Here is your epilogue! I hope ya'll are happy.
"They aren't coming." Harry muttered into his wine. He swirled the deep burgundy liquid without really knowing why. He was aware that he probably looked like a prat but the movement was keeping him from shooting out of his seat.
"Calm down mate. She's coming." Ron said his eyes flicking towards the door. He had changed, everyone had, it was the nature of things. Harry knew this. But it didn't change the fact he felt like a small part of him had been stuck in the past for years and was just now jumping ahead to the present leaving the rest of him behind.
"I liked you better as an immature, impatient git." Harry mused.
"Aurors who are impatient get killed within the first week." He chuckled warmly before sipping his ale. It was nearly gone. "That's why your arse is sitting in that fancy office instead out in the field with me."
"They are la-"
"Here." Ron's pint hit the table with an echoing finality. Harry saw the shift in his body almost immediately, muscles tensing and face frozen into a placid mask. Harry had never been good at hiding his emotions so he had learned to try to outmaneuver them.
Harry turned towards the door, the clamor from outside slipping in the Hog's Head in a wave of light and sound. Hermione fell in first, stumbling for footing as reporters took pictures and shouted questions after her. Some seemed good natured, other's posed situations that he didn't want to ever think about. Harry had already risen to his feet intending to dash over to where she was leaning against the table breathing in deep sucking breaths.
A mass of dark navy robes and pale skin swept in after her. Something scathing about vultures was shouted at the reporters, harsh enough to make them wince before he slammed the door. He forced down the initial reaction to hex the wizard immediately when he reached for Hermione, pulling her close to his chest and murmuring something into her hair. Hermione relaxed and pulled away just enough for Harry to see the color return to her face.
"Problem?" Malfoy's voice broke the stark silence of the pub with that aristocratic arched tone that must be genetic. Harry almost blew up at him then, until he noticed the people around him react. The staring patrons looked sheepishly down at their drinks. The door to the pub opened, a set of reporters pushing their way partially inside. As Malfoy turned with a sneer the door slammed shut, a locking spell clicking into place. Malfoy spun to focus on Ron sliding his wand back up his sleeve. He paused for a moment, as if the very words pained him. "Good show Weasley."
"Aberforth hates noise. Figured he wouldn't mind." Ron joined Harry in standing as Hermione took hesitant steps over to them. She glanced up, smiling weakly at them before casting a quick silencing spell around the booth but not sitting.
"Ron…. Harry." Her voice shook awkwardly, the distance between the three of them sent something crawling in his stomach. Harry hated that this was what they had become. But, if they did this right, if he did this right, they could start again.
Malfoy rolled his eyes and pushed her forward with a rough shove forcing her to sit or fall on the table. Harry grated his teeth as he stared at the interaction. Even as Hermione silently mouthed 'thank you'.
"''Mione." Ron nodded towards her with a warm smile. He turned to Malfoy holding out his hand. "Draco."
As Malfoy took a step forward Ron's fist snapped up from his side, rocketing into Malfoy's cheek with a vicious thud. It wasn't quite as hard as Harry had seen the redhead hit but it certainly wasn't a love tap. Draco stumbled to one knee holding his cheek and glaring at Ron as he stepped out form the table. Hermione's eyes widened in panic as she made to move in front of Malfoy only to have the blond stop her with a raised hand.
"That was for lying to me, you utter bastard." Ron growled gruffly while shaking out his hand. After a moment he held it out to the wizard, a look of resigned relief settling into a tight smile. Draco sighed and took the hand, pulling himself to his feet before walking the few steps back to the table.
"There are more eloquent ways to discuss your grievances Weasley." Draco huffed as he shifted his jaw around, checking for breaks. "Not that I would expect you to know them growing up in that barn you call a house."
"There is nothing to stop me from punching you again, you know?" Ron replied as he settled into his seat and threw back the rest of his beer. Two more appeared on the table and he slid one over to Malfoy. "I'm a simple man; consider us even."
