Chapter 12: The Dark Lord's Daughter
January 8, 1992
(one month ago)
Hermione entered the Room of Requirement that looked like their room in the future, and the door quickly disappeared from the wall. Draco was on the bed, reading a letter. He was in a casual black turtleneck jumper and brown trousers; his hair wasn't gelled but instead, dishevelled.
He looked up when the door opened. "Hey," he greeted.
"Got your note," she said. At breakfast today, a school owl delivered a note for her. It was from Draco, asking her to meet him in the Room of Requirement after dinner.
She sat at the edge of the bed, closing her legs and making sure her school skirt was in the right place. Draco moved from the headboard to sit beside her and handed her a letter.
"Aunt Dromeda replied."
She took the letter from him and read it.
7 January 1992
Dearest Draco,
You have no idea how happy I am to receive your letter. You might not be aware, but I am a medi-witch at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. I was not Cissy's medi-witch when you were born, but I saw you as a baby. I could remember your heart-shaped face and widow's peak. They were Black family traits, and my daughter Nymphadora also has them. She is a Metamorphmagus and I think if she would change her hair to blond and her eyes to grey, you could pass as siblings. I am looking forward to the day you two would meet each other.
Thank you for your Christmas present. Gus must have inherited his mother's recipe because the taste of the homemade cookies you sent me was exactly like the ones I used to have as a child. I have made you a jumper with a warming charm. I remember your grey eyes, so it's grey. I hope it is to your liking.
I would love to hear about your Hufflepuff friend.
Love,
Aunt Andromeda
"She loves me," he whispered to her, his eyes full of emotions.
Hermione grinned and held his hand. "You're her family; her blood. I guess she has always loved you because she trusted you quickly after you made peace in the future."
Draco smiled and nodded slowly. "I want us to correspond more often. I didn't have an aunt before… I mean, in my first childhood. I still want her to trust me this time with Teddy, even if Dora and Remus are around."
"Oh, Draco! Dora's a very humorous and kind woman! You will love her!"
"From what I've heard, she could be annoyingly sweet, but I think I could tolerate her."
She chuckled. "As much as you've tolerated our little Teddy."
"Oh, I already miss that kid! I miss them." Draco lay on his back, but his feet remained on the floor.
Hermione followed suit and lay beside him. "I miss them, too."
Draco looked at her fondly. "Even her?"
She smiled back with a nod. "Even her."
.
February 28, 1999
(Hermione and Draco's past)
Draco could not set foot on the Hogwarts grounds even if there was no gate. He could only stay within the Forbidden Forest. Hermione silently cursed Harry and Ron, even if she knew it was wrong, for being able to visit her with special permission from the headmistress because of their war hero status. Draco did not kill anyone, did not hurt anyone. He was forced to take the mark and allowed the Death Eaters in the castle in exchange for his mother's life.
But you didn't ask the headmistress, so you don't really know if he's allowed or not…
And she agreed with her 'conscience'. But on the other hand, she did not dare ask Professor McGonagall because she didn't want any special treatment. After Harry and Ron's visit, Hermione thought that there was no doubt the headmistress would allow her to have a visitor in the castle.
So now, she was feeling a bit guilty. It was raining and she knew it wouldn't be comfortable to talk on the grounds. She would have to really leave the castle and go somewhere else with Draco. She had cast the rain shield charm whilst holding her wand straight and firm in her hand. She found Draco using the same charm when she reached the edge of the Forbidden Forest. He greeted her with a sweet and slow kiss, before taking her hand.
"Let's go somewhere else," she told him.
"The Three Broomsticks?" he asked.
Hermione shook her head. "I don't think it's a good place where we can snog without drawing attention," she chuckled.
Draco raised an eyebrow and gave her a teasing look. "Who says I'm just here to snog you?"
She gave him an unconvinced look.
Draco smirked and pulled her closer. "Oh, believe me, I want to do more, but –"
"Let's go to your room," she cut him off, wrapped an arm around his torso, and kissed him on the lips.
Draco quickly returned the kiss and Apparated the two of them in his room. They both cancelled the rain shield charm and threw their wands on the bed without breaking the kiss.
Draco's kisses became more fervent and wet, his hands held her butt cheeks firmly, squeezing them tighter, his mouth licked the side of her neck, her collarbone. "I love you so much, Hermione," he declared.
