Beta: Ann.
XI
Hermione opened her eyes and blinked several times before blurriness stopped. She sat up on the bed and checked the clock - six in the morning. She knew she would not fall back to sleep anymore.
She slept several hours without a break. It was a success.
She heard a meow as she moved her foot under the sheets. Crookshanks was asleep, curled up next to her. Recently she had noticed that he was getting bigger and fluffier. He was definitely the house elf's favorite pet, and he took full advantage of that.
She got up carefully and went to the window. She opened it and took a deep breath. Autumn was already tangible in the air, and the thought was somewhat sad. Autumn promised winter and cold mornings, cool evenings and darkness.
She feared the dark the most.
In the gardens, she noticed a dark figure strolling slowly along the stone path. Hermione raised an eyebrow. Is Lucius not asleep anymore? It surprised her, but then again, she wasn't asleep either.
She closed the window and realized she had a day off. And there were so many things to do.
By ten o'clock Hermione had not shown up for breakfast, and Lucius decided it was time to make the final preparations for his meeting with Draco. His plans were slightly modified due to Granger's day off, but that was not problematic.
His reputation in the magic world was far from what he dreamed of; for most people he would always be a Death Eater. Judging by the glances that were covertly sent in his direction, he knew it wasn't going to be an easy road.
But he wasn't really expecting easiness at all.
When he signed the deal with Shacklebolt, he realized all the risks involved. One thing was not foreseen - he was not the only one struggling with the problems of the past.
If he said he was worried about Granger, it would clearly be a misuse of that word. He didn't care about the girl at all, but her emotional turmoil had an impact on him. Being at the whim of her current mood would not be pleasant. And he was now dependent on her everywhere except for Malfoy Manor.
Additionally, Shacklebolt made it clear that the slightest offense on his part could cost him dearly.
And he wasn't going to pay any more.
But, with Granger's impertinence, stupid taunts and strange behavior, it was hard for him to hold back his temper. But he tried to, really he did. It was ironic realizing Granger was unaware of how much influence she was having on his situation, while at the same time having none on her own. As brutal as it sounded she herself was held hostage by Kingsley.
Mei, an owl owned by Draco, tapped on the dining room glass. He let her in and saw his son's careful handwriting on the parchment.
"Let's meet for dinner. I have all the papers and your favorite whisky. "
Lucius smiled gently. He did not remember the last time he drank alcohol - in Azkaban it was impossible for obvious reasons. And after leaving it, he didn't have time. And didn't feel like it.
It will be a pleasant change to spend time without Granger, he thought, with a glass of whisky in hand.
Hermione landed on Diagon Alley and looked at the long list she had handwritten an hour earlier.
She had a dinner meeting with the Weasleys today.
New clothes, potion ingredients, cauldron and books. She also wanted to visit an antique store to decorate her chambers a little.
She wanted to meet Shacklebolt, so she sent him an owl earlier. She was counting on a quick opportunity to talk, because yesterday's news had thrown her off balance. His cheek was starting to feel terrifying.
Another six months. A year in all. With Malfoy.
She felt nauseous at the thought, so she moved on, trying to calm her stomach.
Slug & Jiggers Apothecary - she walked in and the suffocating smell of herbs and medicines hit her. She walked over to the counter and listed ingredients: flobberworm mucus, lavender, valerian, and standard Ingredients.
The owner said nothing and just raised an eyebrow. But, as she handed Hermione the package, she added to be careful with the dosing of the Sleeping Draught.
The next stop was the store where Hermione had bought a cauldron specifically for the potion, as well as some necessary things that she didn't have at Malfoy Manor.
When she stood in front of Madame Malkin's sign, she realized that she hadn't eaten anything. She decided to change her plan and visit the Leaky Cauldron first. She ordered a light lunch and looked around as she waited for her meal.
Life went back to normal, people in the pub laughed, joked and ate.
As if nothing had happened.
Hermione sighed, she would have given a lot to feel so carefree.
She skipped Madame Malkin's shop and went directly to the bookstore with a full stomach. As always, the smell of new books soothed her nerves. Flourish and Blotts was her favorite place on Diagon Alley from the first time she set foot in the wizarding world.
