Chapter 33
Hermione sat in the ruins of the school, gazing out onto the grounds below her. Despite having been on the run for the last year, it seemed as if nothing had changed, and it were only yesterday that she had found herself at school, surrounded by her friends and classmates.
But so much had changed since then, she mused, as she watched the people on the ground below, hugging their family, crying over their losses, celebrating their victory. Because that's what it was, a well fought for victory. And after nearly decades of fighting and manipulation, Voldemort had finally been defeated.
She held her legs tightly to her chest; she was exhausted from it all. And while she would gladly stand by Harry's side until the end of time, all she wanted to do was crawl into a proper bed and sleep for at least a week, before eating a meal that wasn't something she had been forced to catch in the woods.
She couldn't cry anymore over their losses, not when she had already shed so many tears earlier today. She was still mourning the losses of Fred, and of Remus and Tonks, and so many others whom she had loved like family. And it hurt to think that she would never be able to see them again.
It broke her heart, in all honesty, and she wished more than anything she still had them in her life.
But for now, she needed to focus on the future. She needed to focus on rebuilding the community that had been so horribly torn apart. And she needed to make sure that she would be able to bring those who had committed crimes to justice.
In all honesty, she didn't know what she wanted to do with her future and for her career. All she knew was that she wanted to do something greater; to make a change in the world. And perhaps setting all the house elves that she meets free wasn't the best way to go about it. But she wanted to fight for the rights of the people she had met who had faced great injustices. She wanted to fight for all magical beings, be it human or creature. For they deserved the same justices as humanity did after all.
She had so much to do before then though; she needed to find her parents and remove the memory block she had placed on them, despite knowing fully well what it would mean for them. They barely understood her magic before she had done such a thing, wanting nothing more for her to still be a part of the world they knew and understood; the normal world, as they called it. They didn't understand that her life and her future was in the wizarding world; that it was her home, and the only place she had ever felt understood and at peace.
They most certainly wouldn't be happy when they found out that she had used magic against them, to wipe their memories of her and of their life, and sent them to a foreign country. They wouldn't understand that she did it for their best interest and to keep them alive. Because she loved them, and wanted them to live through this war when so many others that she loved had perished. They would hate her for it, she knew that much, and it broke her heart to know that her relationship with her parents would never be the same from here on. All she wanted to do was keep them safe, but in doing so, she had managed to lose them forever.
And Draco, she thought, her heart breaking, was most definitely gone from her life. She had seen him after the battle, trying to make sure his mother was okay, and that she hadn't suffered through the war. And just as she had, he also had suffered so much, been forced to grow up far too soon, and make choices no one should ever have to make. And more than anything, she loved him, just as she did back when they were in school a year ago.
But so much had changed since then, they both had. They both had seen unimaginable things, done unimaginable things, just to survive. They both had been forced to be people they never thought that they would be. She wasn't the same girl as she was a year ago, and he wasn't the same boy she had fallen in love with all those months ago in their corner of their library. They both had broken so much, and needed time to heal and find themselves once more.
She wasn't sure if she could have a future with him, after everything they had gone through, and it wasn't as if they had exactly had any time to catch up since the war ended hours ago. He had his priorities now, and she could hardly blame him for putting his family first. It's not as if they were together anymore after all.
And then there was Ron; sweet Ron, who had made his feelings for her clear during the last few months while they were on the run. He loved her, and would be able to provide her a stable life, and a loving family.
And who did she have at the moment? Her own parents would hate her, so all she would have from here on out was the Weasleys and Harry. Ron would offer her a large family, and happiness.
So perhaps it was time to stop living in the what ifs and what could have beens, and to move on with her life. She could love Ron, she supposed, if she gave it time. She cared for him once, and she still cared for him as a friend. Perhaps it would be for the best, if she stepped forward with this new life.
Hermione stood awkwardly outside the ward of St. Mungos where Neville's parents had been moved for treatment out of the long-term patient care.
It had been a little while since the trial had occurred, and she had won her case for patients who had been suffering insanity from the after effects of the cruciatus curse to be able to seek the same treatment options as those who had not.
She twirled the ring on her finger, feeling a sense of comfort as it almost felt like Draco was there with her, and she stepped forward, entering the ward where the patients who were undergoing treatement for the curse resided.
It seemed as if there was an overwhelming amount of new patients now for the treatment, as once word spread about the legality of it, all those who had been denied before now had the option for their loved ones to be healed.
And it warmed her heart, knowing that she had been able to help, if even in such a small way, to bring a change in so many people's lives.
"Hermione," Neville greeted her warmly, as he saw her by the entrance. He stood up from the seat he had been in, and made his way over to her, pulling her into a tight hug.
"Hi Nev," she greeted, as she smiled at the sight of her friend. He had changed so much since his days at school, gaining confidence, and pursing his interests of herbology. And words could not describe just how proud she was of him for overcoming his childhood awkwardness, and moving on to have a life with Hannah, and now being reunited with his parents.
