Chapter 18
Blending the Family
The holiday break had finally arrived and with it the impending arrival of Hermione's first true experiences at being a Malfoy. She had sporadically written to the Grangers since the reveal of her birth family, and as with everything else she had faced in life, they had been wholly supportive. However, the idea of blending her adoptive and birth families during such an important holiday had turned her into somewhat of a nervous wreck. Always the anchor through her storms though, Theo provided her with a tethering support as she sat curled against him for the duration of the train ride back to King's Cross Station.
He gave her a lingering kiss before they left the train, stepping onto the platform and going to stand next to his father who glared at Hermione as she passed him. The Grangers and the Malfoys were both there to greet her and Draco, and it gave Hermione hope that things over the break would go relatively smoothly since the four adults were conversing easily.
She hugged Lucius and Narcissa quickly before turning to Daniel and Emma Granger. She launched herself into their arms as they closed around her, grateful that they had been able to stay off of Dumbledore's radar until now.
"Mum, dad, I'm so glad you're both safe." She whispered, and Daniel kissed her curls before replying.
"Lucius and Narcissa came to our home the week after you all found out about how you came to us. They've been visiting regularly and had the house warded to the teeth. That vile man who took you won't be able to get to us Mia."
She pulled back and looked at her dad in shock before turning away from them and staring at the Malfoys with tears of gratitude in her eyes.
"My darling Ada, they are important to you," Narcissa easily explained. "We owe them everything for protecting and supporting you for the last ten years. I've thanked them enough over the last couple of months so I won't say it again for fear of driving them mad, but they've become friends in the time your father and I have visited and we always protect those we care about."
Narcissa and Emma exchanged smiles and Hermione's worries fully disappeared in the face of how easily both her works were blending and blurring together.
"Adhara, do you know how to apparate?" Lucius asked, and she struggled to look him in the eye.
"Yes Papa, I do." She sighed, and looked confused when he snorted.
"I honestly don't know why I'm surprised given your nickname. Of course you already know how. Brightest Witch of the Age." He chuckled while she looked down shyly, not a fan of the moniker but knowing she did deserve it.
"Well, if you will take Draco, I will take Emma and your mother will take Daniel."
"Yes Papa." Adhara said, taking Draco's offered arm.
You're going to have to help me, Dragon. I'm not yet familiar enough with the manor to apparate safely.
Of course, sister. We'll apparate to the receiving room.
Draco mentally pulled up the destination and projected it towards his twin, putting as much detail as he could into the image.
Adhara focused hard on Draco's description of the room, gripped his arm, and gave a sharp spin with a soft crack echoing behind her. They landed harshly in the center of the room with the following crack ringing out at an ear splitting level. Fred and George had been wonderful instructors while they had lived at Grimmauld, but she didn't truly have confidence about apparating even though she'd practiced as often as possible since the beginning of school.
"Ada what's wrong?"
She gnawed on her lip before she spoke up.
"Draco, can you show me the whole Manor during break? I want to be able to know this place like I used to. I don't want to always need someone to lead me everywhere or have to call for one of the elves."
Adhara hated her lack of knowledge of her ancestral home and was determined to rectify that problem as quickly as she could.
Draco grabbed his twin in a fierce hug and whispered, "We can do a full walk through tomorrow and then I'll quiz you the rest of the time."
Whilst they were hugging the four adults appeared, having apparated into the foyer of the Manor. Narcissa and Emma each felt a surge of gratitude that the two children had been reunited. Emma had always been devastated at her inability to have children of her own and give her daughter a sibling, and Narcissa and Lucius had been too heartbroken at the loss of their daughter to try for another child.
Daniel cleared his throat softly so as not to scare the teenagers, and they turned towards the sound.
"Why don't you kids get settled into your rooms and then meet us in the Library. We need to talk about the surprise inheritance that came up for you Mia."
The girl's eyes widened as she remembered that she was somehow related to the Dagworth-Grangers through her adopted father.
"Dad did you know?" She asked, and Daniel shook his head.
