I own nothing you recognize. I simply play in JKR's universe for fun.
These drabbles are in response to a challenge by Droxy. The whole point is to learn to write concisely (who me?) by writing scenes with no more than one hundred words. This is a post-HBP fic.
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Reunion, Part One
The children's first sight of Hogwarts left them totally awestruck. Jonathan, usually the more talkative of the two, broke a full thirty seconds of silence.
"Oh, cool," he said in wonder as his eyes took in the sight of the castle, lake, and the grounds.
Severus could not help remembering his own first sight of the castle. At the time, had he been familiar with the phrase, he might have uttered "Oh, cool" himself.
He met Hermione's eyes over the heads of their children and gave her one of his rare open smiles.
She smiled back and took Severus' hand.
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Minerva was a welcome sight as she greeted them at the castle's great doors. Her hair was a little grayer, the lines of her face a little deeper. Her ramrod straight posture was unchanged, as was the welcoming warmth in her eyes. She held out her hands to Severus who took them in his. In a more private place, she might have pulled him into an embrace.
"Welcome back, Severus" said Minerva, smiling.
"It is good to be back," replied Severus, releasing her hands.
Hermione smiled and stepped forward into Minerva's open arms. The two women shared a long hug.
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'He looks so distinguished," thought Minerva. 'Severus is one of those men who will look his very best in middle and even into old age. His nose is less noticeable in the face of a patriarch, even with the repairs Poppy made before he went into exile. He has gained a bit of weight and looks so much more relaxed than I have ever seen before.'
'Whoever thought we would see Severus with a wife, family, and the occasional smile on his face? Or imagined Hermione and Severus would encounter each other in the United States, let alone be together?'
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'Hermione seems very content with her life in the United States,' thought Minerva as they completed their tour of the castle. 'I suppose Severus and Hermione are more alike than any of us considered. Brilliant, certainly, and exceptional at potions. Neither of them ever made friends easily and always tended to keep to themselves. I wonder how she deals with his temper?'
She looked over at the children, who were having an animated conversation with Nearly Headless Nick. 'They seem very well adjusted and intelligent. The children must come here to Hogwarts. I shall settle for nothing less,' decided Minerva.
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Hermione almost jumped out of her skin when they stepped off the revolving staircase to the Headmistress' office. The tall blonde man bore such a resemblance to his father; she would have sworn it was Lucius Malfoy.
Draco grinned at her mischievously and introduced himself to the children as the Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor.
"You are famous from the war," stated Emily, gazing at him enraptured.
"No more so than any of the others who fought," demurred Draco. He looked at Severus with respect and affection. "Your father fought the war for twenty years and saved my life."
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Severus and Draco walked along the path beside the lake.
"Would my children be safe here?" asked Severus, stopping to watch the giant squid as its tentacles rose above the surface.
"At Hogwarts?" answered Draco, "I believe so. However, I would not permit them to go to Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley unescorted. Those are the same rules I hold for my own children. Alicia is a fourth year and Bennett is a sixth year. Harassment here at Hogwarts has not been a problem since they established themselves. Elsewhere, they have been threatened on occasion by bullies and a few adults."
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Hermione joined the two men as they came around the castle and started down the path to the cemetery. Severus took her hand and tucked it into the crook of his arm.
"Draco has assured me there is little risk for the children at Hogwarts," explained Severus.
"Of course, it depends on which Houses they are sorted into," clarified Draco. "They would likely have the most trouble in Gryffindor."
"That is no surprise to hear," replied Hermione. "The last time I was here, a second year Gryffindor threw a rock at me."
"The Gryffindors are the least forgiving," replied Draco.
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"What is it like for you?" asked Hermione of Draco as the three of them reached the gates of the cemetery.
"About what one would expect," he replied with an elegant shrug. "My wife is from France, since I was persona non grata for about ten years. I was invited to teach by the Headmistress, who understood my role in the war. Malfoy Manor and the family fortune do not exist anymore, so we lead quiet lives by comparison to my ancestors."
Draco looked at Severus. "I understand your fears. I was attacked a few times when I first returned.
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"I do not believe the risks are the same as they were then," clarified Draco. A cousin of Gregory Goyle, blaming me for their family's disgrace, attacked me. Another time, Emmaline Vance's nephew attacked me. I demonstrated my ability to defend myself and was not bothered after that. I did not find it necessary to press criminal charges.
Shortly after Alicia was born, we received some threats. Magical Law Enforcement investigated those and I did press charges. The Wizengamot gave out jail terms and there have been no incidents since. Your family might be at greater risk than mine was."
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"The reality is that Hermione and I committed the most famous murders in the last one hundred years," said Severus, holding out his hand to stop Draco from interrupting.
"That is how our actions are viewed by many," clarified Severus, Hermione nodding in agreement, "Regardless of the truth as it has been presented in books and the media."
"And what we know to be the sovereign truth," insisted Draco vehemently. "Do not underestimate the value of having the support of people like Minerva McGonagall and Arthur Weasley. Even Alistor Moody has acknowledged the truth."
"But, not Ron Weasley," sighed Hermione.
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"He was there," said Hermione sadly. "He is the only person still alive who witnessed what Severus and I did. The only one who saw what was happening between Voldemort and Harry. As long as he maintains a public silence about those events, there will be doubters."
"Have you talked to him about it?" asked Draco.
"I haven't seen, spoken, or written to Ron since I left England," replied Hermione. "Ron made it very clear he wanted no contact with me ever again."
"Maybe it is time for you to re-establish contact," suggested Draco, "It could help your cause immensely."
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To be continued