Chapter 9: The Potions Master and the two Seers

December 20, 1991

(five days ago)

For a moment, Draco was surprised when he saw Professor Snape seated at the table with his parents for lunch. He momentarily forgot that the Potions Master was a family friend who was always invited by his parents to spend the holidays at the Manor. He had his own room in the south wing, and growing up, Draco was taught to address him as 'uncle' even though they weren't related by blood, and he wasn't married to a relative.

He was family.

"Good morning, Mother, Father, and Professor Snape," he greeted politely and formally when he sat across from his mother at the table.

"Good morning, darling," his mother greeted affectionately while his father gave him an appraising look.

"Good morning, Draco," said Professor Snape curtly. "Although, I must remind you we are not at school. You may address me like before."

He gave him a polite smile. "Duly noted, Uncle Sev. When did you arrive?"

"An hour ago. I'm staying until after New Year's Eve, as usual," Uncle Severus replied. "Your mother tells me you have been spending a lot of time at Theodore's."

"Yes, that is true," he replied, not making eye contact with anyone. He focused on his food, and Occlumency shields.

"What have you been doing there, darling? You haven't told me. I apologize, I am rather busy with the upcoming ball and dinner appointments here and there," his mother said.

He gave her an assuring smile. "No worries, Mother. I am fine, and I can look after myself now. Theodore and I study separately. You know him. If it were up to him, he would spend all day being surrounded by books. But we play games and Quidditch from time to time."

"What have you been studying, son?" asked his father.

The truth was, he wasn't really studying. He just liked reading, just to refresh his memory of the things he used to do and study before - when he was still a DRCMC worker. Lately, he was reviewing how to brew the Wolfsbane Potion and studying magical plants and herbs. He was thinking of brewing Potions and selling them through another person, so he could save for his and Hermione's future, just in case he would have to leave his parents again if his father wouldn't accept his witch. He didn't want to spend Lucius Malfoy's money or any of his family's money on buying her a ring and a house.

Potions was his best subject. He and Hermione were equally brilliant in that class from first to fifth years. In their sixth year, Potter and Voldemort ruined everything.

He glanced at the dark-haired wizard beside his mother. "I've been reading about... potions."

His father and mother stared at him for a moment but looked pleased.

"And what particular Potion are you reading about, Draco?" asked Uncle Severus in his professor-like tone.

He shrugged. "Draught of the Living Dead, Polyjuice Potion, and Blood Replenishing," he lied. His father would be outraged if he mentioned 'wolfsbane'.

His father chuckled delightfully. "Well done, son. You managed to make Severus speechless. I guess you have never met a first-year student who is into those kinds of advanced potions, eh, Severus?"

The corner of Uncle Severus's mouth twitched, smiling slightly. "I am not surprised. Draco is one of the best students in his year."

"There's someone better than our Draco?" his mother teased.

Uncle Severus snorted. "You'll be surprised to know that there are brilliant students in my Ravenclaw-Hufflepuff class. Almost all of them."

"That's quite all right. Hufflepuffs are tolerable, anyway," commented his mother.

After lunch, his parents left to work – his father had to meet his associates in Malfoy Investments, and his mother had to prepare things for the Yule Ball at the manor.

"Draco, I would like to hear more about what you're learning these days," quipped Uncle Severus just before they left the dining room.

Draco sighed but nodded. "Of course, Uncle Sev."

"Maybe we can move to my study?"

He nodded once more like an obedient boy and followed the Potions Master to his personal study in the south wing of the manor. Once inside, they sat by the fireplace, facing each other.

"What would you like to know, Uncle Sev?" he asked promptly as soon as his butt touched the cushion.

"I'm quite surprised by your interest in Potions. But I am pleased, of course," he smiled. "What changed?"

Draco remembered that Hermione trusted Uncle Severus. He already knew her 'abilities', and her secrets were safe. Perhaps, he could tell him about his situation, too. Uncle Severus could be the person who would help his potions reach the market and earn money for himself and Hermione.

"I don't know where to begin," he admitted.

Uncle Severus nodded. "Take your time. I can wait," he said patiently.

