Hello lovelies! Happy Friday, or at least it will be when most of you read this chapter x

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Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling, and only the story line and any OC's belong to me

Saturday, June 5th, 1999
Potter Manor
Draco Potter's 21st birthday

"Wake up." A sultry voice purred in Draco's ear.

"What time is it?" Draco's words jumbled together as he pried open his eyes. Groggily, he stroked Hermione's bare waist. His head fell to the side and he gazed into Hermione's mischief-filled hazel eyes.

Hermione brushed her hair over her shoulder, her hand on his cheek, her thumb brushing feather light touches across his flesh. "It's almost ten. Happy birthday, my love."

"Are you my present?" Draco rasped, idly running his hands over her exposed back.

"You're insatiable," Hermione murmured as she leant up to kiss his jaw.

"Is that a no?"

"Shut up," Hermione laughed softly. She swatted him playfully. "Guests are going to be here around midday, so we have to help Mipsy and Pip get everything ready."

"Okay, in like ten minutes."

Thirty minutes later, Hermione was helping Mipsy and Pip add the finishing touches to the decorations in the Ballroom. Draco knew the room was inevitably going to be used more now that they had agreed to co-host the New Year's ball.

I'm sure we will also have to host a few social events here and there, and it's the only space big enough to house more than thirty people comfortably, Draco mused.

The pack wouldn't be able to have over five hundred people comfortably fit into the space like at Shacklebolt Estate. Two hundred and fifty was the max estimate they'd provided Kingsley.

"I imagine that would suit you better anyway," Kingsley smirked. "I suppose an invitation to the ball during your years will simply be more coveted."

Dark green streamers spanned from end-to-end of the vast space. Vines with leaves painted gold climbed the walls. Green Mums had been braided into garlands with bright foxgloves and white roses and they lined the walls every few feet. The windows were wide open and the fresh air eagerly flooded the house, carrying with it the warmth and tang of summer.

The floors gleamed, there was a refreshments table on the far side of the room, and Sirius had gladly picked out a set of vinyl for the occasion. He was in the corner setting up the record player and tinkering with the amplifiers so that the sound would fill the large room.

"Oh, it looks wonderful," Narcissa said as she swept into the room. Her floor-length, seafoam green chiffon dress trailed after her; a thin layer of satin fabric lined it. A white satin band was under her breasts, before the swell of her rounded stomach. It had a v-shaped, off-the-shoulder neckline, and the sleeves were big loops of fabric that fell down to the middle of her upper arms; the sleeves were purely aesthetic and not functional.

Narcissa had used the floo, and had painstakingly cast charms on her dress and person to ensure soot hadn't clung to her. Narcisssa fussed at the intricate updo she'd forced Lucius to help her with as Draco approached her.

"Not as wonderful as you," Draco grinned as he greeted the elder witch. He gathered her in a quick embrace, and brushed a chaste kiss over her cheek. Narcissa glowed at the openly affectionate display.

"You used to chase my skirts and shower me with love when you were little, but when you turned seven you said you were too old for that," Narcissa reminisced. She reached up to cradle his face, and he bent at the waist in order to accommodate their height difference.

"Glad you could make it, Cissa," Draco said as he covered her hands with his.

"There's nowhere else I would rather be, my sweet boy. You may have had another wonderful Mother, but you're still my son," Narcissa said, her eyes welling up with tears. Her hormonal imbalance had been making her cry at the smallest hint of sentimentality the past couple weeks.

"Cissa," Draco said softly, turning his face to press a kiss to her palm. "Dorea Potter is my Mother. She chose to raise us when she didn't have to, but never forget that you are also my Mother. You always will be."

Narcissa's bottom lip trembled as she nodded. She blinked away her tears, and reluctantly removed her hands. "Is there anything I can help with? The other guests should be arriving soon."

Draco's mouth turned downwards, and he opened his mouth to protest that she do anything but sit down, when she fixed him with a steely stare. Draco snorted and gestured to where Hermione was floating in the air, securing the final garland in place. Mipsy was below her, hands outstretched as she kept her Mistress afloat.

Before Narcissa headed over to Draco's fianceé, she paused and asked, "have you decided on a date for the wedding yet?"