"I love you, too," she whispered earnestly. She held his face to meet his eyes. "Please know that I'm not rejecting you… I could snog you all day. It's just that… I don't think I'm ready for that ."
Draco smiled and cupped her face as well. "It took me more than five years to finally tell you about my feelings. I can wait until you're ready, even if it takes another five years."
Her heart was touched by Draco's words and gaze. How could she not love this man? He was everything Hermione hoped for a wizard, for a man. But given the fact that they couldn't keep their hands off each other, she doubted Draco had to wait years before they finally did it; the intercourse.
"You don't have to wait for five years," she smiled fondly.
Draco took her hand and led her to the sofa where he slept during her first night at the manor. He leaned his back on the arm of the chair and positioned her between his legs, her back to his chest.
"I have something to tell you," he began.
She shifted in his arms so she could still face him. "Yeah?"
His hand rested on her thigh and made it under the hem of her skirt. She couldn't decide if it was a mistake to wear a pleated mini skirt. She wasn't ready for intercourse, but her choice of outfit was inviting Draco for it.
"Teddy's birthday is coming up."
And the thought of an innocent child erased all the sexy images of her and Draco in her mind. "Oh, yeah. I remember he was born in April, after Easter. Harry, Ron, and I were at Bill and Fleur's at that time. I was recovering, and Remus came to announce Teddy's birth. I think that was the first piece of news that made me smile in days."
Draco's eyes fell on her left forearm and touched it. Hermione didn't realize she was clutching her left forearm, the skin where Bellatrix carved a nasty word.
"I'm so sorry it happened to you," he croaked.
"It's all in the past now," she said, watching Draco trace the smooth and scar-free skin.
"Is it gone?" he asked.
"No. I just hide it with glamour, so I can wear whatever I want without others ogling my scar."
"You don't have to hide it from me," he said with a kiss on her temple.
She touched his cloth-covered forearm as well. "You don't have to hide that mark from me as well."
"I won't," he replied with a smile. "You just didn't get the chance to see me naked, yet."
Hermione laughed and gave him a playful slap. "Okay, so about Teddy's birthday… It's in April, right?"
"Yes. We still have more than a month. Aunt Dromeda agreed to a birthday party to be organized by Pansy and Daphne, simply because she doesn't have enough time. It will be at the Tonks residence. Will you come with me?"
She smiled. "Only if Andromeda approves of me, as your girlfriend."
"Her daughter and son-in-law were very fond of you, so there's no reason for her to not like you."
She grinned. "Then I'll come."
"There's one more thing I haven't told you…" he began seriously.
She slightly frowned. "Yeah?" Hermione's mind was already busy thinking even before Draco told her what he wanted to say. Would it be about his mother? Or his father? Or maybe he encountered Harry and Ron again?
"Uh… You remember the time when I brought Teddy to your house because he was in my care that day?"
Hermione nodded. "Yeah."
"Aunt Dromeda, indeed, went to the hospital that time to attend to someone. An infant, a girl." Draco inhaled sharply. "She is a month older than Teddy, and we just… found her again, so we're raising the two of them together. She was born in Malfoy Manor last year, in March, weeks before you were brought there by the Snatchers… She's called Delphini, after the constellation which coincidentally, in Greek mythology could mean a female dragon… Anyway, the reason why I couldn't tell you at first is because of her mother, of who she was… I know you're a good and compassionate person but…" Draco was rambling.
"Is she your daughter?" she asked before she could even realize what was in her mind.
Draco's eyes widened. "What? Why would you think that?"
She was taken aback by her own response. "I'm sorry… It just occurred in my mind. Why else would you keep her from me?"
Draco sighed in relief and pulled her closer to cup her cheeks, then planted a firm kiss on her lips. "I've never been with other witches. You're my first, Hermione Granger, and I intend to make you my last."
Hermione couldn't help but beam. Then, she pulled away. "So, about Delphini?"
Draco gave her a hesitant look. "She's Bellatrix's and the Dark Lord's daughter."
.
January 9, 1992
(one month ago)
"Enter," came Professor Snape's voice after Draco knocked on the door of his office.