"Lovely." Malfoy growled but accepted the drink anyway. He took a sip that was still too white collar for the pub they had found themselves in. "So Potter. Are you going to hit me too? If so you might as well let Weasley take it so that I have a matched set."
Harry focused on Hermione, who continued to stare at the table, fidgeting every so often. After a moment of silence she looked up at Malfoy. She looked older, but not by much. Her hair was still a messy mass of curls but didn't have the gray Harry had developed. Her skin was sun kissed and dotted with more freckles than he remembered. But the real change was in the eyes. When she looked at Malfoy they seemed to wash in relief, drinking the prat in as he met her gaze. Her smile was gentle and quiet, nothing like the stiff forced ones he had come to know in the aftermath of the war. She looked… not quite happy. But she was getting there. He was also horridly disgusted to notice the way Malfoy's face softened, his hand settling in her lap as the tension left his shoulders. What on earth had happened to them while she was gone? It was what they were here to find out.
"I'm not going to hit you Malfoy." Harry finally responded sipping at the wine. "I have already seen you at your lowest and it was payment enough."
"That seems uncharacteristically generous." Malfoy narrowed his eyes, regarding him with suspicion. Harry's lips quirked upright.
"What can I say, I'm a giver." Harry intoned casually. "Incidentally, did you know that right before she graduated Hermione invented a way to take pictures of memories? She is quite clever."
"I am made aware everyday." Draco drawled, his eye twitching lightly. "Get to the point Potter."
"Of course." Harry pulled out the carefully printed photographs from under the table and held them in the air. "Hey Hermione." She looked up curiously. "Want to see what a pathetic sop your boytoy was while you were gone?"
Years of seeker reflexes were the only thing that got him away from the table before Malfoy dove over it swiping at the photos and swearing. He jumped back as the abandoned drinks sloshed over the table accompanied by a vicious sounding growl. Draco swiped again as Harry jumped out of reach behind his chair, grinning wildly. They both froze as a stuttered giggle punctuated the air.
Harry glanced over to who Hermione sat, smiling quietly into her hand, still halfway hiding behind her hair. Her eyes met his with a soft joy he hadn't seen her wear in years, even before she had left.
"This is going to work, isn't it?" She questioned lightly flicking her eyes back and forth between him and Malfoy. Ron scoffed as he took a sip of his beer. "We've always been a bit barmy. I don't see much difference now."
"It will work, Granger." Harry jumped a bit at the affection in Malfoy's voice. It was down right unnerving to hear from the man in general, let alone directed at Hermione. When paired with the genuine smile Harry had to question if this wasn't all some sort of Purgatory after dying in the Battle of Hogwarts and he was just now figuring it out. Before he could dwell too long the blond turned to Harry and narrowed his eyes. He was already moving before the next words were out his mouth. "Because by the time I kill Potter there won't be a problem."
Harry took off with Malfoy in hot pursuit behind him, Hermione's loud laughter echoing around the bar. He dove under a table just as Aberforth levitated it cursing at him. Maybe she wasn't the same and maybe she did choose an ill tempered prat, but she was still Hermione under it all. Malfoy shouted in success as the photo was torn from his hand before it burst into flames. Harry smiled as the wizard boasted over him, criticizing his slipping seeker skills. Little did he know, Harry had multiple copies at home.
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"Are you ready?" Draco asked, his hand holding hers so tightly it was painful. The question may have been directed at her but she had a feeling he was asking for his own benefit.
"If you are." She replied evenly, counting his breaths as they stood just outside of a side door to Saint Mungos.
"We can come back another day... " Draco swallowed. "If you want."
Hermione knew he had been visiting his mother more frequently now that they were back in London. Narcissa had taken to the shorter more frequent appearances better than the weekly ones. Sometimes he would swing by on a lunch break, or on his way back after work. He still disappeared every Sunday for a few hours but rarely came home in a fit like he used to. She blushed to call it home. For all his wealth and complaining, when she set Rowana's Cell back up he appeared hours later with a shrunken wardrobe and a single enchanted bookshelf that was connected to his study and the manor's library. He didn't ask her to change anything, other than moving his couch closer to the windows so he could read with natural light. He left things mostly as they were, knowing that the change would be too much for her. He had always been considerate of her, it was more than past time she repaid the favor.