Hermione walked over to the counter and handed the seller her list. He wrinkled his nose and replied, "I'm afraid we don't have a few titles on the shelves right now. They should be back next week, Miss Granger." He circled the missing titles with his pencil, and on one he hesitated and looked at her carefully.
"This title is unavailable. I haven't seen a copy of this book in years." He swallowed, and Hermione nodded. Unfortunately, she did not expect a different answer.
"You could search for it in the Junk Shop, but it's rare. I'm afraid the Ministry may have withdrawn it years ago. "
Of course.
"Thank you for your help. Please pack the ones that are there. I will try to come back next week for the missing ones." With a forced smile she pulled money out of her pocket.
When she left the bookstore, it was raining heavily. Fall weather was inexorably drawing over London. Hermione decided to run to the Junk Shop the bookstore owner mentioned earlier.
The shop was completely empty, with no customers. A voice came from the back room:
"I'll be right up."
Hermione said nothing, just walked over to the bookshelf and began reading the titles. Most of the books were shabby, with broken spines. Yellowed pages, missing chapters, majority smeared with ink.
"What are you looking for, Miss Granger?"
Hermione turned and looked at the owner, wondering for a moment how he knew her name. Well, naive question. She swallowed hard and nodded.
"I'm looking for the Aftermath of the War, The Diaries. Author unknown . "
The older man gasped and shook his head quickly.
"You won't find that book anywhere. The ministry banned it a few years ago." He walked over to a shelf and pulled out two others and handed them to her.
"But why?" She frowned because this information shocked her. The man looked at her and narrowed his eyes.
"You really don't know? And for what reasons are you looking for it? " His presence made her uncomfortable, and his eyes seemed to pierce her right through her.
"I ..." She tried to say something, but the words seemed to be missing.
'It doesn't matter. I'm pretty sure all public copies were destroyed. If there is one, it's in someone's private archives. I advise you to look there. "
"It doesn't make sense." She whispered to which the old man snorted in response.
"If it didn't make sense, Miss Granger, you would already have this book in your hands."
Hermione realized the book had to be bold. And that its content may have been a bit controversial. After all, the only source she had ever seen any mention of was Snape's handwritten letters. Hence, she was even more sure that she had to read it. And as soon as possible.
The letters were the property of the Minister of Magic and she would have had access to them while she was still working in the Department of Mysteries.
"You have read it." Her tone and words sounded like an accusation, but the old man didn't care at all.
"Yes. But I don't have a personal copy, if that's what you mean. " He walked over to the counter and pulled something out of a drawer. "It's a moonstone. It will come in handy. "
Hermione, holding both books, followed him and put them at the register. Moonstone. Given to a loved one, it will make the feelings reciprocated. It also calms and soothes the nerves and strengthens the feeling of security.
"You must be kidding. I don't want to buy it. " She started backing towards the door, but he shook his head.
"It's a gift."
The panic that began to build in her throat grew with every passing second. She decided to run away from the store like a coward.
Draco emerged from the green flames, bottle of whisky in his hand and a briefcase full of papers. Lucius invited him to dinner first.
During the meal, they talked about the latest information that was relevant to the company they were about to start. The Malfoy's Innovative Technology Center, which was to support the reconstruction of the world after the war and help in the implementation of new technologies in the wizarding world. Draco had been working on this project for over a year.
Later they went to the living room in the part of the house that had not been used for a long time. Draco clapped his hands and, with the help of the elves, prepared a glass of whiskey. They also lit the fireplace and sat comfortably in the armchairs.
"I have a date with Astoria Greengrass."
Lucius took a sip and nodded.
"Congratulations, Draco."
They sat in silence for a while, sipping the amber liquid. Lucius changed the subject, and the next hour they spoke about purely business matters. When the bottle ran out, one of the house elves brought another one.
By the time they finished, they were both slightly drunk.
"How is your life after leaving Azkaban?" Draco's question was awkward, but he didn't know how to ask it otherwise.
Lucius snorted in response and laughed bitterly.
"Excellent."