"Sometime in April?" Draco shrugged. Narcissa scoffed, and smoothed down the front of his short-sleeved, white and black striped, stand collar shirt. The top two buttons were undone. She patted his forearm before she made for Hermione.

Draco caught sight of Crookshanks and Twilight snuggled close together in the corner of the room. At first, Crooks had tried to attack Twilight whenever the black cat neared. Somehow, their territorial battle hadn't ended in bloodshed. Twilight had sunk her teeth into Crookshanks' tail one evening, and subsequently they'd reached an understanding of sorts. Now, they got along famously.

The half-kneazle and cat were often found lazing their days away in random spots around the Manor, or they would disappear for hours into the Orchards.

The scent of cinnamon and leather mixed with parchment, freshly mown grass and rain neared.

"Happy twenty-first birthday," Sirius said excitedly as he leapt at Draco from behind. He'd heard and smelt his pack members' approach. Draco side-stepped, and caught Sirius around the shoulders, and ruffled the man's hair.

(There had been some contention over how old Draco was exactly, time travel tended to blur the lines. Eventually, they arrived at a consensus that this was his twenty-first birthday.)

"Oi! It took me thirty minutes to give my hair the right look you wanker!" Sirius whinged as he wriggled out of Draco's grasp. Draco let out a hearty laugh, thoroughly amused as Sirius attempted to fix his hair. Remus side-hugged his friend, and Draco rested his arm around the other man's shoulders.

"Some things never change," Remus said softly. Draco made a noise in agreement.

"We're back! We brought them!" Echoed towards them. The trio turned to face the large set of open, oak, double-doors. A large group was heading their way down the bright corridor. Riley and Tonks were leading the charge.

(Tonks arrived home from her assignment in the middle of dinner last night. Teddy had latched himself onto her hip and refused to leave for the remainder of the meal.)

Blaise, Daphne, Ginny, Harry, Luna, Neville, Pansy, Ron and Theo followed Riley into the Ballroom. All dressed nicely in summery outfits. NEWTs began on Tuesday, but the exhausted students needed a brief reprieve before examinations consumed their every waking moment for the upcoming weeks. Hermione promised McGonagall a couple days ago—over a floo call—that they would be back at Hogwarts by dark.

Minerva rounded off the group at the back, her robes a rich green, and her dark hair braided down her back. At her side was Hagrid, and Hermione squealed in excitement as she sprinted over to the half-giant, blowing past everyone else and flinging herself into his arms. Hagrid's deep laugh rumbled from him as he caught her, hugging the petite witch as colossal tears slid down his face into his dark, wiry beard.

Draco would greet him shortly, but he was preoccupied with welcoming the rest of their guests.

Draco smiled as the entire group crowded around him, shoving gifts at him and wishing him happy birthday. A taste of nostalgia lingered on the back of his tongue, some things never changed.

Hermione's feet were sore from dancing. Fred and George were her most recent dance partners, and they had spent the past twenty minutes twirling her between them. Hermione brushed her hair back from her face as she stumbled over to the sidelines.

The Weasley brood had showed up a little late, but they made up for it with copious amounts of enthusiasm. Hermione had danced with all of the Weasley brothers aside from Percy, and Mister Weasley had even taken her for a whirl.

Percy's attention was occupied by his boyfriend as he and Oliver danced the afternoon away.

Hermione was positive that Oliver hadn't learned about their Quidditch exploits in school, or he would have at least mentioned it when he arrived. If there was one thing that rang true for the Scottish wizard, it was his love—that bordered on obsession—for the sport.

Kingsley and Valérie arrived shortly after the group from Hogwarts, and Alice, Frank and Augusta had followed shortly thereafter.

Sirius had dragged Narcissa to her feet, and the pair were slow dancing despite the upbeat, quick pace of the current song. Sirius said something to make Narcissa tip her face back with laughter, and Hermione grinned at the sight. Andromeda was nearby, bent down and holding Teddy's hands as the boy gleefully tried to dance in time to the music. Teddy's hair was a wild medley of colours that changed in time with the beat.

Luna was braiding flowers into Riley's hair, as the two witches talked to Daphne and Ginny by the refreshments table.

