"We are halfway through the term and I thought it was time we had a candid conversation as a group about your experiences," Headmistress McGonagall stated to the assembled group. A group of groggy students due to the very early hour of the meeting.

It was the first time the exchange program participants had all been together since the beginning of the term. Hermione looked around at her fellow participants and noticed that some of them had begun using the ties of their host house. Tracey, Hannah, and Padma most notably.

Though Tracey's tie could've just been another wardrobe mishap with Luna.

Hermione realized she hadn't seen much of Ernie around the dungeons, but Theo was very tuned into the gossip. Ernie was settling in well in Slytherin if his most recent fling with some sixth year was anything to go by.

Blaise had finally been worn down by the Hufflepuff optimism and kindness and was actually enjoying his time around some folks that were emotionally intelligent.

Seamus had been receiving tutoring from some of the Ravenclaws and they were finally explaining the concepts in a way he understood. Dean had been so proud when Seamus started doing well on his assignments.

She didn't know much about anyone else's experiences though, so she was just as curious as McGonagall about the progress everyone was making.

"Miss Patil, let's begin with you," McGonagall stated as she settled into her chair. "How is Hufflepuff House treating you?"

Padma looked startled to be called on first. "Things are going really well. Hufflepuff is a much more communal environment than Ravenclaw. I'm really enjoying the change of pace."

"I, too, am enjoying my time in Hufflepuff," Blaise said smugly. "It's truly done wonders for my social life, Headmistress. I can't thank you enough for selecting me to go to this…accommodating house."

"If I recall Mr. Zabini, your social life was never in need of assistance," McGonagall responded, unimpressed.

"Oh, but it certainly needed diversity, madam. I had been cycling through the same group of witches and wizards, never once considering the appeal of our badger friends!" Blaise was giving a truly spectacular performance, gesturing to the Hufflepuff originals as if to prove his point.

"Careful, Mr. Zabini."

"No, Headmistress. Everyone must be made aware of the truly magnificent talent of Hufflepuffs. They are rather kinky and–"

"Enough, Mr. Zabini. That'll be all we need to hear about your amorous activities," McGonagall sternly reprimanded the wizard.

Hermione watched as Michael leaned over to not quite whisper to Blaise, "I would like to hear more about your…amorous activities."

"Of course, Corner! Who knows, maybe I can even secure you an invite to participate," Blaise responded with a wink.

"Mr. Zabini! That'll be a detention served with me!" McGonagall's declaration served to silence the entire room's chatter.

Ernie saved them all from an awkward silence and piped up to talk about how great he was finding Slytherin and Tracey gave vague, non-committal answers about her time in Ravenclaw. Seamus begrudgingly admitted that he was enjoying his time as well.

The rest of the group tried (and failed) to suppress their laughter when he reported that he had a rotation of Ravenclaw buddies to help him with the more difficult door riddles.

"Mr. Corner, how is your time in Gryffindor House?" It was clear McGonagall was hoping for a specific answer, it was her house and she had been the Head of House for decades.

"I struggled to adjust at first as it's quite…boisterous. But I found that they inspire me to have a bit more fun in between studying," Michael began. "I've even managed to start a small study group with some of the younger students." The Headmistress nodded approvingly.

"Miss Granger, how are you finding the program?"

Blaise and Tracey made very purposeful eye contact with her. She had a lot of instances of harassment she could report from other Slytherins. She could clarify the rumors going around about Ron's abuse of her and Lavender.

But she wouldn't address those things here. The festival had been a major selling point to the participants of this program. And the program was actually working based on the reports of the others.

She wouldn't jeopardize the future of this program or the one spot of joy everyone was looking forward to.

"It's going well. I was happy to reconnect with some of the Slytherins from the rebuilding effort over the summer and I'm finding it very enlightening," she surmised quickly.

McGonagall looked concerned but moved on. After the remaining students, Hannah included, all reported positive experiences, the Headmistress dismissed them all for breakfast.

"Miss Granger, would you mind sticking back for a moment?" McGonagall requested just as Hermione reached the staircase.

Give me strength, she thought as she turned.

"Yes, Professor?" Hermione smiled brilliantly, channeling the over-eager first year she'd once been.

McGonagall gestured for Hermione to sit at one of the chairs just opposite her desk and waited until she was seated.

"Hermione, I've heard some…distressing whispers around the castle regarding your former relationship with young Mr. Weasley," she stated tentatively. The silence permeated the room as Hermione tried to figure out how to get out of this without lying to a woman she idolized. McGonagall seemed to be willing to wait her out.

"Professor, I'm sure what you've heard has been highly exaggerated," Hermione responded diplomatically.

"So you weren't in an emotionally and physically abusive relationship?" The words hit Hermione hard.

