All things related to the Harry Potter fandom were developed by and belong to JK Rowling. I haven't received any money or gratuities for this story. Thank you JKR for your characters. OC's were developed in my mind.
Life has been good for Hermione and Draco since their return to England in 2006. The only wrinkle in the happiness is Draco's newly found proclivity for dangerous, Muggle sports. An accident in 2008 had laid him up for weeks. Now, in 2009, it's clear to Hermione that her husband could be headed for disaster. 1st chapter Rated M for CHARACTER DEATH OC/OOC/AU. Drama/hurt comfort. Sequel to: A Tale Of Two Wizards.
A/N: Warning: This story contains the death of a character. Please do not proceed if this type of storyline upsets you. Thanks. First chapter is rated M (death). The rest of the story is rated T.
Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Epilogue: 3 Years Later
On August 14, 2006, the pains started hitting Hermione with an intensity that even a first time mum recognized. She was in labor. She woke Draco out of a deep sleep with her screams and moans. If she hadn't been in so much pain, she would have laughed her arse off at the way Draco had jumped out of bed and run in a complete circle before realizing what was going on. They had previously worked out a list of things Draco had to do when she went into labor. However, he was so nervous he hadn't even thought about the list.
"Call Harry and or Gas. That's first on the list. They will be prepared. After that, help me get dressed then get my arse to St Mungo's before I have our son right here on the floor."
That statement was all it had taken for Draco to get himself straightened out. He called Harry as he helped Hermione out of her wet nightdress and into an over the head smock. Harry was there before Hermione slid her feet into the slippers she was wearing to St Mungo's. Between the two gits, they got her to St Mungo's in record time. Harry had Owled ahead so the healers were waiting to take Hermione to maternity. Hermione's private healer was already there waiting to talk her through the pain.
It had taken ten hours for Scorpius Abraxas to be born. Now she was lying in the bed of her private suite with her job done. She had delivered their son and was lying in St Mungo's watching what seemed like a live replay of October 30th 2003.
Hermione closed her eyes. They had a son. They had good friends all around them, and they loved each other more than life itself.
It just didn't get any better than that.
A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 1
"Mum. Mum." Scorpius called out patting his mum on the leg. "Tips. I want tips."
Hermione grabbed Scorpius up in her arms. "Alright Scorp. You may have a few chips. Daddy will be upset with me if I let you spoil your dinner. I don't know what's keeping your father. He was due back from that bloody ski trip hours ago."
"Bludy. Bludy. Bludy," sang Scorpius from his baby chair.
"No baby. No. Don't say that." Hermione replied with a grimace. "I'm a bad mum saying things like that around my little man. I'm sorry."
"Sowwy. Sowwy. Sowwy." Scorpius mimicked as he picked up one of the three chips Hermione had placed on his tray. "Duce mum. Want duce."
"No juice until dinner sweetheart. Finish up your chips so we can go wash up. I wish your father would get here. I cannot relax when he's off on one of his bloody sports jaunts. I'll tell you one thing sweetie," she said lifting Scorpius from his chair. "Your father and I are going to have another shout down about this stupid behavior."
/*/
Another hour passed. Scorpius was on a schedule, so she fixed him and herself a plate. As Hermione sat there watching their son feed himself, she began to worry in earnest as she did every time Draco went skiing. Although she shouted at Draco about the dangers of skiing, Hermione knew that tons of Muggles (and nowadays Magical people) found pleasure in speeding over snow covered hills. Her husband wasn't a fool. He had to be careful for her sake and Scorp's. However, she still worried.
Whenever she tried to discuss it, Draco's answer was always, I've gotten too good at it. I cannot get hurt. It was at that point she would remind him of the accident which had kept him laid up in St Mungo's for two weeks. Draco would grin and give her some variation of, that was a year ago love. Nothing like that will ever happen again. The discussion usually devolved from there.
After feeding Scorp, Hermione sat down with her son to read him a story. He was picking up words so fast, she and Draco made it a practice to read to him at least once a day. This particular night, Scorpius was in a cranky mood and wouldn't settle down to listen. After several attempts to get through the story with Scorpius banging his hand on the book, Hermione gave up.
