Augusta Longbottom stepped out of her office and breathed a sigh of relief. The Wizengamut evolved at a glacial pace, but it was possible to force certain issues. Possible, but never easy.
Manipulating lesser minds was amusing, but it had taken some work to find an appropriate source for her plan. Ultrea Gamp had slotted in. It was a shame that the woman was only interested in her next meal. She would get credit for discovering any injustice, but there was no one else readily available. The investigatory team would handle any issues at Saint Mungo's without dragging the Longbottom name into it. Her own association with the place might taint their ability to be unbiased.
She smoothed her robes with a steady hand. It was good to have a purpose again. Neville and Hermione would keep her busy. They were blessed with the energy of the young. Neville was a quiet man, but he would do what was right. Hermione tended toward her own way of thinking. She was practical. Both filled her with pride. With their dedication, her family would thrive. Thank Hecate.
She headed towards the floo network with a spring in her step. The Malfoy boy had potential. He had more sense than she'd expected, and his kindness to Hermione was endearing. She would have to contact Narcissa Malfoy soon. Providing the woman a chance to help plan her son's wedding was the right thing. That the wedding would be a muggle celebration just made the whole situation amusing.
She slipped through the floo network and sighed as she stepped out into the arrival suite at Saint Mungo's. The wards released her from the room in a matter of seconds. The security measures were new and somewhat disturbing, but she appreciated the thought. Anything that kept her family safe earned her approval.
She nodded gravely to the mediwitches on duty as she moved through the busy halls. No one stopped her. The routine was so much a part of their daily lives. She stepped through the door that she hated and took a deep breath.
"I'm sorry I'm so out of sorts. I was almost late." She closed the door to the private visitors' suite behind her and smiled at her son and his beloved wife. "I have so much tell you."
Frank and his Alice turned toward her. It was going to be a good day. There would be no drooling.
"You've acquired a daughter. I know it isn't how you would have liked, but she is perfect. She has your sense of duty, Frank, and your drive, Alice. Neville adores her." Augusta nodded as she set about her usual tasks. It was the work of moments to pull the grooming kit from her bag. "She married last night. She used the stones like a proper Longbottom."
She moved to Frank and stroked his hand. He looked at her and, for a moment, there was a flash of recognition in his eyes. She smiled, hoping that some part of her son would remember this moment.
"She married the Malfoy heir." Augusta held up her hand to hold off the reaction she knew wasn't coming. "He seems like a fine lad. Oh, he's made some mistakes, but I say all the better. He knows darkness. He can keep our girl safe."
She set the manicure set to work on Frank's hands with a flick of her wand. She had to make certain on his worst days, when he screamed and tore at his own flesh, that he was as protected as he could be. She started when she felt a tendril of his magic brush along her hand.
"Oh, it is a very good day." Augusta beamed at her son. "Your daughter, Hermione, is as lovely as you might imagine. She has a kind heart and a fierce will. I'll bring her to meet you soon. I know you must be curious."
She took a deep breath and picked up her wand. Removing her son's facial hair took special concentration most days. The tremors were no longer an everyday occurrence, but she proceeded with caution.
She hummed his favorite bit of music. It seemed to help him be still. Each pass of her wand removed a small swath of stubble. Her son had hated looking anything less than perfect. She finished and lifted his hand to his cheek. The recognition was gone, but she stroked his jaw gently despite her sadness. There was no use crying about a leaky cauldron.
"I'm going to see to Alice now." Augusta stepped away. "I love you, my darling boy."
She watched him settle back against the pillows before she turned to her daughter in law.
"I suppose you want to hear about all the details that men just don't appreciate." Augusta tilted her head toward Frank and winked. "Shall I braid your hair while we chat?"
Augusta helped Alice slide forward and climbed on the bed behind her. Alice would no doubt chop her hair off given the choice. Long hair was a detriment to an auror, and, despite her objections, her daughter in law had been devoted to justice.
"I need to thank you. You wouldn't take my knife. I wasn't gracious about it. I know you thought I was a hidebound traditionalist." Augusta patted Alice's shoulder. "Perhaps I was. If you had accepted it, our family would be poorer for it. Hermione is an amazing daughter. She's fierce. We fought together at Hogwarts. I'd never seen such mastery in one so young. I think you'd enjoy dueling with her. Our Neville won't ever be alone now. She's strong enough to stay with him and sweet enough to see how much he needs her."
Augusta wiped at the tear on her cheek before she began to loosen the hair tie from Alive's mussed braid.
"Whatever do you do in a single day to destroy all my hard work?" Augusta forced a smile to her lips. "Now, you'll want to hear about their wedding. Let me tell you, that Malfoy is a handsome devil."
Author's Note - I've started posting pictures I use for inspiration on my LJ feed. I cant thank you, my lovely readers, enough for all your kind words.