squeezing a full-sized cauldron out of a hole the size of an inkpot.

"Stop!" The midwife ordered. "We must wait for another contraction. Breath now, deep breaths," she said soothingly.

Hermione released her grip on the headboard and grabbed her husband's hand as he watched Hermione relax.

He had seen the straw-coloured head of his son or daughter before it went back in. Hermione would kill him if he told her the baby went back up instead of down.

He kissed her hand and wiped away her sweat with a wet cloth before she squeezed his hand and he struggled not to yell at her extremely tight grip.

Hermione pushed and pushed and he swore she broke one of his fingers, but an hour later his son entered the world with a loud cry at the cold, cold world he had entered.

Caius Benjamin Reid promptly expressed his displeasure all over the midwife.

He was swiftly wrapped up and handed to Spencer while Hermione delivered the afterbirth… which never came… instead, Caius's sister entered the world seven minutes after her brother.

Caia Perdita Reid was much quieter than her brother Caius.

Pansy made sure Hermione ate her words when she refashioned Hermione's gown into small robes for the babies' naming ceremony.

"There are your clowns," Pansy said with a smirk when she finally allowed Hermione and Spencer into the nursery.

Spencer looked confused at Pansy's comment until Pansy chose to repeat Hermione's comment… then he laughed… then cried out in pain when Hermione saw fit to punch him… then laughed again when he repeated the comment to Aaron and Morgan.

He slept on the floor that night.

At least until Hermione joined him down there three hours later.

Gideon found them sleeping there a few minutes later and closed their room door.

It was hard to believe the change Hermione brought out in Spencer, and likewise, the change Spencer brought out in Hermione.

They both leaned on each other for comfort and strength.

Hermione had taught Spencer how to love fiercely, and he did. They both loved with a fierceness together.

And together, Spencer and Hermione were protectors of their family and friends.

"You have a son and daughter," Hermione said tiredly after they were alone together.

"I already had Teddy," Spencer replied. "I'm not complaining though, love. I'll take as many more sons as you choose to give me… and daughters," he added.

Hermione tiredly smiled and allowed her eyes to slowly close.

"I love you, my treasure," he whispered. He carefully joined her in their bed and wrapped her in his arms as they slept.

o.O.o

By the time I finished this story I had gotten to the beginning of the Fourth season of Criminal Minds… I hope you all enjoyed this!

Some ideas from this story were used for Raising Phoenix… I had started this story and somehow my ideas jumped to Hermione raising a brother instead of Teddy and I finished Raising Phoenix before finishing up this story.

Yes, this story is complete, but you might have noticed that this is still marked as Incomplete… that is because I plan on putting my other Hermione and Spencer stories together as "Chapters"… meaning that each Chapter will be one completed story.

I have six completed Hermione and Spencer stories that have been sitting in my UnPub folder for the past two years… yes, be mad that I've kept them to myself, lol. I've finally decided to put them up for you all to read and hopefully enjoy.

But… for a seventh and last "Chapter"… I accidentally created a Hermione and Aaron Hotchner story… I have no idea how that happened and I've been trying to figure it out for the past year, lol.