"Alright love. Have it your way. Mum will read to you tomorrow. Let's get you into your pajamas."
"Jamas, potty, jamas, potty," repeated Scorpius as he pulled on a lock of Hermione's hair.
"Yes, your pajamas and your potty." Hermione cooed leaning down to kiss her son on the forehead. "I didn't want to put you down before your father got home to say goodnight, but he's very late."
Fifteen minutes later, Hermione lifted a sleeping Scorpius from the couch to put him in his big boy bed. As Hermione pulled the covers over Scorpius, she felt herself growing more and more aggravated that Draco wasn't home yet. Unless he made specific plans to be away overnight, Draco was always home in time to say goodnight to Scorpius.
/*/
Hermione began to worry. Looking out a window at the darkening sky, a sudden chill ran through her. She felt cold…. and nervous. A thousand goose bumps suddenly appearing on her skin.
"Fuck this," she mumbled going to look for her mobile.
Hermione didn't want to be one of those wives who chased their husband down whenever he left the house, but this was different. If he did nothing else, Draco would call if he was going to be this late.
Her mobile wasn't on the table where she normally left it. She looked around a bit before remembering that Scorpius had been playing with it earlier. Hermione finally found the phone under the couch.
"Shite. Shite. Shite."
While playing with the mobile, Scorpius has turned it off. Hermione hurriedly pressed the on button thinking that Draco had probably tried to call.
As soon as she turned it on, Hermione immediately knew something was wrong. She had at least ten missed calls in addition to just as many messages. Panicking, Hermione didn't know what to do first, dial back the missed calls, or listen to the messages.
Hermione didn't have to choose, because Harry followed by Hannah stepped out of the floo shouting at her.
"There's been an accident Hermione. Seth, Matt and Sal have been trying to contact you for the last hour."
Hermione's hands flew up to her mouth by their own volition. "Scorpius was playing with the phone earlier. He had it turned off. Seth, Matt and Sal? An accident? What kind of accident? Is Draco alright?"
"You need to get to Italy Hermione."
"Italy? Why? Just fucking tell me. Where is Draco? Is he alright?"
Harry and Hannah stood there with sorrow all over their faces.
Hermione began to pound on Harry's chest before he could wrap his arms around her.
"Draco is not alright. You need to get to Italy Hermione. Don't worry about Scorpius. Hannah will take him to our house. Matt knows we'll be coming through the floo. I'm coming with you."
Hermione had sunk to her knees and was crying hysterically. "How bad is he hurt Harry? Can he be moved to St Mungo's?"
Harry lifted Hermione to her feet as Hannah came out of the room carrying Scorpius in one arm and his carry bag over her shoulder. "Don't worry about Scorpius. I've got him. Just get going."
Hermione ran to get her wand and a jumper. She was almost to the floo when she remembered her beaded bag. She was being irrational, thinking she might have something in her bag that could help her husband, but that was where her mind was at. She needed to get to her husband to help him.
Harry finally pulled Hermione to the floo, called out the address and just about pushed Hermione in. He quickly kissed Hannah before stepping into the floo behind Hermione. He had to be there when Hermione got the news. Draco was not alright.
/*/
Hermione stepped out of the floo screaming for Draco and had fallen into Fausto's arms.
"Hermione. Listen to me please." He said quietly.
"I don't want to talk Fausto," shouted Hermione, tears streaming down her face. "I want to see Draco. He needs to see that I'm there. Please," she begged. "We're wasting time. Take me to him."
Fausto gestured to Carmela who took Hermione in her arms. "Hermione," Carmela said softly. "It's too late. Draco was injured very badly and passed away on the slopes of Alagna. There was nothing anyone could do."
"No," Hermione wailed, sliding to the floor. "No. Draco has to be alright for me and Scorpius. He's a husband and a father. He cannot be dead. Please. Take me to him. He's taught me things. I know spells. Please Mela. Please take me to him."