"Lucius has been helping me research this for the last couple of days. Go on and get settled, then we'll talk."
Draco grabbed Adhara's hand and led her out of the receiving room to the main staircase. They reached the second floor and Draco turned right, pointing out different things as he went.
"That is my bedroom." Draco pointed at the door to his left and continued, "Down the hall is the Master Suite. And this," He turned them to stand directly in front of the door on their right, "was, is, your room Ada."
Adhara slowly reached out and grasped the handle to her room, turning it quickly and pushing the door open.
Draco gently nudged her forward and into the room, standing in the doorway as he watched his sister re-enter the room that had been sealed off for so many years.
Adhara looked around with tears in her eyes as flashes of memories returned to her. Mama tucking her into bed, Papa reading her story after story because he could never resist her as she begged for just one more. And then she gasped, running to the door in the far corner across the room and throwing it open. She stepped onto the second floor of the library and laughed, remembering how she had pleaded with her parents for special connection between her room and her favorite spot in the entire manor.
She turned around and grinned at Draco who was shaking his head in amusement.
"You're such a swot." He said fondly.
Adhara childishly stuck her tongue out at him before returning to the middle of the room and flicking her wand at her trunk to open it.
"Why don't you hurry up and unpack so we can go back downstairs?" She told him, and he scampered out of the room and across the hall to hurriedly put his things away.
She waited for him to return and then the siblings headed into the library, walking down the staircase and approaching the adults who were all around a long table covered with books and scrolls. The mothers looked up as the teenagers approached and made space between them for the children to stand. Lucius was flipping through an index of some sort and Daniel was speed reading down the scroll in front of him. Adhara grabbed her mum's hand as she waited for the two men to speak.
Both men looked up at the same time and nodded at each other before looking at the other four members of their group. Daniel ran a hand through his hair before speaking.
"Well, I guess I should just take the bull by the horns and let you all know that I'm the grandson of Hector Dagworth-Granger."
Adhara's jaw dropped while a shocked Draco asked the single word she couldn't seem to form, "How?"
Lucius handed them the book he'd been flipping through and allowed them each a moment to read the page before speaking.
"Most Pureblood families will abandon, or in the old days kill, a squib when they're born. It appears that the Dagworth-Grangers left the last squib born into their line at an orphanage in London under the name Oliver."
"Grandpa Ollie was a squib?" The girl yelped, feeling stupid for repeating exactly what they had just told her.
"It appears so," Daniel said. "He was left at the orphanage when he was seven, with no memories of who his parents or family were. All he knew was his name, Oliver Henry Granger. I remember Pops always talking about how he wished he knew why he'd been abandoned. Now I know. I wish I could tell him we found his family."
"He had a family sweetheart." Emma reached over and grabbed her husband's hand. "The family he made meant more to him than anything else. You and our little Mia were his pride and joy."
Daniel gave Emma's hand a hard squeeze in thanks.
"I'll make sure Grandpa Ollie is included on the family tapestry. Papa, can we leave this information out of my contract with Theo?" Ada asked, and Lucius thought a moment before nodding.
"I see no reason why Alfred would need to have this knowledge. However, you need to inform Theodore."
"He already knows about the inheritance from the Dagworth-Grangers, I'll fill him in on the rest tomorrow." From the corner of her eye she saw Emma nodding along to the conversation and turned to look at her.
"Wait, why are you acting like you know who I'm talking about?"
Emma laughed lightly. "Because I do, dear. Narcissa and Lucius told us everything about the contract and who this boy is. All I ask is that you introduce us to him at the ball tomorrow."
Ada turned to look at Daniel. "Dad. You're too calm about this. Why aren't you, I don't know, grabbing your hunting rifle or something?"
Lucius's eyes widened at the mention of a firearm and Daniel growled before sighing.
"Sweetheart, I hate it honestly. When I first heard about it I lost the plot a bit. But I know your mum and I raised you to think for yourself, so if you like this boy then there's nothing I can do. Just know I plan on talking to him."
