Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, or anything affiliated with Harry
Potter. J.K. Rowling has that honor.
Author's Notes: This story is set 8 years after Harry's seventh year, and after the final battle with Voldemort. As a result, you may notice some cannon characters are not here. I figure, as they had fought a war, several characters most likely would have been killed, or imprisoned. These characters if not revealed in this first chapter, will be in later chapters. Also, please not, four (maybe five) original characters will make appearances in later chapters. Also, please forgive any discrepancies with the storyline. I will try to stay true to the books, (and, in some cases, the movies), but like most readers, many details in this story is based on how my own mind perceived and translated the words from page to imagination.
Warning: This story does contain slash. M/M relationships. (Most of my stories do to some extent). Couples in this story include: HG/RW, HP/OW, GW/NL, implied AD/MM, implied BZ/PP. Any other couples to appear, I will make reference to in here.
Hermione and Ron have two children. Both the children's names have specific meaning and reference. Chapter dedication to anyone who correctly guesses the specificity of their names. (Hint, for the daughter's middle name, divide it into three distinct sections, keep the 'h' alone.)
Sorry for the delay in posting this chapter. Unfortunately, I had to do real work this past weekend at work, and didn't have as much free access of the computer. Still, look for the third chapter this weekend.
Please, leave your reviews in the nice box, and enjoy! (ps— just, ps.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- "I have often dreamed/Of a far-off place/Where a great warm welcome/Will be waiting for me/Where the crowds will cheer/When they see my face/And a voice keeps saying/This is where I'm meant to be..." Go the Distance, (Disney's) Hercules
Chapter Two: The Staff Meeting
On the next Wednesday, Blaise Zabini had been there for two days already, and Dumbledore called a staff meeting. He had managed to settle into his office and living quarters already, having brought limited possessions. It was a nice space: the actual living quarters connected to the office through a door, and were decorated in silver and green. Blaise had to wonder if Binns had left it like that, or if Dumbledore had decorated it for him. The two areas were still rather bare, but he would bring the remaining things this weekend, as he had received permission to go home from Dumbledore. The Headmaster had even offered to send someone with him, but Blaise had declined that offer.
When the former Slytherin student walked into the staff room, he found Hermione Granger already there; she was bent over a book, and he admitted to himself that teaching Transfiguration agreed with her. So, too, it seemed, did married life. She had married Ron Weasley almost seven years ago, and they had two children. Ron worked for the Ministry, and he knew the children lived primarily in the school walls. But what truly surprised him was seeing Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter in a corner, both thoroughly involved in a game of Wizard chess. He could tell, even from the distance he was, that this was not a game, but for them, the game was a war.
Blaise wasn't surprised to see Draco Malfoy. Dumbledore had mentioned he had taken over the Potions professor position (as well as being Head of Slytherin) after Snape had left five years earlier, and he had made the point of visiting Draco the night before to catch up. Draco had been slightly surprised to see him at first, but hearing he had had taken a position at Hogwarts, his reaction could only be described as thrillment. But he was surprised to see Harry. He could only wonder what had brought the Boy Wonder back to Hogwarts, and if he was teaching, or simply visiting.
He recognized others too: he noticed Sinistra, who he assumed still taught Astronomy, and Trelawney, ho he assumed still taught Divination, (and that the two women were currently involved in a discussion of some sorts). He saw Firenze, but he knew from Draco that the centaur had overtaken Arithmancy, when Vector (like so many others) had been lost in the war. But he didn't see Hagrid, and he was surprised that he felt remorse. He had almost wanted to see the half-giant, who had cost him his life several times during his schooling. But then again, those times seemed trivial compared to what he had experienced during his travels to Greece. Even if that had been his own fault.
Nor did he see Nurse Pomfrey, Madame Hooch, or Professor Sprout, but he knew from Draco, that Trelawney had overtaken her position of Hufflepuff Head. And, he didn't see Professor Flitwick, and he was curious to know who oversaw Ravenclaw now. He wondered who had overtaken their positions, if they had indeed been truly lost, for Draco had been close-mouthed. Draco Malfoy had been close-mouthed about several things when Blaise had visited him the night before, which he found to be strange, as he had not remembered Draco being so subdued, or so reserved. But then, the war had certainly changed everyone.
"Let's begin, shall we?" buzzed Dumbledore. He strode in, wearing his normal attire of hat and robes, and his eyes twinkled, for he had just caught two sixth year Hufflepuffs trying unsuccessfully to take advantage of an empty classroom, unsuccessfully for there clothes had still been on. The Headmaster would not have been nearly so lenient in his punishment had clothes already been removed. "Oh, dear, my," he looked around the room. "We're missing people."