Matt and Seth tried to lift Hermione from the floor, but she had gone limp. "Seth and I love you and Draco more than life itself. Neither of us would be standing here if Draco was somewhere lying in a hospital. I'm so sorry Hermione, but what Carmela said is true. He's gone."
Suddenly, Hermione was sobbing and vomiting. Kim spoke up. "Take her to the master bedroom. Carmela and I will see to her. Now.. please," snapped Kim. "I'm pretty sure we all don't need to be standing around watching our good friend fall apart at one of the worst times in her life."
Fausto lifted Hermione from the floor. "I'll take her. Show me the way."
Those standing around all had tears in their eyes. Their cousin, benefactor and friend was really gone. The holes in their hearts were visible for all to see.
/*/
As the news filtered across Italy and Britain, mobiles began ringing, the floo bell began ringing and a wail was heard coming from the den where Louis Adrian Malfoy hung over the fireplace.
Seth stepped into the den to speak with Louis.
"The door was left open," said Louis in a somewhat panicked voice. "I am hearing bits and pieces of something that cannot be true. Explain to me what is going on. Where is Draco? Bring him to me so I can see his face."
"I cannot do that Elder. The bits and pieces you have heard, are true. Draco was killed in an unfortunate accident earlier today."
Louis let out one piercing howl then closed his eyes.
Seth sat for several more minutes before rising to leave the den. He was at the door when Louis spoke again. "I have a request. I've heard about the progress that has been made in the Wizarding World. I would like to inquire if it is possible to have another portrait of myself hung in Britain. I need to watch over Hermione and Scorpius."
Seth thought for a moment. "There will be many people who will watch over Hermione and Scorpius. Your request, while well intentioned, seems like an impossibility. I do not think portraits can travel great distances to their next portrait."
"I understand you do not know," answered Louis with his eyes still closed. "That does not mean it can't be done. Please research my request. If that fails, I would like to be moved to Britain. If it is alright with Hermione."
Seth sighed. "I will check on both your requests sir. I'm sorry for your loss."
"As am I," answered Louis, eyes still closed. "Please give my family my regards."
/*/
By the time Seth finished speaking to Louis and returned to the main rooms, the house had filled up. Hannah had advised many of Draco's friends of what had happened and they had shown up in full force.
Blaise and Theo had come through the floo questioning if what they'd been told was true, and showed no embarrassment as they broke down in the middle of the room once the information was confirmed.
The witches who came through gravitated towards the bedroom where Hermione was being looked after.
Gas stepped out of the floo with Seana only to break down in his brother's arms. As he was pulled into a hug by Sal, Seana wrapped her arms around both wizards while openly sobbing herself.
Hermione's former home now Matt and Kim's home was a house of misery that afternoon.
/*/
More people were in and out as the evening progressed into early morning. In the wee hours of the morning, Emilio Lozier and his mother Ilaria stepped through the front doors to offer their condolences.
Hermione, who had just recently returned from the hospital after viewing Draco's remains and sitting with his body accepted Emilio's condolences as she had all others. She had then gone to lie down for a few hours before going back to see about Draco.
/*/
As Hermione tossed and turned, the life she'd had with Draco flashed before her eyes. It was still unbelievable to her that Draco was gone. How could he be gone when she and Scorpius needed him so much? She was a mess, and she knew it. The strength that had always seen her through had deserted her. She had become a quivering mass of agony and nerves. The husband and father was gone. She and Scorpius would have to traverse the world alone. Not alone, alone. They still had loads of extended family, but it wasn't the same.
When Hermione finally began to drift off, all she could see was herself shouting at Draco about his destructive behavior.
The truth. As much as they loved each other, she and Draco had been drifting apart. Hermione felt Draco may have regretted settling down. That he envied the lives of his cousins and friends. Sometimes, Hermione thought she could see it on his face. He was at home with a wife and son while the others were off on extravagant holidays.