Then, he remembered some memories. He looked into his eyes and lowered his walls, inviting him to his mind…

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February 7, 1999

(Hermione and Draco's past)

"Finally, the lovebirds are here!" Pansy announced happily when Hermione and Draco entered the dining room.

"Morning," she greeted.

Theo looked up from his morning paper and gave them a knowing smirk. He was seated at the head of the table, with Daphne to his right. Pansy sat beside Daph and to Pansy's right was Blaise. To Theo's left, directly across the two Slytherin witches were vacant seats Hermione assumed reserved for her and Draco. Draco pulled the chair for her, the one across from Pansy before taking her seat.

"We're going flying, Draco – Blaise and I," announced Theo. "Would you like to join? It's been days since we did physical activities."

Blaise snorted. "Correction. It's been days since I did physical activities. It's been a week since you did outdoors." He eyed Draco.

Hermione rolled his eyes, much to Blaise's delight.

"He likes annoying you," Draco told her with a shake of his head and filled her plate with food.

She smirked and caressed Draco's cheek. "It's fine, love. I rather enjoyed our activity this morning. I got to fully appreciate what Quidditch does to you." Her other hand palmed his chest.

Pansy and Daphne giggled, Theo laughed, and Blaise scowled. Draco grinned and winked at her.

"Didn't know you had it in you, Hermione," grinned Daphne. "You were always Miss Prim and Proper."

Hermione beamed at her two female friends before turning to her plate and cup of tea. On her plate were two pieces of buttered toast, one egg, mushrooms, and tomatoes. Her tea smelt exactly like what she preferred: honey and lemon. "How did you know—" Then, she trailed off.

"Of course, he liked watching you eat back at Hogwarts," laughed Blaise. "Quite creepy if you ask me. He even knows the smell of your hair."

She turned to Draco. "Really? You…"

"Know what food you like and don't like? Yeah. A bit," replied Draco, looking embarrassed.

She reached out for his hand under the table and squeezed it. "Thank you."

Draco lifted their joined hands and kissed her knuckle.

Blaise cleared his throat. "So, what's on the front page today, Father ?" he asked Theo.

"Minister for Magic orders marriage law," Theo announced.

"What?!" Pansy and Daphne shrieked together.

But Theo laughed and folded the morning paper, setting it aside. "You ladies are always so gullible, that's why I love you."

"But seriously, there has been a huge decline in the wizarding population," said Daphne.

"Urgh, you should hear the witches and wizards I encounter every day in the shop, those who are still bigoted and prejudiced. They still plan to marry their children to their cousins, just to preserve the blood purity," said Pansy with a roll of her eyes. "My mother's still one of them. She wrote me a letter the other day; she said she's planning to draw a betrothal contract for me and Cassius Warrington!"

"He's a handsome bloke," teased Blaise.

"You're more handsome than him, Blaise. If I really want it, I'd just ask you to marry me. Then, I'd still be at home, or maybe travelling to Paris every week and all of my clothes would be disposable."

Blaise grinned. "Theo wouldn't have to spend his fortune on the three of you."

Theo smirked. "My father's already rolling in his Azkaban cell, knowing that I am spending his hard-earned money supporting my Pure-blood girlfriend who wants a Ministry career; a female best friend who fancies Muggle fashion and can no longer pretend to be a bigoted Pure-blood princess; and my childhood best friend one who doesn't want to live anymore to the place where the love of his life was tor–" Theo stopped talking and gave Hermione an apologetic look.

Hermione was on her feet and turned to Draco. "Can we talk, please?" she asked gently, rubbing her left forearm. She couldn't help it. Then, she faced her friends. "Sorry."

Draco rose to his feet and followed Hermione out. Hermione led the way to the drawing-room. Once inside, she turned to face him, not bothering to sit down.

"Draco, why did you disown your parents?" she asked silently.