He exchanged a look with Lucius and the girl groaned.
"Ugh, now there are two of you to play the overprotective dad. Please stop them!" She begged her mothers.
"Ada I have to let your father have this one. He hasn't had the chance to scare off any of the others." Narcissa said.
"You're his little girl." Was all Emma said, making her pout.
She knew Theo would handle both of her fathers with grace but it didn't mean she had to like the inquisition he would get. However, she made a mental note to warn him before snagging a spare piece of parchment and a quill off the table and penning a short note to Ragnok requesting a full write out of the Dagworth-Granger vaults. She would look it over after the holidays.
She summoned Mipsy and asked her to have the message delivered immediately. The little elf smiled happily as she popped away to do as ordered.
The blended family sat in the library discussing family trees and how Adhara could go about restoring her grandfather to the tapestry once it was found. Lucius concluded that once the full list of assets had been ascertained the best course of action would be to summon the Head Elf of the Granger house and ask where the tapestry was located so they could make sure it was still intact.
Talk then turned to the two upcoming balls and the wardrobe for each event. Narcissa and Emma whisked Adhara away to her room for some mother daughter bonding and Draco stayed with his father and Daniel, the two wizards asking dozens of questions about the hunting rifle that had been mentioned and how they could go about getting their own.
As Adhara collapsed in bed that night she smiled to herself, happy with how her day had turned out and ecstatic at the ease with which her two sets of parents were getting along. This holiday would certainly be different, but she had all of her family near and she couldn't ask for more.
Christmas Eve was spent teaching Draco, Lucius, and Narcissa how to bake cookies and other Christmas treats. The elves had trusted Adhara when she promised they would not burn the house down, with Mipsy helping the young heiress in convincing the Elves to take the morning off so the family could bake. They sang carols and Lucius and Narcissa led their small group in a simple Yule ritual. The ball at Greengrass Estate was set to begin at sundown, so after an early lunch the group separated so the four Malfoys could prepare for the ball. Daniel and Emma stayed in the library, their tradition of spending the afternoon reading full of new possible stories thanks to the collection that the Malfoy family had amassed over the centuries.
Adhara walked to her room slowly, her tendency to overthink creating a mountain out of a molehill.
"Mipsy?" Ada called when she reached her door, and the elf appeared in front of her.
"What can Mipsy be doing for Missy Addy?"
Adhara smiled at the name, "Could you bring me some Earl Grey please, and lay my gown for this evening on my bed for me?"
"Of course Missy Addy!" The elf beamed at her young mistress before popping out to get the requested tea.
Adhara grabbed her dressing gown and headed into her en suite. The vanity was an obsidian black with a rose gold brush along the edges. The floor was highly polished white marble whose veining gleamed under the candle light of the chandler. The shower was tiled in the same glass like marble while the floor had a beautiful, swirling mosaic of black and rose gold tiles, each no bigger than the size of a single Knut. In the far right corner was a sunken tub easily large enough for four people, that she had yet to be able to use though she longed to fill it and soak while losing hours lost inside of her books. Looking at the tub longingly, she decided to treat herself to just that since there were still a few hours until they were to leave.
Skipping over to the tub with giddy excitement, she began turning the taps to run the water until her entire bathroom was full of steam. She sank into the tub and hummed in pleasure as the hot water began to relax her body. The scent of eucalyptus helped to further calm her, her racing mind slowly coming down from its frantic pace of analysis. She allowed herself to drift away and focus only on the positive experiences that this evening would bring. She would get to see friends again, have Theo back by her side, and the support of her family beside her.
The thought of Theo made her body flush, the memory of their date sending a shiver down her spine. She would be wearing the necklace and earrings he had given her tonight at the ball and she couldn't wait to see him. Being with Theo was easy. She didn't have to think about it, it was as if they were meant to fit together. Her eyes closed as she envisioned Theo there with her, her stomach clenching at the thought of feeling his skin against hers again. She had never considered herself a very sexual being but her boyfriend drove her wild with the desire to explore every inch of his finely toned frame.