Draco shook his head and waited patiently for his father to continue. Lucius was silent for a long moment, sipping only his whisky.
"As if I'm still waiting for trial, charged with everything." His confession made Draco study him. He looked just like years before, in his heyday. Beneath the façade of coolness, however, Draco saw fatigue.
"As if I was to blame for everything that happened during the war." His voice was mocking. "As if I murdered Narcissa."
He fell silent and drank the rest of the liquid to the bottom, and Draco froze slightly. He hadn't realized that her death could be perceived that way.
Narcissa protected Draco with her own body during the battle for Hogwarts. She died shortly after from her injuries. She suffered so much that she asked for death.
But Lucius didn't kill her.
More than three years had passed since she had been buried in the gardens on the estate, but it didn't wound was still seeping.
"And your deal with Shacklebolt?" Draco poured alcohol and Lucius shrugged.
"It was convenient when it was time to get money and names. Now it is no longer worth anything. It expired when I left Azkaban. " The bitterness in his voice was almost painful. "He deceived me, Draco. But he is the Minister of Magic and I am a fool. "
Lucius stood up and lifted his trouser leg, showing the manacle. Draco sat in shock.
"Only three people know about the manacle." He clarified. "And now you."
A long time passed before Draco shook himself and gasped, "Three - you, Shacklebolt and ...?"
"Miss Granger."
Hermione's name sounded like punishment in his mouth. He winced at the mere mention of her; she was an endless headache for him.
"You must be strong, Draco." These words had a double meaning, and Draco knew it. At present, the Malfoy name and reputation was in ruins, nothing good was happening at the Ministry, Shacklebolt's actions were far from ethical, and Lucius had left prison only to end up in another. Draco asked exactly what the rules of this program were, and Lucius briefly summarized them.
"So you have another six months," Draco specified, and Lucius agreed. "And ... How's your ... is she… is there cooperation, at all?"
Draco had wondered for a moment if he should ask, but the amount of alcohol in his blood effectively encouraged him.
Lucius raised his eyebrows, he hadn't expected to hear it, much less from Draco's lips.
"How do you think it is?" Lucius' voice cut like a knife, and it was intentional. He didn't want to talk to his son about Hermione, because there was nothing to be said.
Draco gave up on the topic, but Lucius' reaction was surprising to say the least. His question was more an expression of concern and curiosity than ... shoving a stick into an anthill.
Hermione left the fireplace at the Burrow and was relieved as she stepped out into Malfoy Manor and was surrounded by silence. She needed a change of scenery and a day off, but this afternoon had been exhausting.
She loved Ginny and went to the Burrow mostly for her. She endured Molly's bothersome questions and answered them, often evasively. She ignored Ron's gaze and his biting remarks about working for Malfoy. And about fraternizing with the enemy. She smiled with a heavy heart as Percy and Harry bragged about their successes at the Ministry. How Arthur melted over his first granddaughter, Victoire.
Hermione endured it all with dignity. But each minute that passed made her feel sad instead of rejoicing.
Helplessness.
The fascination over the movements of the Minister of Magic was just a drop in that cup of bitterness. Molly was delighted with Kingsley's actions, and all her praise drove Hermione to a white heat. With all her strength she held back from shouting all that she had bubbling inside her to her face. How Kingsley treated her. How he was destroying her with each passing day. How evil he was.
She realized she ended up in a different fireplace this time because the musty smell hit her. There was a fire in the room in the fireplace and Hermione could clearly see that someone was sitting in the armchair.
"If you have come back to continue the topic of my fate, then get out."
Malfoy's voice was unaccustomed - human, normal, a little pugnacious. Not as icy as usual.
"I'm not going to go anywhere or continue anything, Mr. Malfoy." She replied coolly and headed to the lit fireplace nearest Lucius. A glance at the table and she knew Malfoy was drunk. Or definitely not sober enough.
She took a few steps and looked at Lucius. His eyes were closed, he was holding a glass with the drink in his hand. She could smell whisky clearly, slightly smoky, and woody.