"Pansy's going to be late," Draco spoke up. In the next breath, he ordered his bishop to attack Harry's rook. "Said something about a student needing skeleto-gro. Wanted to verify the student would be okay before she left her." Harry involuntary shuddered, and Draco smothered a grin. "Your move, Potter."
"For the others?" the headmaster further inquired. But the others seemed to think the question to be rhetorical, for no one answered. Dumbledore shook his head. "We will wait," he decided.
But it was several more minutes the missing arrived. Blaise grinned at Pansy's reaction to seeing him, for she smiled broadly, and hugged him tightly, two characteristics the Pansy Parkinson he had known in school would never have done. He also noticed the dirt caked under her fingernails.
"Now, that we are all here," Dumbledore announced, "we will begin. Table," he added.
"Checkmate, Potter," Draco rubbed in, when the two stood.
"Ah, I let you win."
"In your dreams, Potter. A Malfoy never loses to a Potter."
"But they lose to a Weasley?" Hermione piped up. Blaise noted Draco frowned, and he was thankful to note some things had not changed.
"Now," Dumbledore continued, "this next weekend is a Hogsmede weekend. Of course, we will need some teachers to stay at school to keep an eye on those who stay. Harry, Draco, and Firenze, you've already said you would stay. I think we have enough here. Of course, should anyone else want to stay here, you are more welcome to. Also, I don't think I need to remind you that all Weasley products are forbidden on castle grounds. Filch has already complained of more fireworks in the hallways near both Ravenclaw and Slytherin. And, of course, we have a new professor joining us. I am pleased to announce former Hogwarts student Blaise Zabini will be overtaking Professor Binns vacant job. Now," Dumbledore shuffled his papers, and peered over his glasses at those around the table, "anyone else have any announcements, or complaints?"
"I need three more omniscopes for tomorrow's night meteor shower," Sinistra requested. "Also, we'll need to remind Argus that the students will be out of their dorms after regular curfew."
"Done," Dumbledore noted. "Other business?"
"Quidditch practice," Draco said cryptically.
"Yes?" Dumbledore's expression did not alter.
"We haven't had any. And, the first game is only three weeks away. How do we expect to play if we haven't practiced?"
"Do all houses feel the same? Hermione, Gryffindor? Firenze, Ravnclaw? Trelawney, Hufflepuff?" Dumbledore frowned at the three chorus of agreement. "Well, then, any suggestions?"
"You could hire Oliver full-time," Harry suggested quietly. "He's talking of retiring after this season, and I know he would jump at the chance to coach."
"I will look into that," Dumbledore smiled. His eyes twinkled. Like most at the table, he knew what Harry both risked and gained in suggesting Oliver Wood's name. "Anything else?"
"Yes, I hoped to find a Bogart for some third years to practice on," Harry spoke again. "Do you know if Filch has found any in the castle?"
"There's one in the Ravenclaw girl's dorm. I'll get it for you tomorrow," offered Firenze.
"Thanks," Harry said.
"Anything else?" Dumbledore asked. "No, well, we—" But he was interrupted by a knock. "Yes, come in."
"Very sorry, Professors," answered a female voice. A fifth year Gryffindor stood in the doorway, and she held one child's hand in two hands. "But these two have been fighting again."
"Emma Anohsong, Rupert Brian, what have I told you about misbehaving," Herminone scolded. She stood, and she crossed the room to take her two children firmly by their hands. "Thank you, Isabel."
"Oh, it's no problem, Professor. They're really very delightful." She giggled. "I use them to lure boys."
Hermione laughed. Isabel closed the door behind her, and Hermione retook her seat around the staff table. She held five year old Emma in her lap, but three year old Rupert immediately climbed to Harry. "Sorry, Albus."
"Not a problem, Hermione. All children should be so delightful." He smiled at the two children. Emma had red hair, just like her father, but Rupert looked more like Hermione. "Now, as I would say, with no new business, this meeting is finished. Harry, if you could please stay to give me Oliver's contact information."
Harry nodded, and he reluctantly slid Rupert from his lap, but the boy clung to his leg. Harry smiled down at the boy. "Mione?" he asked over Rupert's head.
"Sure, Harry," she smiled.
"Thanks." He reached down to take Rupert into his arms.
Blaise watched the other professors disperse. Hermione returned to her book, this time with Emma curled in her lap, and Blaise suspected she waited for Harry, probably to pull the same Mother-Hen attitude she often gave him during their schooling. From the expression on his face when he mentioned Oliver Wood's name, Blaise could only suspect there was something more there. But Pansy smiled at him, and she pulled him to where she and Draco stood talking.