The memory of his fingers ghosting across her heated skin made her core clench and she desperately wished the boy she loved was really there with her.
The thought that she loved Theo had come unbidden and shocked her.
Do I love him? She wondered.
The more she considered the word and the emotions behind it, the more she realised that she was dangerously close to truly being in love with a boy she had only been on one date with. However, since their third year he had proved time and again that he saw past every facade she had thrown up around Harry and Ron. He had been the most constant presence for her in the last three months as things shifted and lines blurred. It may have been a single date but it had been years of feelings growing and blossoming into what she felt now.
This needs further examination but not tonight, she thought.
After a while longer, she hopped in the shower and scrubbed up, taking extra care with her hair. She towelled off and donned the dressing gown that had appeared on the vanity before returning to the bedside.
Mipsy had placed her cup of tea on the bedside table under a stasis charm, and Ada inhaled deeply before taking a sip, letting the comforting smell and taste of her favourite tea wash over her before turning to look at the gown on her bed. Her Muggle upbringing had been what many would consider posh. While the Grangers weren't millionaires they were still extremely well off. Growing up in Hampstead meant she had never wanted for anything, but the new wardrobe Narcissa had bought for her was easily the most extravagant clothing she had ever owned. The shoes she would wear tonight alone had cost more than the monthly note on most muggles' cars and she wasn't even sure she would ever wear them again. It was one of the odd necessities she had to quickly become accustomed to being one of the two heirs to one of the most well todo families in Wizarding Britain.
You know at this moment I am eternally grateful for my contract with Theo she thought to herself as she sipped at her tea. If I didn't have that I would walk into the ball tonight and be seen as nothing more than a top commodity. A trophy to be won and displayed.
Adhara shuddered at the idea and made a mental note to hug her Papa extra tight and kiss Theo just a little longer when she saw them both that evening.
Sitting down at her vanity, she called for Mipsy again, the little elf instantly popping into her room with a bright and eager smile.
"Mipsy could you tell me which elves have been assigned to help me get ready this evening?"
"Of course Missy Addy! Mipsy had been told to help with yous hair and Tilly will be doing yous makeup. Mistress Cissa and Mrs. Emma will be coming in to help you with yous dress in one hour."
"Well then Mipsy, we had better get started on my hair. It's an unruly beast but I would like to keep it down this evening if possible. Work your magic."
Adhara smiled at the little elf and finished her tea, calling for Tilly when she set her cup down. Tilly was a younger elf who excelled at makeup charms and over the next hour she and Mipsy corralled Adhara's face and hair into the picture of alluring innocence while still commanding the respect deserved of the daughter of Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy. As Tilly put the final touches on her makeup, Emma and Narcissa walked into the room. Emma had helped get her daughter ready for society functions like this many times over the years, so she let Narcissa take the lead and have her moment with the girl they both loved so dearly.
Ada rose from her seat and hugged each woman tightly.
"I'm so glad that you're both here."
Narcissa tried and failed not to tear up. She had all but abandoned any hope of being able to help her daughter prepare for one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight balls or galas, but this year she had everything she could ever ask for. She wrapped her arms around her almost grown daughter and just held her tightly while she tried to get the water works under control. When she calmed down enough to not burst into tears, she stepped back and eyed Adhara's hair and makeup critically. Nodding, she addressed the elves.
"Mipsy, Tilly, you've both done a wonderful job. Once your duties are finished this evening please take the rest of the evening to celebrate the close of Yule for yourselves."
Mipsy and Tilly's eyes were as large as saucers at this statement. They looked at one another and then back to their Mistress and each bowed low in respect and gratitude.
"Thank you Mistress Cissa. Yous make us proud to be Malfoy elves." Mipsy said and Tilly nodded excitedly. Narcissa smiled at the little beings and they disappeared back to the kitchens. Adhara was unable to speak for the shock of seeing her mother treat the elves with such respect and kindness.
"Your logic in October made sense. And they've been the most receptive I've ever seen out of any house elf. Even your father is treating them differently." Narcissa said simply, and Ada hugged her again tightly.