Draco, Remus, Tonks, Harry and Frank were dancing in a close circle. Ron was over by Neville and Alice, chatting away.

The other Weasleys were spread throughout the party. Minerva was trying not to smile as Charlie Weasley said something outrageous that drew a mountainous laugh from Hagrid.

Blaise and Theo had scooped Pansy up by the arms and led her onto the dance floor despite her feeble protests. Moments later, she discarded her heels and was being whisked from one pair of arms to the next, her face alight with joy.

Kingsley, Valérie and Arthur were engaged in an intense discussion, but the smiles on their faces indicated that it wasn't anything too serious.

None of the Hogwarts students aside from Blaise and Ginny were drinking, the others were opting to stay sober until the end of their examination period. Arthur had lightly scolded his daughter and she conceded that she would only have a couple butterbeers as opposed to any spirits.

An indescribable warmth spread through Hermione's veins as she watched the revellers; watched her friends and family enjoy themselves. They'd been through so much to get here. They had fought for this, and she was grateful that their labour had bore fruit.

Hermione stared out the nearest open window, and held her curls up off her neck. A light sheen of perspiration gathered across her skin. A familiar scent and magical signature timidly neared, and Hermione drank in a hefty, steadying breath before she angled herself towards the other witch. Molly Weasley.

Molly's pastel pink wrap dress complimented her curvaceous, plump figure. Hermione's lips parted to voice that thought aloud when she noticed the envelope held tightly in the woman's hands. Molly's fingers were worrying away at the edges as she gnawed on her bottom lip. Her brown eyes swam with shame. "Hermione."

"Molly."

"I—I know I said I was sorry the other day, but I am sorry. I spoke out-of-turn, and it wasn't my place," Molly said.

"I forgive you, Molly. I won't lie and say that it's all behind us, but I'd like to try and move past it," Hermione said tightly, she dropped her heavy curls, and leaned back against the wall. The sun poured into the room and was sucked into the coppery strands of Molly's rust coloured hair. Prewett's hair, her younger brothers' hair.

Molly swallowed audibly. "I would like that…and as a start, I think you should have this." Molly held out the envelope yellowed with age, her hands quaking with nerves. Hermione's brow drew together as she accepted it.

Hermione recognised the scrawl across the outside and her head snapped up, her gaze inquistory. "Fabian?"

"I never had the courage to look through his things that got packed up and sent to us…but when you and Draco disappeared, and when my memories came back…I found it." Molly tilted her face upwards, brown eyes shimmered with unshed wetness. She blinked harshly. "Fabian mentioned that he'd taught the Potter siblings, and I thought his belongings might have provided more insight, and I found that."

Molly steadily met Hermione's gaze, and she wiped her hands on the front of her skirt. "I didn't know what to do with it, until you came over for dinner the other day…and I went to see my Mother."

"How did that go?" Hermione asked quietly, her thumbs stroking over the rough surface of the envelope. It wasn't a secret that Molly and her Mother were estranged.

Molly shrugged, biting her bottom lip as she shook her head. "Not as bad as I anticipated. She wants to talk more."

"That's good, isn't it?"

"It is," Molly smiled shakily, as if trying to convince herself. Her tongue darted out to wet her lips before she continued. "I don't know when he wrote it, or what it says. I didn't read it. It's addressed to you, so I thought you should have it."

"Thank you, Molly," Hermione murmured. Molly closed the space between them and lightly gripped Hermione's forearm.

"I really am sorry."

"I know," Hermione replied. Molly gave her a curt nod before she headed over to join her husband and his companions.

Hermione's feet moved of their own accord, and she discreetly slipped out of the mirthful party. She navigated her way to the central area of the Manor. When she reached the grand staircase, she went up three steps before she lowered herself and sat down with the envelope resting in her lap.

Hermione stared at the envelope for minutes, unsure what awaited her. With an arduous exhale, she turned it over. Her eyebrows rose when she saw the Prewett's wax seal. She carefully opened the envelope and slipped out the enclosed page.

Hermione placed the empty envelope beside her and unfolded the piece of parchment. Hermione's hair fell forward over her left shoulder. She sucked in a sharp breath and began to read.