He quietly entered the office and walked to the visitor's chair and sat. The Potions Master was sitting behind his table, copying something from a book. Draco thought he was probably making a lesson plan.
"Draco," he greeted him with a curt nod.
Draco smiled. "Happy birthday, Uncle Sev!"
Professor Snape rolled his eyes. "I don't do birthdays, Draco."
"I know," he shrugged.
He eyes him inquisitively and dropped his quill. "What brings you here, Draco?"
Draco knew he didn't have to sugarcoat or compliment this man first. He could be straightforward. But he wanted to give him something on his birthday, and he knew while material gifts would be accepted and appreciated, they wouldn't be the best gifts for him.
"I can give you a gift… Anything you want to know," he offered.
Professor Snape inhaled sharply. "Are you quite sure about that, Draco?"
He asked. "If I can, I would show you anything."
The professor sat comfortably on his chair before. "It truly makes me wonder why you and Miss Granger do not want to tell the headmaster about your knowledge of the future… of the Horcruxes… Can you show me why?"
Draco expected this already, so he nodded. "But it's not a pleasant scene for me. Please allow me first to ask you a favour."
Professor Snape frowned slightly and nodded. "What is it?"
"I saw myself working at the ministry… To be exact, in the Werewolf Services Office."
To say that Professor Snape was shocked was an understatement. He looked at him as if he turned into a monstrous beast.
"One of the things in my job description was to brew the Wolfsbane Potion," he continued. "I know there's a werewolf out there who needs help. He's brilliant just like Hermione; a gentle and kind soul who settles for low-paying and seasonal jobs because of his lycanthropy..." He met the professor's eyes. "I'm talking about your former classmate, Uncle Sev. Remus Lupin, the future husband of my cousin."
And just like that, he invited him to his mind.
.
March 6, 1999
(Hermione and Draco's past)
"Drakey! Poo-poo."
Draco scrunched his nose at the stinking smell and glared at Pansy who was handing Teddy to him. "Again? Call a house-elf, Pans."
One of Theo's house-elves in a yellow tutu, Becky, appeared in front of them. "Becky will take care of the young master!" she said eagerly, giving them a toothless grin.
But Teddy cried and turned to Draco. Becky disappeared again.
Draco inhaled sharply, but it was not the best decision he made because of the stinking smell. "For Salazar's sake, Teddy, why do you always turn to me when you poo?" he groaned, frustrated, and the child giggled when Pansy whispered something in his ear. Teddy changed his features – from jet black hair like Pansy's to platinum blonde, just like Draco's and his blue eyes became grey. He had a heart-shaped face just like his late mother and Draco, so now, he looked like a mini-Draco.
Draco's heart always melted when Teddy did that. He gathered the boy in his arms and brought him to the loo, walking past Theo and Daphne, chasing a crawling Delphi in the hallways.
It was a weekend, and the children were supposed to be at home with Aunt Dromeda, their Nana (Aunt, in Delphi's case, but they would not tell her the truth until she was old enough), but she had to stay at Malfoy Manor because Draco's mother was not well. It was nothing serious, his aunt assured him. Draco just could not bring himself to go back to that hell hole again. And he was not ready to forgive his mother.
But Aunt Dromeda? She was selfless. She could easily forgive anyone but still knew her limits. She hadn't embraced Draco's mother in open arms, but she had forgiven her. She was still there for her because she was family.
While Aunt Dromeda was busy taking care of Draco's mum, Draco was busy taking care of the two infants, not to compensate for anything, but just because he wanted to be a better person, even if he couldn't entirely forgive his own parents; even if he shunned them away.
When Draco came back with a fresh and giggling Teddy, his witch was already there, looking at Delphini on Daphne's lap.
Draco was stunned for a moment when he saw Hermione, happily feeding Delphi some soft crackers. His witch even laughed when Delphi tried to move forward to follow Hermione's hands and nearly fell off Daphne's lap. His heart was touched at the sight. Hermione Granger was looking at her torturer's daughter normally. She was treating her kindly like any other child should be treated.
"Hey, lover boy!" Pansy teased, taking Teddy from his arms. "Is my little Teddy ready to play, eat, and poop again?"
Teddy's giggles broke Draco from his reverie. Hermione turned in his direction and their eyes met. She looked at him as if he was the only person in the world. She was smiling, her eyes were twinkling. He walked to the sofa where she was sitting and plopped beside her, giving her a full kiss on the mouth. "Hey. I'm sorry, I couldn't pick you up."