"Do you want to?"
"I... No." He murmured, scuffing his shoe against the patio. She waited in silence as he warred with himself.
"In we go then." Hermione tugged lightly at his arm as she stepped towards the doors. They threw themselves open, even though it was well before visiting hours. He fell into step next to her, guiding her through careful turns until they came across a thick wooden and iron door. Hermione knocked once and waited.
She swallowed her gasp of surprise as a towering centaur ducked into the hall, his roan flanks catching beams of sun from inside before the wood closed behind him. A long black and gray streaked braid hung over his shoulder and down to his waist. His deep black eyes looked gentle and patient as he observed them.
"I was wondering if you were going to arrive."
"Yes we… we were just late." Draco cleared his throat and straightened. "Hermione, this is Dr. Thanius. Thanius this is-"
"Ah Ms. Granger, may the stars shine on you."
"Pardon me." Hermione flipped through her mind trying to place the centaur. "Have we met?"
"Not in such a sense." Thanius responded. "I am originally from the Hogwarts centaur colony. They mentioned you were working with them on memory research a few seasons back. Tricky subject but I have used the resulting notes to help treat the patients in this ward."
"Oh!" Hermione flushed, equally embarrassed and delighted. "I am happy to have been of assistance."
"Indeed." He huffed, his back hoof stamping against the floor silently. They must have dampening sounds in the hall. "It is good for her to see someone else I think."
"That's what we were hoping." Hermione replied, wrapping her hand back around Draco's encouragingly. "If now is a good time…"
"As good as any other day." Thanius intoned, opening the door with a wave of his hand. Hermione stepped in, pulling a still nervous Draco behind her.
She entered a beautifully sunlit room. Gilt walls shimmering in the light streaming in from a large arched window. The gothic ceiling vaulted up to rich mahogany beams as thick as Hermione was around. Crushed velvet curtains in a rich emerald green drifted in the breeze from the open panes. A luxurious looking bed was perfectly made, the silver curtains half drawn.
And there she was. Sitting at an ostentatious gold trimmed vanity on delicate spindly legs, humming to herself while she attempted to run a brush through knotted hair. Hermione froze. Narcissa Malfoy looked nothing like the stiff, cold woman she had caught glimpses of during her school years. Her eyes were glassy and distant and her delicate lips pulled into a vacant smile. She didn't look capable of hurting anyone at all.
Hermione forced her body to relax, focusing on the shaking hand pressed against her lower back as Draco pulled her forward. She didn't remember people, he had said. They had agreed that Hemione would be the one to address her, giving Draco time to slip into whatever persona he needed to fill.
"Lady Malfoy?" Hermione started, stepping into what she was sure was an awkward curtsy. She had elected to wear a long sleeved tea dress in spite of the warm weather to cover anything that may trigger her.
Narcissa turned toward her, her eyes confused as she tried to place where she had seen the young witch. She set down the brush, folding her hands in her lap and stared. Just as Draco made to step forward she spoke.
"And who is this, Draco?" Draco stiffened halfway through the motion. His eyes flicking between his mother and Hermione. She was mildly surprised that Narcissa chose today of all days to recognize her son but it couldn't be helped.
"Good morning Mother." He forced a smile on his face, stepping forward to kiss her hand. She raised a single incredulous eyebrow before pulling her son in for a hug. The way tension flowed away from his body made Hermione wonder exactly how often that happened.
"Pardon my son." Narcissa pulled away her eyes trained on Hermione as she took a step forward. Hermione swallowed slowly, forcing herself to remember that there was no danger. That the witch didn't even have a wand. Narcissa shot a disappointed look over her shoulder making Draco cringe like a scolded teenager and it was enough that she could breathe again. "He has never brought a girl home before and apparently has forgotten his manners." She paused, her eyes narrowing in confusion. "I know you."