Dear Hermione Potter,

I suppose it's odd to pen a letter to a witch who has gone missing, and is quite possibly dead. In a way, it feels safer to do so.

The Wizarding community in the United Kingdom has been thrust into chaos and pure turmoil. Disappearances are racketing up daily, and the death count is rising steadily. In times of such uncertainty and gloom, I find myself reminiscing on the past a lot.

Truthfully, I did so before you disappeared.

I've been pondering on the past since Marly died. I miss her so much my bones creak, and I wish we'd been given more time.

Regardless, I've been thinking about all my previous students, and my thoughts always lead to you. You were one of my favourites since I could never figure you out, Hermione Potter. Your entire merry band of pranksters have a special place in my heart. I can't imagine they are doing well with you and Draco gone.

Where are you, Hermione Potter?

Perhaps, you've fled the country and are living a full, happy life, far away from all this mess. Far away from all the death and destruction. I highly doubt it. You aren't the kind of witch who would willingly run away from a fight. Yet, my very magic tells me that you are not dead.

I don't know why I am writing this letter. No one besides me is ever going to read it, but it feels cathartic to write down my tumultuous thoughts.

Like I said, it's so much easier to write a letter to someone who will probably never read it, than to voice my innermost thoughts and fears to those I love. I'm trying to be strong for them. Admitting that I am scared and not as strong as they think I am feels like a betrayal.

Especially to Gideon, or Molly and her kids. Gids is back in the country now. I know he misses you and Draco. He went over to see James and Lily a few days back, but he didn't say much aside from, 'those kids are a light in this fuckery'. He didn't mention Sirius, Remus, or Peter, but from what I've heard through the Phoenix channels, they are all doing well.

You were certainly a mystery, Miss Potter. A mystery I will probably never solve. It was a joy to teach you and your boisterous friends—even if it was only for a year. I like to pretend that I had any influence over you lot's skills, but truthfully, you were all brilliant on your own.

Your current whereabouts are unknown, obviously, so I'll probably use this letter as a bookmark or something. It was nice to put some of my thoughts down on paper, even if no one else but me will ever know about it.

Cheers,

Fabian Prewett.

P.S. Gideon says if you ever return, he is going to take a leaf out of your book and dye your hair bubblegum pink like you did to Remus. He's seen the pictures and he thinks it was bloody brilliant.

Hermione sniffed, hurriedly swiping away the hot tears threatening to fall from her bottom lashes. She placed the letter in her lap.

A whisper of mint was heading her way, and she perked up at the sound of soft footfalls. Draco appeared a minute later, and Hermione smiled frailly.

"Love? What's wrong?" Draco asked when he noticed her tears. He hurried to her side, and knelt on the step below hers. He wiped away the wetness on her cheeks. Hermione's gaze flicked down to the letter.

Draco leant back, and plucked the letter from her lap. His eyes flitted from side-to-side as he devoured the words.

"You shouldn't be here, it's your birthday. You should be celebrating with everyone else, gorgeous," Hermione said softly. She wrung her hands together absently as she gnawed on her bottom lip.

Draco ripped his eyes away from the parchment, his brow furrowing. "I was, but I came to check on my witch."

Draco finished reading. He purposefully folded the letter and placed it on the envelope.

"Are you okay?" Draco asked. With a finger under her chin, he guided her mouth over to his and pressed a feather light kiss to her lips.

"I wasn't expecting it," Hermione confessed. "He was one of our best professors ever, and he was a good friend."

Hermione pressed her forehead to Draco's, and drank in his scent, allowing it to help soothe her.

"He was," Draco agreed, kissing her once more. Cold magic flowed from Draco's finger, slithering across her skin. A cooling charm to reduce the redness and puffiness under her eyes.

"We should head back to the festivities before everyone thinks we snuck off for a quick shag," Hermione said as she moved to stand. She scooped up the letter and deftly tucked it back into the envelope. She handed it to Draco, and he folded it in half before tucking it into his left trouser pocket.

"That's a good idea. We could sneak off for a shag," Draco said pensively, tapping his chin. Hermione scoffed.

Hermione held out her hand and Draco grabbed hold as she leveraged him to his feet. They headed back to the party, fingers loosely linked together by the tips, their arms bumping against each other's.