Hermione leaned to his touch. "It's fine. It's not like I travelled the Muggle way. How are you? How's your day? Looking after two infants must be hard," she said, giving him a sympathetic look.
"Just fine. I'm not actually so tired because as you can see, these people are very kind enough to look after them," he smirked, turning to their friends. "And the house-elves are also always willing to lend me a hand."
Hermione's eyes bore to Teddy who was now crawling on the rug with Delphi. "Now, he looks like Remus!" she exclaimed.
"Yeah, sandy hair and green eyes," he agreed. "But not as bright as Potter's. He's got Dora's cheekiness."
"He'll be a Hufflepuff, then," Hermione quipped.
"No child under my care will be a Hufflepuff," he protested.
Hermione frowned slightly. "Do you think Slytherin will be a good choice for them, given Delphi's parents?" she asked gently.
"She's registered as Delphini Lestrange, not Riddle," he replied. "And no one would know that she was the Dark Lord's daughter. Aunt Dromeda's planning to change her surname to Black."
"Lestrange, Black, Riddle, it doesn't matter," Theo said dismissively. "Look at her, she's a Tonks!" he said cheerfully.
They all turned to Delphini who was entertaining Teddy by dancing even though she was sitting.
"She'll be a Hufflepuff, then," grinned Hermione. "What's wrong with Hufflepuff, anyway?" Hermione pressed.
Draco shrugged. "Nothing, I guess."
"They're not duffers, don't say that. All of them stayed during the Battle of Hogwarts, no one left."
"She's right," Daphne seconded.
"Oh, dear," groaned Theo. "Here we go again." Hermione gave him a confused look.
Daphne ignored him. "You remember your cousin, Draco? She just gave birth and went right off to fight. How cool is that?!"
"And Cedric Diggory was a Hufflepuff," said Pansy, but not happily. She sounded mournful. "Loyal. Patient. Fair. And Voldemort just got rid of him like dirt…"
.
January 9, 1992
(one month ago)
Professor Snape pulled away from his mind and both of them relaxed in their respective seats. The older wizard was panting as if he had been chased by seven werewolves and he was silent for a while.
"Lupin and I were never friends," he started.
Draco swallowed. "I know. I'm not going to ask you to find and help him. I just want your permission to brew the Wolfsbane Potion and tell my aunt and cousin that you concocted it when I ask them to find him and deliver the potion to him."
The professor was still panting when he looked at him. "Are you certain you can brew a potion as complicated as that?"
Draco nodded. "I guess…"
"What else do you want from me, Draco?" he sounded exhausted.
"Nothing that will cause you early death," he responded.
"Fine. I agree with what you want. I will even lend a hand and make sure the potion is properly concocted. Now, show me why you don't trust my employer."
For the second time that day, he allowed her into his mind.
.
Draco exited the Room of Requirement, holding the Hand of Glory, his only source of light when he threw Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder everywhere. He didn't want to be seen leaving the Room with the Carrow twins, Greyback, Yaxley, and Rowle.
He caught a glimpse of Hermione on his way to the Astronomy Tower. She was with Lovegood, Longbottom, the two Weasleys, and other Gryffindors. Then, when Greyback and Rowle couldn't control themselves anymore, Hermione ran to Professor McGonagall.
I wish you didn't have to run away from me, Hermione, he thought. But he had one task. One huge task to accomplish in exchange for his mother's safety.
Minutes later, he found himself in the Astronomy Tower, the Death Eaters sent by Voldemort behind him, goading him that he couldn't do it. He couldn't kill Albus Dumbledore.
He raised his wand and disarmed his headmaster.
Greyback and the Carrow twins goaded Dumbledore.
"There are schoolgirls waiting for me," Greyback laughed like the maniac he was.
For the first time, Draco saw a disgusted look from the 'gentle and kind-faced Albus Dumbledore'.
"You disgust me, Fenrir." His blue eyes turned to him. "Draco, please, let me help you…"
He tried to convince him, promised him that he and his mother would be safe. But he didn't want to risk it. Too late now.