"Mother-"
"You're one of the Greengrass girls!" She all but squealed. Clasping her hands in front of her. Draco breathed a deep sigh of relief and pleaded to Hermione with his eyes.
"Hello Mrs. Malfoy." Hermione stalled, smiling softly as she searched for the name of one of the pureblood Slytherin girls she rare interacted with. Finally she dug up the information, practically spitting it out. "I'm Miss Astoria Greengrass."
"Miss? Is that right?" She looked back at her son, eyes twinkling suspiciously. "Well Astoria. I don't know if you knew this but your mother and I were friends back at Hogwarts. I had always hoped you and Draco would be close as well."
"Yes well…" Draco cleaned his throat walking over to join Hermione. Narcissa's gaze trailing to where his hand landed on her back, her eyes narrowing.
"Do you have something to share, my beloved son?" He flinched and Hermione couldn't help but compare him to the naughty child from his stories, an unapproving mother pulling him to heel with just a glance.
"That depends on-"
"Is she pregnant?" Hermione coughed, covering her mouth rather ungracefully. Draco's eyes blew wide as he began to sputter.
"What? No! We just… she…"
"So then…" She responded, confirming something with a nod. "You proposed."
"I-"
"Yes." Hermione interrupted his denial, feeling his palm jump. Better the devil you know after all. "We were afraid you would not approve."
"I see…" Two wingback chairs appeared and Narcissa sat, motioning to Hermione with a graceful wave. Hermione sat as primly as possible, meeting the woman in the eye as she did so. Draco followed to rest against the arm, his hand curling around her shoulder. "Does he make you happy?"
"Yes." Hermione answered immediately trying not to fiddle with her skirt.
"And she-" Draco started to respond only to silence when his mother scowled at him.
"Of course she does. You would be happy with any woman who let you tinker in that potions lab all afternoon." Hermione couldn't help but giggle at the offended look on his face. Narcissa smiled turning back to her. Hermione nodded slowly, leaning her head into Draco's shoulder. Narcissa watched them for a moment, trying to piece together the missing parts of her mind.
"Well thank Merlin. There have not been enough women in this manor for ages and the house elf staff is dreadful." Narcissa said with a huff. "I expect to be the main force planning the wedding. You will have to discuss that with your mother."
"Happily." Hermione chirped, pushing past the topic. Narcissa summoned another chair for Draco as he joined in, filling her in on bits and pieces of his life, relishing the almost sanity of the moment. But just as soon as it had begun time was up and Narcissa was starting to lose her attention, forgetting things mid sentence.
"Well we should-" Draco started to stand, his face heavy with regret.
"Narcissa." Hermione interrupted standing swiftly. "You mentioned the house elves around here are dreadful. Would you like some help with your hair? I know some excellent detangling charms."
"I would love that." Narcissa's eyes sparked, a small smile creeping on her face. "It is so unruly today."
Hermione helped guide the woman back to her vanity, ignoring Draco as he mouthed questions at her. There may be no better time for this.
Narcissa settled onto the bench, humming a familiar tune as Hermione cast a detangling spell on the brush and started to work through the knots. The notes pitched high then low in an ethereal sort of tune. It took her a moment to place it as the song she hummed to get to Luna and Neville's house.
"That's a lovely tune Mrs. Malfoy." She commented.
"Thank you. I learned it from these small flower creatures when I was a child at one of the Black country cottages. They said I could always come back whenever I wanted to as long as I remembered the tune. Though I think it belongs to a cousin now." She continued on and Hermione joined in, wondering exactly how Luna had acquired that land for the cottage. She hummed as she gathered her magic, weaving the strings in and out of Narcissa's mind as she brushed.