When they re-entered the ballroom Sirius put his fingers in his mouth and loudly whistled. They were three feet inside the room when Remus came over and began to tease them.

"Popped out for a shag?" Remus asked with a crooked grin.

Draco reached out and gently grasped Remus by the back of his neck. He removed the letter from his pocket and handed it to his best mate with his other hand. Remus's brow knitted as he took it from Draco.

"What's this?"

"A letter from the past."

Shortly after Hermione and Draco rejoined the party, Riley pulled Hermione and Alice into a corner, cast a Muffliato, and stared anxiously at her friends.

Riley twisted her engagement ring and wedding band as she shifted uncertainly from foot-to-foot.

"Riles. Are you okay?" Hermione asked with raised brows. She brushed Riley's long hair back, and rested her hands on her shoulders.

"You look peaky, love. You need me to grab you a drink?" Alice asked. She tenderly placed the backs of her fingers against Riley's forehead. "Or maybe some water?"

Riley's eyes darted from one witch to the next. Her mouth was working silently as she tried to find her words.

"Should I call Alfred? What's going on?" Hermione pressed.

"I'm pregnant," Riley whispered, a feeble smile crept onto her face. Hermione's mouth flew open and an overjoyed squeal left her lips before she grabbed hold of Alice's hand and jumped up and down with a girlish peal of glee.

Riley shot her a stern look, and Hermione quieted down, smothering her jolly grin. She placed a hand over her mouth.

Alice whispered, "does Sirius know?"

"Not yet. It's only you two and the healer I went to see yesterday so far…I'm going to tell him tonight. He might faint, or lose his freaking mind." Riley smiled dreamily at the concept.

The pair had been trying since their wedding but they weren't sure that they would succeed so soon.

"Sirius is going to be over the moon. Goodness, congratulations. We were just talking about children on Wednesday and now…" Alice sighed wistfully, putting a hand to her cheek as she smiled.

"I suspected I was pregnant then, but I didn't want to say anything until I was sure," Riley admitted.

"Please take a picture of him when you tell him. I need to see his face. I'll frame it and put it in the Foyer," Hermione said. She twirled a lock of Riley's hair between her fingers, her lips quirked upwards as she pictured Riley and Sirius's future child; the child growing in Riley's belly.

Riley interlocked her fingers and placed them on her tummy. It was barely noticeable, but there was a tiny bump if you were paying close enough attention. Hermione rushed forward and embraced her friend tightly, and then with wide eyes, she flew back. "Sorry, was that too tight?"

Riley rolled her eyes and lightly tapped Hermione's cheek. "I won't break, Mione. I'm pregnant, not made of glass." Riley waved her hand and lifted the Muffliato. "We should rejoin the others before they start to ask questions."

"We should. Also, I know you aren't fragile, I just want to be careful," Hermione said. She couldn't contain her excitement and she pressed her lips to Riley's swiftly. "You're my fierce Puff, and I love you."

Tonks was heading their way, and overheard the last snippet. "I thought I was your kickass Puff, Potter! Stop cheating on me!" Tonks declared as she launched herself at Hermione. Hermione caught her, stumbled back a few steps and let out a breathy laugh as she cradled the back of Tonks's head. Her hair was smoothly shifting through various shades of flirty pastels.

Remus came over, Teddy was on his shoulders. The boy had white cat ears sprouting from the crown of his head. His hair was raven and his eyes bright green. Teddy reached out to Hermione, and she smiled affectionately as she reached up and lifted the boy from his Father's shoulders. She braced him on her hip, and he began excitedly babbling about how much fun he was having.

A little while later, as the sun began its descent, Hermione joined the snakes gathered on a transfigured black leather couch.

Draco was sandwiched between Theo and Blaise. Daphne was perched on one arm, Pansy and Neville had mysteriously disappeared, and Ginny was sitting on the other arm, her legs resting across Theo's thighs.

Hermione slipped onto the couch in between Draco's spread legs and leaned back against his front. Draco loosely wrapped an arm around her waist.

Hermione's head lolled to the side and she met Theodore's curious stare. "So Nott. What kind of spell did you use to bewitch Ginerva?" She asked teasingly.