"I'm handling it," she said automatically,

"Hermione—"

"I'm sorry to interrupt you, Professor, but I really would like to do this my way. I didn't get the choice to tell everyone the way I would've wanted. I'm grateful that the rumors haven't made it to the general public yet, as this is a difficult and private matter," Hermione said sternly, discouraging any further advice.

"I'm just sorry I didn't see it, my dear. I pride myself on being very observant and I fear the adults of this world have failed you far too many times," the older witch stated softly.

"I appreciate that. I'm…better. This program has offered an escape and a whole new support group," Hermione smiled as she said the words. "All I ask is that you tell the rest of the staff to act as though nothing has happened. I don't want to give him any more motive to be difficult since he's been relatively quiet since our last confrontation."

"Very well, Miss Granger. You may go." She waved her hand dismissively but the sadness in her eyes betrayed her affection for the young witch before her.

After the exchange student participants had been released from their early morning check-in, they joined the rest of the school for breakfast. Hermione took her place between Draco and Daphne and began to dig into the plate he'd already prepared for her.

"How did it go?" Daphne asked.

"Better than expected. It seems everyone has been doing really well and the program is actually working to promote house unity. I'm the only one who has had an issue," Hermione answered after chasing her croissant with her tea.

"What did Minnie have to say when you told her about Daphne's evil sister?" Theo prodded.

"I didn't report it." Her statement was met with four blank faces and blinking stares.

"You didn't report it?" Draco asked calmly.

"Guys…any issues will jeopardize the program and the festival. I'm already the talk of the school with the whole Ron thing and I just…" Hermione sighed. "I want to give people something positive. The program is working and I don't want it to end because of me."

It was clear the Slytherins all had opinions by their tightly pressed lips and jerky nods. They were letting her have this one…for now.

"Besides, Astoria has been avoiding me like the plague since someone made some vague threats." Hermione turned to glare at the side of Draco's head.

"I'm still not telling you what I said. But nice to hear that she got the message." He smirked into his own mug of tea.

Further conversation ceased as the morning post was delivered. Draco and Hermione both watched as owls landed in front of them. Two very different owls.

Draco was greeted by a prestigious owl with pristine grey feathers and shining golden eyes. The owl delicately carried a thick letter with a deep blue seal. The same as all the other letters from his parents.

Hermione was greeted by a plain barn owl who dropped an ordinary letter, but with a seal from the Australian Mind Healers Institute.

Draco gently took his letter and fed the owl a strip of his bacon. He placed it next to his plate and both owls flew off. Hermione's fingers shook as she opened the letter. A long awaited update about her parents.

She felt Draco's hand on her thigh in reassurance. "Open it. It'll either be more of the same or good news, right?"

Hermione nodded. She took a deep breath and unfolded the parchment slowly, as though if she was careful enough her hopes and dreams wouldn't be shattered.

Dear Ms. Granger,

I hope this letter finds you well as you complete your studies at Hogwarts.

As you know, the Healers at A.M.H.I. have been hard at work to retrieve your parents' memories since May. We are pleased to inform you that through the use of a newly developed therapy, we have been able to make progress.

Your mother was able to recall a trip to Diagon Alley during your early school years with great detail and no adverse reactions. Your father has been slower with his progress as he only remembers small details such as your tea preferences and favorite color. When he's asked questions, he can answer with vague details but he does experience distress when prompted for further details that he can't readily recall.

The progress is slow-going Ms. Granger, but this is the most positive result we've seen thus far. We are very optimistic that with continued therapy, your parents will likely recover most of their recent memories of you. Some of their memories of your early childhood may be irretrievable, but this is more than we had initially hoped for.

We will be in touch with additional updates. By the new year, you may be able to come visit and see the progress with your own eyes.

Sincerely,

Healer Kathleen L. Monroe, Director | Australian Mind Healers Institute

"Granger?" Theo asked tentatively.

"Hermione, love? What did they say?" Draco squeezed her thigh.

Hermione passed him the letter and looked up toward the brilliant blue sky of the Great Hall's enchanted ceiling to stem her tears.

"Oh no, tears. That can't be good," Theo panicked and Hermione heard the rustling of him trying to find a handkerchief in his robes.

"It's good news," Hermione said quietly. "They remember me. They are remembering me. I could have my parents back."

Her friends responded with murmured congratulations. Daphne gave her a quick, but enthusiastic, side hug while stealing a strawberry from her plate.

"Draco, what do your parents have to say today?" Pansy prompted, knowing Hermione would be uncomfortable with all the attention after too long.

Draco handed Hermione his own letter for her to read—an even exchange. "They've invited me home for dinner this weekend. Apparently someone let slip that those of us who are legally of age are permitted to leave campus these days."

"Well, I'm sure you'll find a suitable excuse to decline," Daphne assured him.

"That's not all that's been let slip…" Draco glanced at Hermione. "They have apparently heard about my new relationship and they have extended the invitation to Granger as well. So we obviously won't be going."