"Draco didn't tell me you were working here," he greeted. "What position?"
"Care of Magical Creatures," she laughed. "I know, strange. I showed a baby griffin today to some second years, and he unfortunately took a nasty bite in one girl's hand. Tore the bones straight from her fingers." She laughed again, when she noticed Blaise's expression, and he once again noted how different this Pansy was. "Guess I'm falling into Hagrid's footsteps." She shook her head again, and she suddenly rounded onto Draco. "And, what is this, you not telling him I'm working here now?"
"Aw, Pansy, it's nothing. He just didn't ask. Besides, you didn't tell Harry I worked here." Draco Malfoy shrugged. "Think of it as revenge."
"Your friends with Harry?" Blaise interrupted. He spoke quietly.
"Yes." Draco spoke slowly. His white-blonde hair was longer, Blaise noted, pulled back into a ponytail, almost halfway down his back, and large chunks fell across his forehead and jaw line. He had grown too. In school, he had been almost six inches taller than the Malfoy heir, but Draco had about half an inch on him now. "We're friends."
Blaise again noticed how more reserved this Draco was. "Good friends?" he pushed.
"Yes, good friends," Draco exploded. "Happy now, Zabini? Bet you think the mighty Draco Malfoy has fallen pretty low, huh?"
"No, of course not," he assured, but from his voice, he didn't know who he was trying to convince. "Just, I thought Potter was an auror."
"He was," Malfoy answered curtly. "Now, he's not." Draco sighed. "I'll see you two later."
"Bye, Drake," Pansy called weakly. "You shouldn't have done that," she informed Blaise.
"Done what?"
"Hound him!" she exclaimed. She shook her head. "Sometimes, I forget, Blaise. You cut yourself off from the Wizarding world, and for so long... Just," she paused to frown, "be careful, ok?" She patted his shoulder friendly-like (and he remembered a time when her touches had been more than friendly-like) before she too disappeared.
Blaise sighed. He looked around the staff room, silently. Harry was talking to Hermione again, now the two strolling out together, their heads bent together closely, Dumbledore nowhere to be seen. He sighed, again, and he shook his head, and he followed the Boy Wonder and his best friend out. Apart, but still with them.
Author's Notes: This story is set 8 years after Harry's seventh year, and after the final battle with Voldemort. As a result, you may notice some cannon characters are not here. I figure, as they had fought a war, several characters most likely would have been killed, or imprisoned. These characters if not revealed in this first chapter, will be in later chapters. Also, please not, four (maybe five) original characters will make appearances in later chapters. Also, please forgive any discrepancies with the storyline. I will try to stay true to the books, (and, in some cases, the movies), but like most readers, many details in this story is based on how my own mind perceived and translated the words from page to imagination.
Warning: This story does contain slash. M/M relationships. (Most of my stories do to some extent). Couples in this story include: HG/RW, HP/OW, GW/NL, implied AD/MM, implied BZ/PP. Any other couples to appear, I will make reference to in here.
Hermione and Ron have two children. Both the children's names have specific meaning and reference. Chapter dedication to anyone who correctly guesses the specificity of their names. (Hint, for the daughter's middle name, divide it into three distinct sections, keep the 'h' alone.)
Sorry for the delay in posting this chapter. Unfortunately, I had to do real work this past weekend at work, and didn't have as much free access of the computer. Still, look for the third chapter this weekend.
Please, leave your reviews in the nice box, and enjoy! (ps— just, ps.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- "I have often dreamed/Of a far-off place/Where a great warm welcome/Will be waiting for me/Where the crowds will cheer/When they see my face/And a voice keeps saying/This is where I'm meant to be..." Go the Distance, (Disney's) Hercules
Chapter Two: The Staff Meeting
On the next Wednesday, Blaise Zabini had been there for two days already, and Dumbledore called a staff meeting. He had managed to settle into his office and living quarters already, having brought limited possessions. It was a nice space: the actual living quarters connected to the office through a door, and were decorated in silver and green. Blaise had to wonder if Binns had left it like that, or if Dumbledore had decorated it for him. The two areas were still rather bare, but he would bring the remaining things this weekend, as he had received permission to go home from Dumbledore. The Headmaster had even offered to send someone with him, but Blaise had declined that offer.