"How about whisky, Miss Granger?" His husky voice upset her. Initially, she was supposed to refuse, but …
Lucius opened his eyes and waved his wand. A new glass appeared on the table. He looked at her through his lashes, his eyes unreadable.
"Did you enjoy your day off?" She started pouring herself whisky when her hand trembled at his question. She didn't know whether to lie or tell the truth. On the other hand, what was the point of lying to Malfoy? They promised each other honesty.
"Not really." She replied and raised the glass to her lips. The whisky tasted delicious, leaving an interesting aftertaste on the tongue. Slightly spicy notes caressed her palate. She heard Malfoy chuckle softly as she finished the glass. He must have been watching her.
"Not really?" He repeated her answer like an echo, and she nodded. "I see."
She sat down on the couch and noticed that there was a container of ice next to the whiskey. She tossed a few cubes into the glass and poured herself some whiskey.
"I see you like whisky."
She snorted in response. "Refined alcohol is nothing extremely fancy, and most people can afford it, Mr. Malfoy."
Of course, her remark made him raise an eyebrow. She hated it when he raised an eyebrow and said nothing. She always felt that she was losing a verbal fight with him. And the loss hurt more than the biting comment.
Feeling heat on her face, she picked up the glass and drank it to the bottom. Only ice cubes were left at the bottom of the glass.
Malfoy just stared into the fire.
Hermione felt the warmth as the whiskey reached her stomach. She stripped off her jacket and sweater and stayed only in the T-shirt. Ice cubes caught her eye. She decided to take the smallest one and put it in her mouth.
The chill of the ice was very pleasant.
She realized Malfoy was watching her once again. So she closed her eyes and just sucked the ice. After a moment she heard Malfoy stand up and walk past her. All she heard was a short, hoarse: "Good night, Miss Granger."
Present
Hermione was surprised when Astoria emerged from the fireplace in the living room because she was not expecting any guests.
"Sorry to bother you, Hermione." The blonde smiled warmly at her, and Hermione shook her head and asked.
"Something happen? With Draco? " This time, Astoria shook her head.
Hermione sighed and invited Draco's wife to the terrace. They sat down and, lemonade in hand, Astoria started.
"Draco told me about your pregnancy. And that it might not be a good idea to go to Diagon Alley after all. We will take care of Hayden, and Lucius can accompany us. " Astoria's voice was very melodic, reassuring. "You shouldn't be nervous in your present state."
Astoria was right and Hermione was very grateful for the offer, but she couldn't chicken out.
"I'll go with you, I owe it to Hayden."
Astoria nodded, and Hermione saw her eyes twinkle.
The morning in Oakshire had been a strange one. Hayden was excited from the moment he woke up, but Hermione was tormented. Lucius kept telling her that she could stay home. That met with protests from their son, who could not imagine not having both of them with him.
They made a shopping list and, using the portkey, they landed on a side street near Diagon Alley.
Hermione felt a wave of warmth hit her face, but immediately Lucius grabbed her hand tightly and squeezed. She looked at him and took a deep breath.
Moments later, Draco, Astoria, and Scorpius showed up. They were ready to go.
Astoria walked over to Hermione and asked if they could separate for a moment and walk over to the store next to Ollivander. Draco and Lucius were perfect companions for the boys when they were choosing a wand.
Hermione did not protest, her heart pounded only when she noticed the sign of the Junk Shop. Astoria had a gentle smile and pushed the door open, letting Hermione in first.
Hermione walked in and smelled an old, familiar scent.
"Mrs. Malfoy, your order is ready." Both turned at these words, causing a faint surprise on the face of the young salesman and amusement on their own faces. They chuckled.
Astoria nodded and told Hermione there were books behind the curtain that Hayden might like. Hermione followed her instructions and pushed the curtain away.
There was a figure standing by the window that was obviously waiting for her. And although so many years have passed, in the end, nothing had changed.
Hermione felt a lump grow in her throat.
The figure turned and large brown eyes looked at her with emotion.
"Ginny." Hermione's whisper was barely audible, but it didn't matter. Tears ran down her cheeks when the redhead hugged her tightly.
"Hermione, after so many years."
After so many years.