Hermione's first idea to get their relationship to where it once had been was to have another child. However, good sense had reigned. If Draco was unsettled with one child, another wouldn't fix anything. She had begun to work harder on their relationship.
Working harder on their relationship was a bit of an untruth, Hermione fed her husband, sexed him and supported him, which should have been enough, but it wasn't, because she always had to comment on him trying to emulate the lives of his cousins and mates.
This particular accusation irritated Draco more than any other. He would snap back that she was being ridiculous. He wasn't trying to emulate either his cousins or his mates.
After the discussion, Draco would hold her and tell her that he loved her and Scorpius. While he was soothing her, Draco never failed to add that it didn't mean he was unhappy with his life just because he wanted to enjoy some time away.
Hermione hadn't ever left the argument there. Being Hermione Malfoy hadn't changed her mindset. She had always argued with a Hermione Granger mindset. She wanted the last word, and she wanted to be right.
It had been better lately. Less arguments, but Draco still did what he wanted. There was nothing Hermione could do.
Then there was Pansy Parkinson. Hermione would never repeat her thoughts to certain people, but she believed Draco had had a flirtation the previous year when Pansy had turned up in London for a week long conference. It wasn't something she could prove. It was something she felt.
After Pansy left London, Draco went back to being the attentive husband. Yet, there were still times Hermione thought Scorpius was the only thing keeping Draco grounded.
/*/
The day of Draco's accident had started out well enough. He had kissed Scorpius and Hermione goodbye at the very crack of dawn to keep a planned engagement with Seth and Sal to try out some of the more advanced skiing in Alagna.
It was a ski weekend for Sal and Seth, but a day getaway for Draco who planned to spend a bit of time there then get back home to Hermione and Scorpius. As was her way, when Draco mentioned his plans, she had read up on the subject. To Hermione, the advanced pistes in Alagna seemed more than an intermediate skier like Draco could handle, but being Draco, he would not admit something like that. He had laughed off Hermione's concerns, figuring what Seth and Sal could do, he could do as well.
That was the problem, and this was the horrible ending.
/*/
Blaise, Theo, Fausto and Gas cornered Sal and Seth in the dining room, all wanting to know what had gone wrong.
Relating what happened that afternoon, Sal first described two minor incidents Draco had while on the slopes. "Both Seth and I tried to explain that Alagna might be out of his reach, but you know Draco. Once his mind was set on something, he had to see it through. He wouldn't be talked out of going back out on the pistes for one last run."
Seth took over at that point.
"Believe me. Sal and I both tried to talk some sense into Draco. I'm devastated that at one point, I snapped at him about what would happen to Hermione and Scorpius if he killed himself. It was then I thought he would take our entreaties into consideration, but I was wrong. He rolled his eyes at me and told me I sounded just like Hermione. Then he headed back to the slopes. Sal and I began to worry when we didn't see Draco anywhere on the slopes or the guest area. When two hours went by and Draco hadn't turned up, Sal and I started out to look for him, but were met with a commotion out front of the lodge."
Seth went quiet in his grief.
"The word going around was that someone had had a deadly accident, and the Rescue Wizards were bringing the body back to the lodge." Sal whimpered, his voice getting caught in his throat. "Seth and I chased down the Security Wizards hoping the casualty wasn't Draco, but it was. As piss poor as it sounds, neither myself nor Seth knew what to do. It was like we were frozen in place. It wasn't until the Lodge Director approached us about notifying next of kin and getting Draco home that we realized we had to tell someone. I didn't want to call Hermione directly, but I had to. Seth and I took turns trying to get through to her, but she never answered, so Seth called papa while I called Harry. I'm so sorry we couldn't talk Draco out of going back out. We should have…"
"Hard headed, bloody idiot," huffed Theo.
"You should have what Sal?" Asked Blaise as he grabbed Sal by the shoulders. "We all loved Draco, but we all know what a hard arse he could be when he'd made a decision. You and Seth did nothing wrong. Stop thinking you have. Thank you both for seeing that Draco got back to his family."
Giving Sal and Seth a hug, Fausto, Gas and Theo murmured the same sentiments before heading off to get some sleep.