"Why wouldn't we?" Hermione responded with a tilt of her head. "We talked about this, Draco. You said you'd make an effort to hear them out and evaluate for yourself if they've truly changed. They invited me, which could be a positive sign."

She reached for his hand and held it between both of hers.

"I'll go with you. I think this is a good idea."

Draco looked to his friends and Hermione glanced at them to find a conflicting sea of emotions. Theo looked proud of them, which was encouraging. Pansy looked appalled at the idea. Daphne looked…excited. Likely by the possibility of a make-over.

He returned his gaze to hers and with a resigned sigh, he pulled out a quill and parchment to pen their acceptance of the invitation.

Draco wiped his palms on his trousers while he waited for Hermione. They'd had numerous conversations about this dinner over the past few days. Mainly Draco was trying to talk Hermione out of joining him.

Or of agreeing to decline the invitation all together.

They were visiting the Manor. Not one of the other properties. And the last time she'd been there…it hadn't been a particularly pleasant experience.

That particular room had been boarded up after the war while his parents figured out a way to eliminate it entirely from the floorplan. Last he'd heard, his mother wanted to put some kind of courtyard with flourishing plants that could be harvested for healing potions and donated to St. Mungo's and other institutions. The issue was the location as it was dead center of the manor and rooms on the other floors, including the library, would be impacted by the design.

Even with magic, they still had to follow certain rules of physics.

Anytime Draco mentioned that he could handle this on his own, Hermione steadfastly told him that she could handle it, too, and she would be there with him. Apparently, she'd talked to a mind healer after the war to process certain traumatic events and cope with the panic attacks that would come on. She was confident that so long as they didn't have dinner in that room, she'd be fine.

"And if I'm not fine, I have you. We'll make it through this dinner and leave," she said as they walked from History of Magic. Hermione grabbed his hand and ran her thumb along the back soothingly. "We can do this. Together."

In an effort to make this experience as easy as possible, they'd be coming in through the Floo in his father's office, not the front garden. There would be less of a chance of triggering any memories that way.

"Stop fidgeting," Theo announced as he entered the common room.

"Like you wouldn't be just as nervous about going home. We all hate our houses." Draco closed his eyes and tipped his head back. "And now I'm bringing her there."

"Hermione Granger does not do anything she doesn't want to do. Not anymore. If she didn't want to go with you, she wouldn't go," Theo reassured him. "And as her resident therapist, she has not come to me or any of our friends with a pending emotional breakdown. I think she wants to support you like you've supported her. Let her do this."

Draco sighed and nodded, any retort he had was cut off by the entrance of his witch.

"How do I look? Pans and Daph helped so I wouldn't make a fool of myself," she asked nervously.

Granger was dressed in a perfect combination of Muggle and Wizard attire. Her dress was more fitted than any Pureblood robes and had a slit up to the knee on the right side—the side he'd be standing and sitting on. Thank you, Pans. The cut at the top was modest with long sleeves, a perfect nod to the Pureblood expectations. And served to hide the scar on her arm that would've certainly added more tension to the room—a touch his mother would appreciate.

And the colour…an inky midnight blue that matched the Malfoy family crest—a touch his father would appreciate. It contrasted well with the gold in her eyes and the delicate silver jewelry the girls had styled with the ensemble.

"Give me a spin," Theo prompted with a twirl of his finger.

Well, fuck.

Her dress was backless. The dip wasn't indecent and ended about three or four inches above her arse. But it was still quite a statement. One he very much appreciated as he'd be able to feel her skin when he placed a hand on her back to guide her through or simply when he needed strength.

She was stunning. And he was going to drag her beauty and light into the misery of his ancestral home.

"Perfect. You look perfect," Draco finally managed to choke out as he reached for her hand. He placed a kiss on the back of it and watched the color rise to her cheeks as her smile grew.

"She's perfect and late," Pansy announced as she came down the stairs. "The Headmistress is doing your Golden Girl—"

"Still hate that name…"

"—a favor and letting you use the Floo in her office. But you are already three minutes behind schedule."

Theo slung an arm around Pansy's shoulders. "Yes. So no tender kisses in the common room. Or intense snogging sessions in alcoves along the way. Move with haste children!"

The couple then effectively pushed Draco and Hermione from the common room and sent them on their way.

"Being late wouldn't be all that bad…you want to take a detour?" Draco asked while lacing his fingers with Hermione's.

"No being late. No detours. I have a reputation to uphold with McGonagall and tardiness is not a part of that reputation," she responded and marched forward to hustle him through the halls and to the Headmistress's office.

McGonagall barely glanced at them when they entered her office. "You're late."

They mumbled their apologies and followed the Headmistress's disappointed wave of her hand to her Floo.

Hermione squeezed his hand. "You ready?"

Draco sighed and closed his eyes. "No. But let's go have dinner with my parents."

They stepped in and threw the Floo powder.

"Malfoy Manor."