When the former Slytherin student walked into the staff room, he found Hermione Granger already there; she was bent over a book, and he admitted to himself that teaching Transfiguration agreed with her. So, too, it seemed, did married life. She had married Ron Weasley almost seven years ago, and they had two children. Ron worked for the Ministry, and he knew the children lived primarily in the school walls. But what truly surprised him was seeing Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter in a corner, both thoroughly involved in a game of Wizard chess. He could tell, even from the distance he was, that this was not a game, but for them, the game was a war.
Blaise wasn't surprised to see Draco Malfoy. Dumbledore had mentioned he had taken over the Potions professor position (as well as being Head of Slytherin) after Snape had left five years earlier, and he had made the point of visiting Draco the night before to catch up. Draco had been slightly surprised to see him at first, but hearing he had had taken a position at Hogwarts, his reaction could only be described as thrillment. But he was surprised to see Harry. He could only wonder what had brought the Boy Wonder back to Hogwarts, and if he was teaching, or simply visiting.
He recognized others too: he noticed Sinistra, who he assumed still taught Astronomy, and Trelawney, ho he assumed still taught Divination, (and that the two women were currently involved in a discussion of some sorts). He saw Firenze, but he knew from Draco that the centaur had overtaken Arithmancy, when Vector (like so many others) had been lost in the war. But he didn't see Hagrid, and he was surprised that he felt remorse. He had almost wanted to see the half-giant, who had cost him his life several times during his schooling. But then again, those times seemed trivial compared to what he had experienced during his travels to Greece. Even if that had been his own fault.
Nor did he see Nurse Pomfrey, Madame Hooch, or Professor Sprout, but he knew from Draco, that Trelawney had overtaken her position of Hufflepuff Head. And, he didn't see Professor Flitwick, and he was curious to know who oversaw Ravenclaw now. He wondered who had overtaken their positions, if they had indeed been truly lost, for Draco had been close-mouthed. Draco Malfoy had been close-mouthed about several things when Blaise had visited him the night before, which he found to be strange, as he had not remembered Draco being so subdued, or so reserved. But then, the war had certainly changed everyone.
"Let's begin, shall we?" buzzed Dumbledore. He strode in, wearing his normal attire of hat and robes, and his eyes twinkled, for he had just caught two sixth year Hufflepuffs trying unsuccessfully to take advantage of an empty classroom, unsuccessfully for there clothes had still been on. The Headmaster would not have been nearly so lenient in his punishment had clothes already been removed. "Oh, dear, my," he looked around the room. "We're missing people."
"Pansy's going to be late," Draco spoke up. In the next breath, he ordered his bishop to attack Harry's rook. "Said something about a student needing skeleto-gro. Wanted to verify the student would be okay before she left her." Harry involuntary shuddered, and Draco smothered a grin. "Your move, Potter."
"For the others?" the headmaster further inquired. But the others seemed to think the question to be rhetorical, for no one answered. Dumbledore shook his head. "We will wait," he decided.
But it was several more minutes the missing arrived. Blaise grinned at Pansy's reaction to seeing him, for she smiled broadly, and hugged him tightly, two characteristics the Pansy Parkinson he had known in school would never have done. He also noticed the dirt caked under her fingernails.
"Now, that we are all here," Dumbledore announced, "we will begin. Table," he added.
"Checkmate, Potter," Draco rubbed in, when the two stood.
"Ah, I let you win."
"In your dreams, Potter. A Malfoy never loses to a Potter."
"But they lose to a Weasley?" Hermione piped up. Blaise noted Draco frowned, and he was thankful to note some things had not changed.
"Now," Dumbledore continued, "this next weekend is a Hogsmede weekend. Of course, we will need some teachers to stay at school to keep an eye on those who stay. Harry, Draco, and Firenze, you've already said you would stay. I think we have enough here. Of course, should anyone else want to stay here, you are more welcome to. Also, I don't think I need to remind you that all Weasley products are forbidden on castle grounds. Filch has already complained of more fireworks in the hallways near both Ravenclaw and Slytherin. And, of course, we have a new professor joining us. I am pleased to announce former Hogwarts student Blaise Zabini will be overtaking Professor Binns vacant job. Now," Dumbledore shuffled his papers, and peered over his glasses at those around the table, "anyone else have any announcements, or complaints?"
"I need three more omniscopes for tomorrow's night meteor shower," Sinistra requested. "Also, we'll need to remind Argus that the students will be out of their dorms after regular curfew."
"Done," Dumbledore noted. "Other business?"
"Quidditch practice," Draco said cryptically.
"Yes?" Dumbledore's expression did not alter.
"We haven't had any. And, the first game is only three weeks away. How do we expect to play if we haven't practiced?"