She tightened the net slowly, lowering herself in Narcissa's mind as the room faded away. She was laying in the grass surrounded by wildflowers, whisperwillows humming beside her. She was at Hogwarts in what must have been the Slytherin common room, her eyes bright and locked on a tall boy with pale hair. She danced at her wedding, feeling blessed with a love match by the pure luck of it, as the blond man who loved her back gazed down at her. She was holding her son for the very first time, his beautiful gray eyes blinking before he started to wail. Then he was flying, speeding around on a toy broom so quickly it made her head spin as she chased him down the hall casting cushioning charms on any surface she could. Suddenly, he was leaving for the first time. He climbed aboard a red and black train while she gripped her husband's gloved hand too tightly.
It was at this point the memory stalled, something Hermione had never seen. She was suddenly aware of nothing but white empty space and a vanity as she continued to brush Narcissa's hair.
"Hm." The woman who spoke was much older than the one in her room. Her face watched Hermione in the mirror. "There is someone here."
"Yes there is." Hermione didn't pause as she regarded the way the fine platinum stands flowed through her fingers.
"I never thought it would be you. I never thought it could be you." Mrs. Malfoy commented almost icily. "You have a remarkable capacity for forgiveness, child."
"Not really." She responded, setting down the brush on the vanity and beginning the motions of a complex braid. "I am just very selfish."
"You love him then?" Narcissa questioned as she picked up the brush, tracing the gold carvings in the wood.
"With my whole heart." Hermione agreed, answering the rather unnecessary question.
"Good. I don't think anymore." Narcissa stated as plainly as could be. "I'm not much of myself anymore."
"I find that we are frequently changings." Hermione added, her attention turned to the white gold stands. They were so similar to her son's it was almost uncanny.
"Will-" The older witch hesitated, like it was a great struggle for her to finish the request. "Will you love him for me?"
"I can... But, you could come back." Hermione smiled lacing one ribbon of hair into the other with practiced hands. "And love him yourself."
"There is not enough left." Narcissa sighed just as Hermione finished off the tail of the waist length braid. "Please just… just let him know I love him... And that I am sorry."
"I will." Hermione responded, knotting an elastic around the braid just as she tied off the end of the spell. When she dropped her hands the room faded back into view, the dazed replacement pulling her hair over her shoulder with wide eyes.
"I don't usually wear it like this." She commented turning to face Hermione. "But sometimes, something new is nice. Thank you."
Hermione nodded, stepping back as Narcissa traced the weave in the mirror, barely responded as Draco kissed her goodbye. They exited the room in silence, padding down the hall and out to the back patio just as the sun broke over the tree line casting their shadows down the hill.
Draco paused, his hand opening and closing around his wand as he thought. "You don't have to tell-"
"I can't fix her." Hermione responded, hating the way his face fell. How his shoulders gathered that tension that would never really leave him. "There was too much damage and she was barely there.
He nodded, looking back at the windowed building. She could almost see his heart breaking. When she touched him he stiffened, his muscles like cold marble. But slowly he relaxed, letting her wrap around him, drawing warmth back into his body.
"She wanted to tell me that she loves you. And that she was sorry."
He pulled her to him tightly, tangling his hands into her hair as slow silent tears fell down her neck. She cooed to him softly, telling him stories from his mother's life until he sighed against her. Whispering words into her neck.
"This is going to work, isn't it?"
But this time it wasn't a question.
On another note I have started a new fic on my profile (and somehow convinced my professional editor partner to edit for me eek!) It is rated M so i don't expect the cross over to be high. While originally started as a useless smut fic I can't leave well enough alone and it's randomly developed into a complex, dramione 8th year fic. What can I say, I am a flaw human being.
Feel free to join or not. Do let me know if you pop over though. I would love to see who sticks around vs not.
For all those opposed to smut, that is totally chill. Pop that follow on the author and I will be back at some point with a less sex focused fic. (But no less feel/ plot heavy, it's who I am!)
Ya'll have been great. Buh bye!
Note: the song that is being hummed in both the Whisperwillow and this chapter is Hedwig's Theme. Breaking the fourth wall and all.