"How are they doing?" she asked softly, gesturing to where his parents were. "I hope you don't mind that I just dropped in like this. I just wanted to see the progress patients were making in regards to overcoming the aftermath of the curse."
"They're doing so much better," he said beaming at her, "It's still a little rough; their memories are slightly hazy still, but they have regained full speaking abilities, and well," he said drifting off slightly, "They recognize me, well as more than a familiar face. They know I'm their son, and I've been telling them off my life, and for the first time they've been able to respond to me, and not just by presenting me with small items. They're actually here, Hermione."
"I'm glad," she said, voice breaking slightly. She knew how hard it had been for him, that his parents never truly were there for him because of Bellatrix Lestrange, and he was all but a stranger to them. And for his parents to now be able to be there for him was nothing short of a miracle.
"I owe it all to you," he told her with a smile, "We've gone to countless lawyers, asking if they would be able to do anything to reverse the current rulings, but they all point blank refused, saying there was no way the laws could be changed. You're the only one who fought against the Wizengamot to insist that their ruling was unfair. Without you, none of this would be possible."
"I'm glad I could help," she smiled up at him.
"Would you like to meet them?" he asked her with a soft smile, "I've told them all about you."
She grinned, "I would be honoured, Neville."
She followed him over to where his parents were laying in their beds beside each other, as Augusta Longbottom sat in a chair beside them both.
"Miss Granger," Mrs Longbottom greeted her cordially. She had met Neville's grandmother a few times throughout the years, but the two of them were hardly close.
She smiled at Augusta, "It's nice to see you, Mrs Longbottom. How have you been doing?"
The elder woman softened at her, and despite her years in age, she seemed lighter than she had in all the time Hermione had known her. "Better, thanks to you. I can't even begin to explain just how much this means to me."
"I'm glad that I could help," Hermione said as Neville's parents looked up at her.
"Mum, Dad, I want to introduce you to the witch I was telling you about, Hermione Granger," Neville told them, "She was one of my friends when we were at school, and was always helping me with something or the other; she's absolutely brilliant. She was also the one who got the Wizengamot to change their policy so we could go through with the treatment."
Alice Longbottom softened at that, as she took her hand in hers, "Then I believe we owe you quite a bit, Hermione. Thanks to you, I have the chance to get to know the brilliant man my son has become, and be a part of his life from here on out."
Neville blushed, and Hermione knew that he was still unused to parental compliments.
"He's rather brilliant, your son," Hermione told them both fondly, "He has quite the knack for Herbology, and honestly there were a few times when he had me beat in class. He's the greatest friend a person could have asked for. We couldn't have won the war without him."
Frank looked proud at that, "My son, a man of many talents."
Hermione grinned as she placed a hand on his shoulder, "I can tell you so many stories about Neville, including how he imagined his boggart to be Professor Snape dressed as Mrs Longbottom."
His parents burst into laughter at that, and Neville looked sheepish, "It was the first thing I could think of."
"I'm sure Severus was certainly not pleased about that," Alice laughed, "Merlin knows he was always sulking in school."
"That he was," Frank said fondly, "Honestly, he wasn't all that bad in his earlier years."
"I've also been meaning to ask the both of you something," Alice said, looking between Neville and Hermione, "I was wondering if you would be able to ask Harry Potter to visit."
"Harry?" Neville asked, sounding confused.
"I know you are close," Alice continued, "And I'm not sure if you both are aware, but Lily and James made me his godmother, and they were both yours, Neville. However, I've hardly had the chance to do much in that regards. I'd like the chance to get to meet him."
"We're god brothers?" Neville asked, sounding surprised.
"You are," Frank nodded, "We were going to take him in, well before everything happened. You could have grown up together."
Hermione smiled, "I know Harry would love that," she said softly, "He's lost so many close to him, and to have another connection to his parents would mean the world to him."
"Thank you," Alice said, smiling at her, "For everything you've done for our family."
"I'm happy I could have helped," she said, as Neville motioned for her to sit.
She spent that afternoon with him and his parents, regaling them with tales from their school days and all the adventures they had gotten to. And as she watched Neville interact with his parents, she couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction, knowing that she had helped put a family back together.
Hermione stood outside the orphanage nervously as Draco wrapped his arms around her.
"Hey, it's going to be alright, Love," Draco assured her softly.
"What if they do not approve us as parents?" Hermione asked, unsure, "Or what if none of the kids want to come home with us."
"We have letters of recommendations from Harry, the Minister of Magic, Headmistress McGonagall, and our superiors at work," Draco reminded her, "Not to mention who you are. Plus, you already are a mother, and Rose will gladly validate that you are a good mother. And any of these kids would be lucky to have you as a parent."
She nodded nervously, as Rose pulled her hand, "Can we go in, Mummy?" Rose asked her excitedly, "I can't wait to meet my brother or sister!"
They had brought their daughter as well, wanting to make sure she was a part of the process. She was just as much a part of this family as the pair of them, and Hermione wanted to make sure she was happy with their selection."