Theo raised a brow, his hand was resting on Ginny's bare calf. "Why should I tell you, Potter? Besides, Red is the one who initiated our relationship."

"Play nice, Teddy," Draco said, jabbing his friend in the side.

"I'm always nice," Theo snorted. Ginny made a rude noise and Theo's head snapped in her direction. She played with the hair at Theo's nape, leaned forward and pecked his lips.

Ginny's eyes sparkled with mischief as she said, "that's a bloody lie."

"If I'm so dreadful, then why have I got such a pretty witch in my lap?" Theo inquired

"I would love for someone to tell me the answer to that question," Ginny chuckled softly. Theo slipped an arm around her, and tugged her onto his lap, and they were nose-to-nose. Ginny shook her head before kissing him deeply.

"Prat," Ginny said against his lips, her voice muffled.

Hermione smirked, ruffling Theo's feathers was easier than expected.

Draco pinched Hermione's side and she twisted to face him. "What?"

"That goes for you too, play nice," Draco said against her ear. Hermione shivered as his velvety voice gave her goosebumps.

"I'm always nice," Hermione insisted. Draco crudely scoffed.

Hermione nudged her nose against his, and he rolled his eyes before he kissed her. He tasted of Firewhisky, cherry and vanilla. Hermione's mouth opened and she fisted her hand in the front of his shirt.

Daphne and Blaise had been engaged in a casual chat, but upon realising the two couples beside them were snogging, they groaned loudly, got up and went over to find the Chosen One.

"Happy birthday," Hermione murmured in between kisses, and Draco's grip tightened on her.

"Get a room!" Sirius bellowed from the middle of the room with a bark of a laugh. Hermione flipped him off, and ignored him, lost in the taste of her wizard.

Eventually, she pulled away, and with a dazed smile asked, "are you ready to cut your cake?"

The party wound down as night fell. Minerva and Hagrid began escorting the Hogwarts students towards the floo. Hermione hugged Ron and Harry tightly, told them how proud she was, and that they would ace their examinations.

"See you at graduation," Harry said. He scrunched up his face as Hermione placed a loud kiss on his cheek. Ron was more gracious as she did the same to him.

"For good luck, even though I'm sure you won't need it," Hermione grinned.

Blaise and Theo intruded. Blaise ducked his face down to Hermione's and pushed out his cheek. "Do I get one, Lady Potter?"

Hermione made a large show of rolling her eyes in exasperation, but she pecked his cheek. "Run along, Zabini. I don't want to see you until after exams."

"As you wish, bella signorina," Blaise said. He picked up her hand as if it was delicate and brushed his lips over her knuckles. He winked before they parted.

Blaise whistled as he strode away, fingers laced behind his head.

"He's going to take that as an invitation to harass you constantly after we graduate," Daphne warned, irritatedly blowing air. "He can be a menace when he wishes," She said as she tucked her dark blonde hair behind her ears.

"I've realised. Draco told me his Mum is out of the picture," Hermione said softly.

Daphne stiffened. "You can hardly call that woman a Mother."

Hermione stared after the tall Italian. Blaise saddled up next to Narcissa, and offered an elbow. She took it with a prim smile.

Pip was going to take Narcissa home shortly, but Narcissa wanted to say goodbye to the Slytherins.

"Narcissa has always treated Blaise and Theo like hers. With their parents she thought they deserved all the love they could get," Daphne said so only Hermione could hear her.

Daphne gave Hermione a curt nod before she departed. Harry gave Hermione's upper arm a squeeze and he trailed after Daphne. He intertwined their fingers as they walked.

"See you in two weeks, Mione," Ron smiled, side-hugging his friend. He followed after the others a moment later.

"Good luck!" Hermione called after them. The group peeked over their shoulders and waved, yelling thanks.

In a few weeks the end of an era would be upon the Hogwarts students, and another one was right around the corner.

It was extremely fun seeing all the guesses for WHICH witch was pregnant, but it's our lovely Riley. I will reveal that Hermione is going to be pregnant by the end of this story, but not for SEVERAL chapters yet!

I'll stop rambling now, I really hope you all enjoyed this chapter and I shall see you on Sunday! It's the Seventh and Eighth years' graduation!

Please leave a review and let me know what you think x