"Because I cannot forgive them for what they did to our family," he croaked. "My father let the evil in and control our lives. You don't know what it felt like, Hermione… Living in the place you called home, but you were walking on tiptoes because an evil wizard and his minions were watching you. My mother… she didn't even think of abandoning my father. We could've run away. She had all the resources, and she is a powerful witch, but she didn't want to leave my father. She could've saved me from taking the Mark. I had to watch you being tortured by my aunt in my childhood home…" He shook his head and Hermione realized there were tears on his face.

Hermione reached out to hug him and she buried her face in his chest. "I'm sorry, love… I'm so sorry…"

Draco cried and buried his face in the crook of her neck, embracing her tightly. "Now that I have you, Hermione, I am sure, I will not set foot in my childhood home ever again. I don't want you near that place anymore, or near my parents, as long as they still look down on someone like you and your parents. I want to live my life by doing what's right. I don't need their money. I don't care if I have to live like a poor man, poorer than the Weasleys."

Hermione chuckled at that and pulled away. "There's a song I hated years ago. The lyrics go: When we're hungry, love will keep us alive . But now, I… What I want to say is, you're not alone, Draco. I'm not there yet, but I'm loving every moment with you. I will be there for you, in every step, as long as you'll have me."

Draco smiled and sighed in relief, then claimed her lips once more.

.

December 20, 1991

(five days ago)

"I want to earn money as early as now. I know I can brew perfect and useful potions. Theo is my best friend, but I can avoid taking advantage of his kindness," Draco told the Potions Master who was still astounded and speechless.

"You're just like Miss Granger. She showed me the future, too, a few times," he managed to say despite the shock.

Draco nodded. "Hermione and I have an understanding."

Uncle Severus frowned. "You're quite too young to be in a relationship."

"I already liked her even before I had glimpses of our future together. But Mother and Father can't know. I just told you because she says she trusts you… And the truth is, I really, really need your help. As I said, I can brew potions. I need someone who could sell them and help me set up an account under a different name... For now," he explained.

"Draco, you're still too young. You can meet other witches out there. Also, Miss Granger says the future can change, depending on people's decisions," Uncle Severus replied calmly.

"I could tell you the same. Why didn't you turn your attention to other witches? You're a brilliant man, Uncle Sev. You're a good man, too. But until now, it's still her , isn't it?"

Uncle Sev looked like he'd been splashed with a bucket of ice water.

But that didn't deter Draco. He continued talking. "Do you want me to be like you? Do you want me to forget her and my visions of our future together just because we're still young? Do you want me to ignore my feelings when I know it is reciprocated?"

Once again, Severus Snape was speechless. A very rare moment. "But Draco, your family… Your parents…"

"I'm not saying I will abandon them," he countered. "I will be with them as long as they want me, they treat me right. But I need options. What if the Dark Lord comes back? What if he takes over our family home? What if my father becomes a spineless man, like the one in my visions? What if they hand me over to the Dark Lord just to please him? You know the rules, Uncle Sev. It's not a social circle, and by just thinking of betraying the Dark Lord and someone finds out, you will be punished. But I don't want that future for myself and Hermione."

Uncle Sev slumped on the chair as if his back hurt and closed his eyes. "I don't know how you learned about my past... About her. But please, don't talk about her to anyone. You know why. If you don't, I'm sure Miss Granger does." He looked like he aged ten years.

"I guess you're right. Truth be told, I don't want you to be like me and your father." Uncle Sev opened his eyes and looked at him. "We have to discuss more how I can help you."

Draco gave him a curt nod. "Thank you."

"You're family, Draco," the professor said with sincerity.

.

February 7, 1999

(Hermione and Draco's past)

Hermione and Draco agreed that it would be best if they would avoid public display of affection on their first time in Diagon Alley. Theo and Daphne walked arm-in-arm, of course, merely talking about the latter's work and the former's classes and life at Hogwarts. Hermione and Pansy walked together, holding hands. Pansy gave her a new dress for their luncheon; nothing too un-Hermione-ish. Pansy finally agreed to a white quarter-length sleeved blouse, tucked into a navy blue and white stand-out skirt, and a pair of bronze strapped sandals. Her friend commented that it resembled the Hogwarts uniform, so Pansy undid the top two buttons of Hermione's blouse, saying that Draco would have a nice view if he leant for a kiss.