"Okay," Hermione nodded, as she took a deep breath and walked inside.
"Miss Granger, Mr Malfoy," the matron, Mrs. Ebert greeted them upon entry, "We've been expecting you."
"Thank you for agreeing to see us," Hermione smiled softly. Despite being unwed still, they had decided to go ahead with starting their family and the adoption process, to expand their family.
"Thank you for coming," The matron smiled, "The children are excited that you decided to come. We'll step into my office first, and then you may meet the children. However your little one is more than welcome to go ahead and play with the kids if she wants."
"Rose?" Hermione prompted, "Do you want to go meet the other children?"
Her daughter's eyes lit up as she nodded at her mother, and ran ahead to where the kids were playing in a room over.
"Follow me," Mrs. Ebert said, as she led them through the orphanage and towards her office. Once they had taken their seats, she asked them, "So why have you two decided to adopt children?"
"We've both wanted a large family," Hermione said, as Draco placed a hand on hers, "We're both only children you see. But recently, I found out I was unable to conceive any more children. And we know there are so many children from the war who were left without a home or a family, and we want nothing more than to be able to give them that."
"And the pair of you are unmarried?" Mrs. Ebert asked, "Married families tend to provide a stronger sense of family and security."
"I understand your concerns," Draco said with a nod, "However Hermione and I currently are engaged. We are planning on getting married with the next few months. But even until then, we are living together, and plan on having a life together."
"I see," she nodded, "The both of you work full time jobs. Will there be someone who can care for your children while you are at work?"
"Yes," Hermione nodded, "His mother has offered to watch the kids, alongside his aunt, and a close family friend, Molly Weasley, who both offered as well."
"You have a daughter of your own," she asked, "Will you be able to treat both your adopted kid and biological kid equally?"
"Yes," Draco said firmly, "We plan on loving all our children equally. In our eyes, they're ours, no matter how they came into our lives."
"Good," Mrs Ebert smiled. "I've also reviewed your letters of recommendations ahead of time, and I must say, I am impressed. And based on your answers, you two seem to be perfect parents. Would you like to see the children now?"
Hermione nodded, as Draco helped her up, and as they made their way through the room where the children were playing, she greeted them all, talking to the little ones, as she got to know them.
"I wish we could take them all home," Hermione said wistfully to her fiancé.
"I know," he murmured back, placing a kiss on her head.
And while she loved all the kids she met, wanting to provide them a home, it didn't feel as if she had met the kid she was meant to adopt just yet.
"Where's Rose?" Draco questioned, as their daughter was nowhere in sight.
"She's in the corner," Mrs Ebert gestured, "With Leo."
Hermione looked over, as she saw her daughter flipping through a book with the blonde boy who was no more than two years old, reading it aloud to him. He was listening aptly to her words, seeming captivated.
"Can you tell me about him?" she asked, curious.
"His parents perished less than a year ago," the matron said softly, "A fire broke out in their home, which appeared to be the work of Death Eaters who were still on the loose. The child was the only one saved, and he had no other family who could take him in. He's a shy, quiet boy. He can't read just yet, but he enjoys looking at books, trying to figure out what's happening. I wouldn't be surprised if he taught himself to read one day."
Draco looked over at her, giving her a nod.
"Can we talk to him?" Draco asked her. And when the matron agreed, the two of them made their way over to where he was sitting, and sat beside him.
"Mummy, Draco, this is Leo," Rose lit up at the sight of them, "I'm reading him Babbity Rabbity!"
"It's funny!" Leo chimed in, grinning at them both.
"Oh yeah?" Draco asked him, "Do you like books, Leo?"
"I love them!" his eyes lit up, "Lots of pictures."
"Which story is your favourite?" she asked, heartwarming at the two children together.
"The warlock's hairy heart," Leo said with a grin.
"Do you like any sports, Leo?" Draco asked, and Hermione knew he wanted to learn more about the boy as well.
"Quidditch," He said, giving them a toothy grin, "It's the best!"
"I quite agree," Draco grinned.
They talked to Leo a while longer, but she knew in her heart that they all had come to a conclusion that they loved the little boy already, and could see him as part of their family.
"Leo, do you want to be adopted by our family?" she asked him softly, and Draco smiled, squeezing her hand tightly.
"You want me to come home with you?" Leo said in surprise, and she wondered how many other families had passed up the brilliant boy, "And be my mummy and daddy?"
"If you would like," Draco said softly, "We would love for you to join our family."
Rose nodded eagerly, "Please? I promise I'll be the best big sister ever! I'll read to you and play with you, and we can go on adventures."
"Okay," Leo said smiling at them, "I want you to be my mummy and daddy too, and Rose to be my big sister!"
Mrs Ebert came up to them then, sensing that the family had made a decision, and began to talk to Draco about finalizing the paperwork.
Despite the rough time she had over the last few months, it seemed like her life was finally coming together. She had a partner she loved and respected, a daughter she adored, and a soon to be son who she would dote on. And despite it taking her years to find her happy ending, it seemed as if she had finally found her way home.