Then, he came. Uncle Severus. He stepped in front of him. The headmaster turned to the Potions master with a pleading look. "Severus, please…"
"Avada Kedavra!"
.
To say that Severus was shocked was an understatement. He was livid. He saw everything from Draco's perspective. It was like he was Draco, and he was there. He was able to feel what he felt at that time. The pain of seeing Hermione, the struggle when he remembered how he spent most of his sixth year in the Room of Requirement… the pain of thinking about his mother in the hands of the Dark Lord; the hurt with the image of his father sitting in his Azkaban cell, waiting to be rescued.
"I'm sorry for choosing that… incident," he heard Draco say quietly.
Severus turned to his godson, sitting on a wingback chair, arms on his knees, looking down and exhausted.
"Why?" he asked, his voice cracked.
"He was dying already, and he thought, he'd use the opportunity to get you in the Dark Lord's good graces by saving my soul and being the one to kill him," Draco said, sounding pained, too.
"To save your soul," he repeated.
Draco nodded.
"Why was he dying? Albus Dumbledore is one of the strongest wizards I know," he asked, still confused.
"The Horcrux…" Draco rasped. "He touched a cursed ring that belonged to the Dark Lord's magical family, and it infected his body."
"He can't die!" he screamed.
"Exactly!" the boy exclaimed. "If only Hermione and I could find and destroy all of them, we would. But it's not that simple and we're… just 11 and 12. I don't want to be Marked, to be on the opposite side while Hermione fights for the light side. I don't want to be one of his minions and pretend to despise Muggle-borns."
Now it all made sense, why Draco wanted to work for his future; why he seemed almost sure he would have to leave his parents in the future when the Dark Lord rose again. Even if Narcissa would be against it, the Dark Lord would still not hesitate to punish Lucius through his son.
And yes, Draco was right. It wasn't a social circle. There was simply no way out, except death.
Severus's biggest mistake in life was his clamour for power. He wanted everyone to fear him. To see him as someone more than a poor half-blood. That was why he allowed Lucius Malfoy and the other Slytherins to sway him and invite him to the circle.
But the Dark Lord always made empty promises. The brotherhood was for his own greatness, not for the wizarding world. No matter how useful you were to him, once you made a mistake, you'd be dead.
He didn't want that for Draco, or any Slytherin boy under his wing.
And Albus Dumbledore would jump at every opportunity presented to him. He wouldn't hesitate to use Draco and Hermione to defeat the Dark Lord.
They were just kids. Severus could not stomach the thought of two children given a mission by Albus Dumbledore.
He wouldn't allow it.
"I will help you, Draco," he said solemnly. "Just say the word and I'll do everything I can to help you."
.
March 6, 1999
(Hermione and Draco's past)
"Drakie, poo-poo," Pansy said in a faked child voice, completely shifting from the mournful look to a cheerful one.
Draco closed his eyes and groaned. "Again?"
But Pansy and Hermione both giggled.
"I didn't know you're easily duped," his witch teased.
Draco opened his eyes and pulled Hermione closer to her, then pinched her sides. "You'll pay for that, witch."
Hermione laughed and fought him to let her go. "Where's Blaise?" she asked, looking around the room when they stopped.
"Outside, smoking," he replied matter-of-factly. "You didn't see him?"
Hermione frowned. "No. I didn't see anyone."
Daphne and Theo chuckled. "You're gullible, Granger," said Theo.
Hermione gave them a faked condescending look.
"Blaise is busy for his date tomorrow with an Italian girl, and that's serious, no kidding," Draco informed Hermione who was now leaning her back to his front, and he was happy to hold her.
"An Italian, Muggle girl," Daphne quipped.
"An Italian, Muggle and Catholic girl," Theo informed.
Hermione gave them all a surprised look. "Really?"
"Not just any Catholic. A devout Catholic named after the Virgin Mary," Pansy quipped.
"So, is she called Mary, Maria, or what?" Hermione inquired.
"Mary Magdalene," Daphne replied.
Hermione leaned back to him comfortably. "I can't wait to tease Blaise and asked him if he's learned how to pray the Rosary," she grinned. Then she turned to him. "My late grandmother was half-Spanish. She was a devout Catholic but joined CoE when she met my grandfather."
"CoE?" inquired Pansy.
"Church of England, Pans."