Blaise shared a few thoughts as the men separated. "Theo and I will have to straighten out some things in London, but we'll be back. Call us if Hermione needs anything set up on that end. We'll see you soon."
/*/
Emilio Lozier had been shocked when Matt called to tell him about Draco. The cousins who had become closer than ever over the last few years discussed at length how best to help Hermione and Scorpius.
"I expect Hermione will want to bury Draco in Britain," Matt offered solemnly.
"More than likely Matt, but I believe she might want to hold services in Italy as well. Draco had many friends, associates and employees who would want to see him off."
Matt let out a long sigh. "You could be right Emilio. However, let's not mention anything of that nature unless Hermione brings it up first. Think about it. It will be hard enough for her to get through one service. Two might push her over the edge. I'd rather we just wait to find out her plans.
"Seth had a conversation with Louis," continued Matt. "It seems Louis wants either an additional portrait commissioned to be hung in Malfoy Estate in Britain, or have his portrait moved to Britain so he can watch over Hermione and Scorpius."
"I'm not surprised by Louis' request. He was extremely proud of Draco. About the number of services, I obviously wasn't thinking Matt. Two services would be extremely hard on Hermione. Well, whatever she needs. I'll be there for her."
Matt paused for a split second. Knowing what he knew about why Emilio never married or got serious with any witch, he offered a guarded answer. "I know you'll be there for her Emilio. It's my hope Hermione will accept your help."
Emilio laughed a tormented laugh. "Don't go all maudlin on me Matt. The current situation is maudlin enough. I'll help if I'm asked, and that's it."
"Certainly," responded Matt in a lighter tone. "I didn't mean to imply otherwise. So, will you be coming through?"
"Yes. I'll stop by as soon as I can."
"We'll see you then."
"Matt," Emilio called out before his cousin could hang up.
Matt waited for Emilio to speak.
"Take care of Hermione. You'll be able to do things for her that I cannot get close enough to do. It's alright though. The important thing is she has support. I'll speak to you in a bit."
Matt and Emilio ended the conversation agreeing to do whatever was needed, acknowledging they would have to wait to find out what Hermione wanted.
/*/
Matt sat in the den by himself thinking about his cousin. As Minister of Acquisitions and Minister of Finance in the Italian Ministry, he and Emilio traveled in the same social circles and had become very close in the last four years. They often spent hours together working on projects, attending Ministry events, or sometimes simply talking.
Matt knew Emilio's story backwards and forwards. He had fallen in love with Hermione when she was a lobbyist for The Ministry Of Magic in Britain and hadn't ever fallen out of love. Emilio had been very frank with his explanation of how he'd lost Hermione.
To this day, Ginny Weasley rubbed Matt the wrong way. He didn't care for her, I'll do as I please attitude, nor did he like being around her. Ginny knew how he felt as did his wife Kim. Therefore, there hadn't been any issues like the ones he experienced when he first landed in Italy, because Kim didn't do well with trifling witches. She didn't take any shite.
As much as Matt respected Draco for all he'd done for himself and Seth, he also felt sorry for Emilio. It was as though Emilio never expected to fall in love again. The most beautiful witches in Italy threw themselves at Emilio. He dated a few, but nothing lasted. Matt didn't know what he would do if someone tried to come between himself and Kim. There would be murder for sure.
/*/
Matt sighed so loudly, Louis opened his eyes. "A penny for your thoughts Matt. How are you holding up?"
"Good evening Louis. I am holding up as well as can be expected. Draco's death has been a shock. We've lost a good wizard, a good cousin and an amazing friend. As far as my thoughts go, I'll have to keep those to myself."
Louis closed his eyes again as if closing them would keep the truth away. "I understand Matt. As thankful as I am to be able to converse with my descendants, I am resentful at not being able to help my family. I know it's early, but have you given any thoughts on how you will proceed?"
"Proceed Elder? I'm not sure I follow."