Emma smiled with pride at her daughter and new co-parent. They had their cultural differences but watching their girl blend the best of both their worlds would be something incredible to witness.
"Now let's get you into your dress dear. Theo will be here soon."
Ada's eyes lit up at the mention of her wizard and she quickly changed into her dress and jewelry. Narcissa fastened the clasp on her necklace and Emma handed Ada her heels. Once she was fully dressed Emma had her spin in place to give the two mothers the full effect.
"You look beautiful sweetie." Emma said, hugging her little girl.
"Stunning my dear. Theo's jaw will hit the floor." Narcissa chuckled at the thought and soon all three women were laughing. Ada hugged her mums one more time and they all left the girl's room and headed downstairs.
They met Draco in the hall as he emerged from his room and he linked arms with his twin. The two talked about the holiday school work they had already mostly completed while Narcissa asked Emma more questions about Muggle fashion, a topic that the two women had quickly bonded over.
Lucius and Daniel were sharing a glass of firewhisky when the rest of the family walked into the receiving room. Ada released her brother and quickly went to Lucius, wrapping her arms around him in a fierce hug. He wrapped an arm around her and squeezed, sending Emma and Narcissa a questioning look.
Both women shrugged, not knowing what was behind the gesture. Lucius kissed the top of his daughter's head and pulled away to look at her face.
"Not that I don't love this Ada, but why are you attempting to squeeze the life out of me?"
"I'm just really glad you want what's best for me. I don't know if I could go tonight if I didn't have…"
Just then the floo flared to life and Theo stepped through, dusting the soot from his dress robes
"Theo!" Ada said excitedly, launching herself at him. Theo caught his witch and wrapped his arms around her, burying his face in her curls for a moment while she nuzzled his neck. He pulled back and tilted her face up to him, kissing her gently.
"Hello love. Care to introduce me?" He said, tilting his head towards the Grangers.
She blushed prettily and stepped away, turning to the rest of her family who all wore various expressions of amusement.
"Mum, Dad, may I present Theodore Nott, Heir of the Noble and Ancient House of Nott and my boyfriend. Theo, these are my parents, Drs. Daniel and Emma Granger."
Theo stepped forward and kissed the back of Emma's hand, bowing slightly before taking Daniel's hand in a firm handshake.
"It's a pleasure to meet you both. Hermione always speaks very highly of you."
"It's nice to finally meet you Theo. We're both looking forward to getting to know you better." Emma said, smiling widely at the young man in front of her.
"I look forward to that as well Mrs. Granger. Mr. Granger, Hermione has mentioned that you enjoy hunting. Is that something I could convince you to teach me how to do? I confess there has never been a reason for me to hunt here in the Wizarding World, but knowing that I will be part of both worlds as long as I'm with your daughter, I would like to learn some of the hobbies that muggles enjoy."
Daniel's eyes were calculating for a moment before he grinned at Theo.
"I don't see why not. Lucius and Draco have also expressed an interest in learning. We'll plan a week to go shooting once school is out for the summer holiday."
Lucius and Draco looked gleeful at the idea and the women all rolled their eyes.
"Lord and Lady Malfoy, Draco, good to see you all again." Theo nodded at the Malfoys and the clock chimed out four in the evening, signaling that it was time for the group to be leaving.
Ada hugged the Grangers tightly and then took Theo's arm. Lucius and Narcissa stepped into the floo and called out for Greengrass Estate, whirling away in a flash of green. Draco went next, and then Theo stepped into the flames. Before calling out their destination, he looked down at her.
"Are you ready for this?" He asked, and she gripped his arm a little tighter before smiling at him.
"As long as you're next to me then I think I can deal with anyone who comes my way tonight." She said, and he grinned back at her.
Theo threw down the floo powder and they were off. Ada knew that no matter what happened that night, the people who truly mattered to her and loved her would accept this new combination of Pureblood and Muggleborn witch and the rest of them could go hang for all she cared.