After an hour, the two infants finally fell asleep. The five adults in the house had their lunch, then Pansy left for Muggle London, declaring she had to go shopping. Theo and Daphne went to the vineyard to meet the former's step-grandmother and check on the family business.
That left Hermione and Draco who both agreed to spend the remainder of her "four-hour out of Hogwarts rule" in the library.
"Drake, what was that with Pansy earlier?" she asked once they were settled on the sofa.
Draco smirked at the nickname she gave him. "Do I call you 'Hermy' now?" he teased.
She blushed. "I think the nickname is cute. But don't go calling me Hermy."
"As you wish, love," he replied, wrapping an arm around her shoulders to pull her closer. "I guess Pansy hasn't told you… Let's just say, the reason why she's still single is because of Cedric Diggory."
She turned to him with a surprised look. "Really? Did they have something special?"
Her boyfriend gave her a sad smile. "Pansy will tell you when she's ready, love."
She nodded and snuggled even closer to him. "I've got something to tell you…"
"Yeah?" Draco asked tentatively. "Do I have to be scared? You're not breaking up with me, right?"
She chuckled and slapped him playfully. "Quite the opposite, actually." She paused and played with the buttons of his shirt. "I got a letter from the ministry the other day… Uhm, as you know, the anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts is in May; there'll be a ceremony at the castle."
He was silent and Hermione felt him tense.
She met him in the eyes. "Uhm… I'm going to receive the Order of Merlin Award, Second Class, for what I did during the war…"
Draco's facial expression softened, and he looked proud and delighted. "That's wonderful, love. You deserve it." He planted a kiss on her forehead.
She smiled contentedly and leaned into his touch. "Thank you. I have a favour to ask…" she said, looking up at him.
"Anything," he replied without hesitation.
"I want you to be with me on that day. Be my date," she told him fervidly.
Draco's expression shifted. He looked utterly shocked, and he swallowed. That confused her.
Was he expecting me to take someone else to the ceremony, or go there alone?
Draco shook his head. "No. I can't."
And Hermione felt a pang of hurt in her chest as if her heart had been stabbed by Bellatrix's knife.
.
February 7, 1992
(three days ago)
It was the first time Severus saw Miss Granger and Draco together. It was the weekend, and he was just marking papers, trying not to think of what Miss Greengrass and Mr Nott has reported to him last night: Hagrid had a dragon. Apparently, Theodore saw the gamekeeper carrying a large egg one night. Theodore was a bright student and probably the most introverted in the Slytherin House, so Severus did not dare ask what he was doing near Hagrid's hut late at night. He considered telling Silvanus Kettleburn, the Care of Magical Creatures professor, but Hagrid might be in trouble. Silvanus was a stickler for rules.
And today, after breakfast, as he was trying to mark essays, a strange combination of duo knocked on his door: a Pure-blood Slytherin, and a Muggle-born Hufflepuff. He opened the door wider to let them into his office and invited them to the tea area. He warded the door for privacy and inhaled sharply before facing the two first-years who sat closely beside each other, holding hands.
He sat on the other couch across from them. "This is rather a strange visit. What can I do for you?"
"Professor, have Daphne and Theo already told you about the gamekeeper's dragon?" asked Draco tentatively.
Severus nodded. "They have, Draco." He turned to Miss Granger. "Is it important?"
Miss Granger nodded. "I think it was Professor Quirrell who gave Hagrid the dragon egg, Professor," she said sombrely. "In exchange for information about the three-headed dog."
His eyes narrowed.
"No, Professor," the Hufflepuff witch said promptly. "Hagrid did not betray anyone. He'd never do that. He was drunk, maybe, and then Professor Quirrell was disguised as someone else. He inquired about pets to Hagrid. Fluffy, the three-headed dog guarding the trapdoor, is Hagrid's; he knew. Maybe he asked him how to calm such a peculiar pet . Hagrid's always wanted a dragon. He took advantage of that. And you know, Hagrid, Professor. Sometimes he says things he's not supposed to say."
She was, of course, right. Rubeus Hagrid was loyal to Albus Dumbledore, but he couldn't keep his mouth shut at times.
"But you know perfectly well that the Stone will not reveal itself to someone with dark intentions," he told Miss Granger.