Draco and Blaise walked side by side behind Hermione and Pansy, casually talking about current events. The restaurant the group of Slytherins loved was just a few meters away from Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. It was called Ivee's and below the name were the words: Since 1976. It had wooden doors and stained glasses. The boys opened and held the door for them, witches. Theo already had a reservation, so they went directly to the table assigned to them. Hermione was impressed by the interior. There were Lalique lamps, green and orange leather chairs, and a pristine wooden floor. They ordered the best-selling dishes, and Draco recommended the shepherd's pie to her.

The place was cosy. She did not see anyone she knew, but there were a few witches and wizards who looked from the upper class. Thankfully, no one seemed to pay attention to a Gryffindor girl, war heroine, and female best friend of Harry Potter sitting with Slytherins who were known as their schoolyard bullies.

After their luncheon, Pansy decided to go home to her and Daphne's flat; Blaise said goodbye to meet up with someone. Hermione, Draco, Theo, and Daphne all went back to the manor. Once there, Theo and Daphne retreated to the former's bedroom, leaving Hermione and Draco in the foyer.

"I really had fun today and yesterday," she beamed. "Thanks to you and the others."

Draco pulled her into a hug and kissed her forehead. "This is the most amazing weekend, so far. Too bad you have to go back to Hogwarts tonight.

She looked at her wristwatch. "Well, we still have four hours before we part ways."

Draco grinned. "Let's make the most of it, then."

"To the library?" she asked with a hopeful look.

Draco laughed. "To the library, then," he nodded, offering his arm like a true gentleman.

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December 25, 1991

(present time)

"How was your Christmas?" Draco asked as Hermione crawled beside him on the bed and tucked herself under the covers. Draco extended his arm, and she rested her head on his biceps, while his other arm was around her waist, pulling her closer. She placed a leg over him and nuzzled his neck.

"Good. Normal. You? I missed you so much."

Draco chuckled. "I was only away for two nights, Hermione. Only because Mother kept me busy with the ball and dinners. Professor Snape couldn't rescue me all the time."

Hermione huffed.

"You know that I missed you, too, don't you?" He murmured, kissing her forehead.

"Of course," she replied, kissing his neck. "Would you like your present now, or later?"

Draco tightened his hold on her. "Later. Let me enjoy this first." And then, he pulled away a bit to move his face closer to hers, giving her a lingering kiss.

.

February 13, 1999

(Hermione and Draco's past)

Hermione closed her eyes and moaned at Draco's wet kisses from her mouth to the hollow of her neck. Her fingers travelled to his blond locks, pulling him closer. Draco slightly pushed her to her back and hovered over her with his upper body, kissing every flesh exposed by her long-sleeved pyjama top. Hermione's hands caressed his back and hair, and pulled his face to hers again, wanting him to claim her mouth once more. Draco obliged and dominated her mouth. He licked her lower lip and ran his tongue against hers. His hands were on both sides of her head, but she wanted to feel them; wanted them to touch her body.

Perhaps, it was the fact that Draco had been in love with her for many years now; perhaps it was the desire to prove to him that she could love him, too; that she had no plans of abandoning him. Or perhaps, Hermione just wanted to experience how it felt like to love and be loved. No matter, she felt ready for him.

"Touch me, Draco," she whimpered. "I want more."

Draco broke the kiss and touched her face affectionately. "Are you sure, Hermione?"

She opened her eyes to look at him and then nodded.

Draco swallowed hard, unsure.

"We can start with… touching, right?" she asked bashfully.

Draco smiled affectionately and nodded. "Tell me where," he murmured.

"Everywhere," she replied promptly.

He claimed her lips once more and one hand unbuttoned her pyjama top. Hermione wasn't wearing a bra this time and she actually brought overnight clothes to the manor when she left the castle with Theo. She agreed to spend the weekend with her friends. Pansy pleaded with Theo and Draco like a petulant child to have a group date on Valentine's Day so she and Blaise wouldn't feel lonely. Draco and Theo agreed without second thoughts. They weren't just friends, after all. They were family, and Hermione understood that. After all, she really liked having Pansy around. And Blaise, even if he was a killjoy most of the time.