"Think Matt," blustered Louis. "With Draco's death, you have become the heir to the Malfoy legacy until Scorpius attains full age and takes his rightful place. I know you will do right by your heritage. If you'll excuse me now, I'd like to savor the silence."
Matt had his second shock of the day. By way of death, he'd become the heir apparent. With Draco gone, he was now the oldest living Malfoy heir, and with that title came huge responsibilities. Matt sighed. Even as Minister of Finance and all the skills his position encompassed, he wasn't looking forward to stepping into Draco's shoes.
"I'll leave you to yourself Louis. I'll see to it no one except Hermione comes through the door."
"Thank you," Louis replied in a listless manner.
/*/
The sun had fully risen when Hermione came out of the bedroom to thank those in the room for their support.
"There's no need to thank us Hermione. We are your family." Carmela remarked going to sit beside her adopted daughter. We are all here for you and Scorpius."
"My baby," wailed Hermione plaintively. "What will we do without Draco?"
"Stop that Hermione," said Carmela, wrapping her arms around Hermione. "You are as strong a witch as I've ever met. After you come to terms with Draco's death, you will come back stronger than ever. Hannah inquired if she should bring our little angel through. I took the liberty of asking her to give you one more day. I hope I didn't overstep. I know you miss Scorpius, but you don't have to worry. He's in good hands, and at this moment, you have your hands full."
"I miss Scorp, but I know you're right. I know he is in good hands with Hannah and Harry. I have some thoughts, but before I share them with all of you, I'd like to share them with Louis. I'll be back shortly and we'll talk."
/*/
Carmela spoke to Fausto who had just returned from home. "I think we should invite Hermione, and Scorpius, when he comes, to the house. Gas' old room is large enough for two."
Fausto thought about it for a moment. "I know you want to be as helpful as possible honey, but Hermione may want to remain right where she is. Ask her, but don't push."
"When have I ever pushed," asked Carmela crankily.
A smiling Fausto hugged his wife as he replied to her cranky retort. "Only every time anything had to do with Hermione."
Carmela smiled and nodded. "Maybe I have pushed a bit. She's my daughter after all. Why shouldn't I?"
"I think someone should probably go home to get a bit of sleep. I'll go with you. Sal will come get us when Hermione is ready to talk."
"I think I will," answered Carmela rising from the chair. "I won't be any good to anyone if I can't stay awake. We'll see you all later."
"We'll be back," echoed Fausto as he followed Carmela to the floo.
/*/
Hermione spent an hour in with Louis discussing not only Draco's untimely death, but her and Scorpius' future as well.
Louis who was overcome with grief began giving Hermione instructions. "Scorpius is the only full blooded Malfoy left. Don't let our line end Hermione. Watch over him as though he is a king."
Hermione didn't want to hear this. "I am grieving for my husband Louis. As well meaning as your words are, I don't want to hear anything about the dangers that might befall Scorpius. He'll be fine."
"When Matt takes over, he'll be there to take care of you both."
Hermione silently wondered what Louis was going on about, and for a moment she was speechless. Finding her voice as well as her memory, Hermione replied to Louis. "Matt will be taking over the Malfoy legacy. He won't be taking over me and Scorpius. No one will replace Draco in our lives, so be careful of the words you use in your misery. I came in here to discuss arrangements and services for Draco. My life can wait. If you have suggestions, speak now. Otherwise, I have friends and family in the next room waiting to hear what I plan to do."
Louis opened his eyes as wide as he ever had to gaze at Hermione. "You are overwrought Hermione. I meant no disrespect, and I certainly didn't mean what you think. Perhaps you should go have your discussion with the others." Closing his eyes, Louis made one last comment. "We'll speak at another time."
"Louis, I…."
Cutting across her, Louis repeated himself. "We'll speak at another time."
For several minutes, Hermione stood with her forehead leaned against the door letting the tears slide down her face. When she felt able, Hermione spoke a few soft words before opening the door.
"I do value your opinion Louis. We will speak at another time."
As the door closed, the portrait of Louis Adrian Malfoy whispered, "Thank you Hermione."