"Do all houses feel the same? Hermione, Gryffindor? Firenze, Ravnclaw? Trelawney, Hufflepuff?" Dumbledore frowned at the three chorus of agreement. "Well, then, any suggestions?"
"You could hire Oliver full-time," Harry suggested quietly. "He's talking of retiring after this season, and I know he would jump at the chance to coach."
"I will look into that," Dumbledore smiled. His eyes twinkled. Like most at the table, he knew what Harry both risked and gained in suggesting Oliver Wood's name. "Anything else?"
"Yes, I hoped to find a Bogart for some third years to practice on," Harry spoke again. "Do you know if Filch has found any in the castle?"
"There's one in the Ravenclaw girl's dorm. I'll get it for you tomorrow," offered Firenze.
"Thanks," Harry said.
"Anything else?" Dumbledore asked. "No, well, we—" But he was interrupted by a knock. "Yes, come in."
"Very sorry, Professors," answered a female voice. A fifth year Gryffindor stood in the doorway, and she held one child's hand in two hands. "But these two have been fighting again."
"Emma Anohsong, Rupert Brian, what have I told you about misbehaving," Herminone scolded. She stood, and she crossed the room to take her two children firmly by their hands. "Thank you, Isabel."
"Oh, it's no problem, Professor. They're really very delightful." She giggled. "I use them to lure boys."
Hermione laughed. Isabel closed the door behind her, and Hermione retook her seat around the staff table. She held five year old Emma in her lap, but three year old Rupert immediately climbed to Harry. "Sorry, Albus."
"Not a problem, Hermione. All children should be so delightful." He smiled at the two children. Emma had red hair, just like her father, but Rupert looked more like Hermione. "Now, as I would say, with no new business, this meeting is finished. Harry, if you could please stay to give me Oliver's contact information."
Harry nodded, and he reluctantly slid Rupert from his lap, but the boy clung to his leg. Harry smiled down at the boy. "Mione?" he asked over Rupert's head.
"Sure, Harry," she smiled.
"Thanks." He reached down to take Rupert into his arms.
Blaise watched the other professors disperse. Hermione returned to her book, this time with Emma curled in her lap, and Blaise suspected she waited for Harry, probably to pull the same Mother-Hen attitude she often gave him during their schooling. From the expression on his face when he mentioned Oliver Wood's name, Blaise could only suspect there was something more there. But Pansy smiled at him, and she pulled him to where she and Draco stood talking.
"Draco didn't tell me you were working here," he greeted. "What position?"
"Care of Magical Creatures," she laughed. "I know, strange. I showed a baby griffin today to some second years, and he unfortunately took a nasty bite in one girl's hand. Tore the bones straight from her fingers." She laughed again, when she noticed Blaise's expression, and he once again noted how different this Pansy was. "Guess I'm falling into Hagrid's footsteps." She shook her head again, and she suddenly rounded onto Draco. "And, what is this, you not telling him I'm working here now?"
"Aw, Pansy, it's nothing. He just didn't ask. Besides, you didn't tell Harry I worked here." Draco Malfoy shrugged. "Think of it as revenge."
"Your friends with Harry?" Blaise interrupted. He spoke quietly.
"Yes." Draco spoke slowly. His white-blonde hair was longer, Blaise noted, pulled back into a ponytail, almost halfway down his back, and large chunks fell across his forehead and jaw line. He had grown too. In school, he had been almost six inches taller than the Malfoy heir, but Draco had about half an inch on him now. "We're friends."
Blaise again noticed how more reserved this Draco was. "Good friends?" he pushed.
"Yes, good friends," Draco exploded. "Happy now, Zabini? Bet you think the mighty Draco Malfoy has fallen pretty low, huh?"
"No, of course not," he assured, but from his voice, he didn't know who he was trying to convince. "Just, I thought Potter was an auror."
"He was," Malfoy answered curtly. "Now, he's not." Draco sighed. "I'll see you two later."
"Bye, Drake," Pansy called weakly. "You shouldn't have done that," she informed Blaise.
"Done what?"
"Hound him!" she exclaimed. She shook her head. "Sometimes, I forget, Blaise. You cut yourself off from the Wizarding world, and for so long... Just," she paused to frown, "be careful, ok?" She patted his shoulder friendly-like (and he remembered a time when her touches had been more than friendly-like) before she too disappeared.
Blaise sighed. He looked around the staff room, silently. Harry was talking to Hermione again, now the two strolling out together, their heads bent together closely, Dumbledore nowhere to be seen. He sighed, again, and he shook his head, and he followed the Boy Wonder and his best friend out. Apart, but still with them.