And then, she remembered her own family. Her parents. She wrote to them, of course, about her relationship with Draco, and they did not object. But she hadn't introduced him properly, yet. Maybe I have to do it as soon as possible. I may not look my mum in the eyes when I introduce my boyfriend for the very first time, and I'm no longer a virgin.

"Love, where did you go?" Draco was finished unbuttoning her top.

She looked up to him again. "Hmn? Just thinking about you, our families, and our relationship," she admitted.

Draco smirked. "I hope you weren't thinking about Pansy and Blaise, or Theo and Daphne while I'm trying to make you naked."

She laughed. "Well, I said family, didn't I?"

Draco's smile faded a bit, and his hand left her stomach, placing it on the other side of her head. "If you're not sure –"

Hermione yanked his head with her arms and kissed him passionately. Slowly, Draco melted into the kiss and brought one of his hands to her chest. Hermione shivered at the pleasant sensation, his cold hand ticked her breast and chest, and she found herself liking it, so she moaned. "Oh, shit, Draco, more, please."

She heard him smile, and his lips travelled to her neck, giving her wet kisses there. His hand found her left breast and fondled it, his index and middle fingers tweaked her nipple, causing her to moan and open her legs, thrusting her hips to him.

"You're so beautiful and delicious, love," Draco whispered seductively against her ear, giving her earlobe a nip before kissing her lips again, then her neck, and finally, his mouth claimed her right breast while his hand made its way underneath her pyjama bottoms and wet knickers.

"Shit, love, you're wet for me already," he breathed before claiming her other breast. His tongue expertly played with her nipple by the time he inserted one finger inside her. Hermione opened her legs further; her hands made their way to Draco's arse cheek and hardness.

"I want to feel you, too," she confessed.

Draco didn't release her breast, he continued sucking her hungrily, but made a sound of agreement. Hermione placed her hand under his pyjama trousers and pants, finally making skin-to-skin contact with his length. She wasn't sure what to do, so she just pumped it, making Draco groan in pleasure. Draco's finger delved deeper inside her, moving it in circles and Hermione felt like she was about to burst.

"Draco, I – "

"Come for me, love," he whispered against the crook of her neck, the propped his head with the other hand to look at her properly. "I want to see you come." His finger moved faster and faster until Hermione's body jerked, and she pressed her legs together, squeezing Draco's hand. And then, she was panting, sweaty, and her clit felt sensitive, so she gently removed Draco's hand from hers.

"Sensitive," she whispered, and Draco understood.

He smirked and brought his hand to his face, licking his middle finger. He closed his eyes. "Salazar fucking Slytherin, Hermione, you're delicious."

Hermione laughed happily and yanked Draco to give him a lingering kiss.

.

December 25, 1991

(present time)

"Time for presents, you think?" Hermione asked after a few moments when she was no longer panting.

She turned sideways to meet Draco's eyes. He was smirking, looking pleased with himself. "I just got the best present ever."

Hermione rolled her eyes and got up from the bed, fixing her pyjamas. Then, she reached out for something under her bed – a present wrapped in green and silver paper and ribbon. She handed it to Draco and sat at the edge of her bed, waiting for him to open the present.

Draco untied the ribbon and wrapping carefully, probably thinking she really made an effort in wrapping the gift. Draco had always appreciated whatever she made for and give him. He always took them with care.

Hermione smiled when she saw Draco's reaction, seeing the framed artwork in the box.

He looked up rather emotionally. "Hermione, this is... incredible."

It was a painting of her and Draco, a replica of one of their first Christmas photos as a couple, in Nott Manor. They were in the library. Draco was on the sofa, holding a mug of hot chocolate, wearing a green turtleneck jumper, grey trousers, and black socks. Hermione was on the floor, reading a book, her head resting on Draco's knee. She was wearing an oversized scarlet jumper, a black miniskirt, and knee-length socks. Crookshanks was sleeping on the floor beside her, near Draco's feet. Draco was looking at the book she was reading and playing with her curls.