She nodded again. "I think… there's a better way to catch Professor Quirrell and Voldemort, Professor."
"A better way," he pronounced slowly. "What is it, Miss Granger?"
Miss Granger turned to Draco and the young Slytherin nodded at her in encouragement and gave her hand a comforting squeeze. Severus had to restrain himself from giving any emotional reaction, but deep inside, the two first-years painfully reminded him of himself and his only best friend. But these two were luckier, he thought to himself. They had visions of their future together. They knew they were going to end up together.
"In another life, I had detention in the Forbidden Forest with Draco and Potter, Sir," she began. "We were with Hagrid, and we saw some unicorns killed. We found a hooded wizard bending backwards towards a dead unicorn… It was Voldemort, Sir. He needed the unicorn blood to give him strength for he doesn't have a corporeal body yet. Maybe, Sir, you can report this to the headmaster… or the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures… the Beast Division. Mathilda Grimblehawk is, I think currently working there. She will take you seriously; she respected you and you were one of her favourite professors during her time at Hogwarts…"
This witch is a Muggle-born, and yet it seems she already knows the Ministry departments and employees. What else does she know? Or what doesn't she know?
"I'm sorry, Professor, I'm rambling," Miss Granger whispered.
"I quite remember Miss Grimblehawk, Miss Granger. She was one of my best students during my first few years as a teacher," he told her calmly. "Please forgive my curiosity, Miss Granger, but how are you familiar with the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures?"
Miss Granger and Draco exchanged knowing looks. "Professor, just like Draco, I saw myself working in that department," she replied.
Severus just nodded. Draco didn't accept his inheritance and left his family and fortune, moved in with Theodore and accepted his financial support. Later on, he became a ministry worker. What Lucius had done to his son was unforgivable and it was beyond repair. But what about Narcissa? She could've done something. She has always said she loved Draco more than anyone in the world. More than Lucius. But what did she do to protect Draco? Did she not accept Miss Granger?
"That's enough… for now," he replied to them. "I shall plan how to contact Miss Grimblehawk to catch the one who kills the unicorns. If I tell the others what I know, Quirrell will be suspicious and careful. We might not catch him."
Miss Granger and Draco nodded. "Thank you, Professor," the two said together.
"Again, I'd like to apologize for the predicament we're putting you in…" Draco said.
He gave him a small smile. "Just like what I said before, Draco, we're family."
The two first-years nodded and bid their goodbyes.
"Miss Granger," he said, stopping them from reaching the door. "What happened to the dragon… when you saw yourself in Gryffindor?"
Miss Granger turned to Draco and the little Malfoy smirked. Miss Granger rolled her eyes but chuckled before turning to her rather formally. "Potter and Weasley wrote to Charles Weasley, Professor. He's in Romania right now, studying dragons."
Of course, he knew and remember Charles Weasley. He was one of the three tolerable Weasley children he ever had the privilege to teach. Unfortunately, he was also best friends with the cheekiest student he ever had: Nymphadora Tonks.
He narrowed his eyes. He remembered Pomona talking about her former Hufflepuffs. Miss Tonks decided to be an Auror and was currently in the Auror Department's training program; under the tutelage of Alastor Moody.
Maybe it's time to reach out to Andromeda.
.
March 6, 1999
(Hermione and Draco's past)
"W-what?" she croaked but pulled herself together. She pulled away from him, rose to her feet and stood in front of him, arms crossed over her chest. "You don't want to be seen with me?"
Draco rose to his feet as well and reached out to her, holding her hands. "No, it's not like that, love. I just don't think I deserve… to stand by your side on that day. I didn't do anything to protect you, to help you during those times."
Hermione sighed. She understood now where he was coming from, but she could not think of anyone who she would want to be there with her.
"I think your parents deserve to be there with you," Draco suggested. "They will be proud to know and see the result of your sacrifices; to know that it's not only them you protected, but almost every innocent life. You fought hard for us to live in a better and peaceful world."
She bit her lip and looked at him sheepishly. "I didn't think about that. Oh, crap. Thank you. I think they will be hesitant, but I can always persuade them, especially Dad," she chuckled.
Draco chortled and pulled her closer. "Well, you're welcome. You're lucky you have me, the brightest wizard of our age."
"I couldn't agree more," she murmured against his chest happily.