It was a wonderful moment captured by Pansy using a Muggle camera. Years later, that photo was framed and sat on her office desk at the ministry.

"Our first Christmas as a couple," she said. "There's an artist near my parents' dental practice. I described to him in detail what I had in mind. Thankfully, he got our physical appearances correctly."

Draco nodded and leaned forward to kiss her forehead. "This is incredible, Hermione. Thank you so much. I will always keep this with me, as a reminder of our wonderful future together."

She smiled as well, on seventh heaven, that Draco liked her present. "Maybe when we return to Hogwarts, we can alter the faces a bit, just in case someone would notice..."

Draco shook his head. "We're older in this painting. No one would notice. They would think it's just a regular painting."

She chuckled. "All right, then."

Draco kissed her forehead again before pulling away. He reached for something in the drawer of his bedside table. It was a smaller box, wrapped in yellow and red.

"Yellow and red?" She raised an eyebrow but smiled.

"Hufflepuff and Gryffindor," he grinned.

"You're not trying to convert me this time?" she teased.

"Green, yellow, and red would be too much if put together. You're already mine, so I don't need to influence you to act like a Slytherin. I want to honour your two houses – the House of the Hermione Granger I fancied for six years and married, and the House of the one I am with right now. Whatever house you're in, whatever time and universe, I think I'd always fall for you."

Hermione, touched by his words, moved closer to snuggle against him. "Thank you, Draco. I love you so much."

Draco kissed her hair. "I love you most. Open the present. I endured muscle pain because of that, you know."

She giggled and opened the box. She found a knitted black beanie with crocheted jasmine and cherry blossom flowers. She turned to him happily. "Draco, this is beautiful! You made this?"

"Tenny made the beanie, I made the flowers. Your hair always smells like jasmine and cherry blossoms," he murmured, running his fingers to her hair.

She turned to him affectionately. "Thank you."

"Anytime," he smiled.

.

December 21, 1991

(four days ago)

"Why are you and Miss Granger hesitant to go to Dumbledore?" asked Uncle Severus when they met again in his study. Mother and Father thought Draco and Uncle Severus were just having a discussion on potions and that the professor was somewhat giving him private tutorials.

Uncle Severus already asked him to go to Dumbledore to stop Quirrell and Voldemort, to use all the information he and Hermione had to defeat the Dark Lord as soon as possible, while they (Quirrell and Voldemort) were still at Hogwarts. But Draco made it clear that Dumbledore should not know about his and Hermione's abilities .

And now, he was asking why.

Draco shook his head. "I don't want to be a pawn in his game of chess," he said, repeating Hermione's words before.

Uncle Severus frowned. "How can you say that Draco?"

"I may be eleven years old in your eyes, Uncle, but Hermione and I have witnessed things teenagers shouldn't. You're the only person Hermione and I trust with our secrets. Maybe, eventually, we shall tell you why we don't fully trust the headmaster."

"But if you have all the information we need, why can't we get rid of the Dark Lord now?" he asked rather impatiently. "Am I another pawn in your game?"

Draco turned to his professor sharply, his ears suddenly felt hot, his jaw clenched, and his hands balled into fists. "You said…" he breathed to calm himself, "we're family. Hermione and I are telling you, letting you know bits and pieces to prevent you from dying at thirty-fucking-eight years old!"

Uncle Severus looked taken aback by his reaction and he didn't say anything.

Draco turned away and slumped on a wingback chair near the fireplace.

Uncle Severus also took his seat on the other chair and looked at him calmly. "I apologize for accusing you, Draco. I shouldn't have said that. I cannot imagine how difficult it is for you and Miss Granger…"

He touched his face with his palm. "It's not that easy to defeat the Dark Lord. Unless you're willing to kill someone innocent," he groaned.

"What do you mean?" the older wizard asked him curiously.

Draco turned to the man who, in the other time, protected him and did everything he could to prove a teenager's innocence, even if he was already dying. He gave him a forlorn look. "What do you know about Horcruxes?"