Hello Beautiful Readers! I've missed you all so very much! I have an epilogue for you finally! Just so you know, I've gone through and edited the story.
The theme I'm going with for this chapter is ..Life is a compilation of moments and memories that make you the person you are today.
Hermione sat out in the garden trying to enjoy her book, but it wasn't working. The dreadful August heat made her 'get away' unsuccessful. Her long hair was frizzing by the second, and even in the shade the temperature was unbearable. She pulled her hair back in a messy bun to try and cope out here, because there was no peace in the house. Since she couldn't go back to work for a while, so she needed to figure out how to get some space.
Narcissa and Ginny were making crazy plans for the baby shower. Hermione was tired of talking about games to play, decorations, food to serve, and her registry. On the other hand, Draco and Lucius were working themselves to death creating a new merger. Hermione smiled a little as she thought of how the Malfoys were teaming up with muggles in this new extension of their hotel chains. She had been right about the lucrative avenues in muggle hotel management. Once Draco had finally admitted it, there was a lot of convincing his father to make the transition.
These past 2 years have been so happy. It's hard to imagine my life before the marriage law. It's weird to know my life would have turned out nothing like this. Draco and I have traveled so much expanding their business during our young married life, but it's nice to be home now. Just enough time to finish getting ready for the baby she thought as she rubbed her rounded belly.
Hermione stood up, and started to waddle her way back towards the manor. Maybe she would float in the pool for a while to cool off. I need to take it easy, because Ginny will kill me if our children are not in the same year at Hogwarts. After September first, I'm going to start working on the list of things to get done. I'm so tired of being pregnant!
"There you are!" Draco came along the path at a quick pace. "I've been looking everywhere for you Mione." He looked relieved as he kissed her and then bent to kiss her belly. "Hey baby. Grammy Narcissa is looking all over for your mommy to talk about baby names. Don't worry. I'll save mommy, but it will come at a price." Draco winked at Hermione and apparated them to the Malfoy Manor in France.
Draco checked the security with a flick of his wand, and turned on the air conditioner. "I could tell you needed to get away. What do you say we go nap?" Draco smirked as he picked her up and carried her to the bedroom.
There was no denying that this tiny boy was a Malfoy, Hermione thought as she breast fed her son. Even at the age of 5 months old he had a look of arrogance when he wanted. Scorpius Hyperion had the Malfoy blonde hair, and aristocratic facial features. He also had her biological mum's brilliant sky blue Luchesi eyes.
Narcissa had simply been ecstatic to have a grandchild to spoil, but Lucius couldn't have been more proud to have a grandson who would pass on the Malfoy coloring and name. It's amusing to hear him talk about how the Malfoy, Black, Montressor, and Luchesi features fit together perfectly and how he can't wait to see his other grand children someday. The one person I was worried about only wanting one heir, was the most adamant to have more.
I don't know what I would do without them around the house. Narcissa loves to watch Scorpius on the days I go into the hospital. Although I only work 3 days a week with less special cases, it is a lot of time away from my baby. I love motherhood, and wish I could cut back more. I know the ministry is short staffed after the population decrease during the war, especially with the baby boom after marriage law.
The fire suddenly turns green, and Ginny walks out holding James' arm. "Sweety, please hold still for a second. Mummy is dizzy." James pouted as his mum tried to straighten his messy black hair. "Oh it's hopeless!"
The two year old walked over to Hermione to look at the baby. Hermione had just finished feeding Scorpius, and sat him up to burp him. James looked at him with a smile, and touched his cheek, "Baby."
"Yes James, that's baby Scorpius." Ginny said patiently as she leaned back on the couch. She was 9 months pregnant tomorrow and ready to start labor. "He has been so full of energy today. After I stop here, I'm taking him to mum's. Then I'm doing every rumor possible to move the process along."
"I know how you feel. Once it was September, I made Draco.." I glanced at James as he played with his stuffed Hippogriff on the floor.
Ginny smiled, "Trust me, as soon as Harry gets home from work.." She glanced at her son. "How has the feeding transition been going? I remember with James it was like I was trying to torture him."
"It's been pretty easy so far when Draco is home. He'll only eat the rice cereal if he doesn't see me, but you know how that goes."
Ginny laughed, "Don't I know it. Least Draco's home every night. Harry's hours are crazy."
Suddenly the door opened and shut quietly. There were footsteps in the entry coming towards us. "Hermione?" Draco questioned.
"In here!"
Draco came into the room with a tired smile on his face. He kissed Hermione, and then picked up his son. "Hey little man. Good job of being the man of the house today. Everything seems to be in order, and you kept your mum out of trouble." Scorpius cooed in response. "Oh she did? " Scorpius smiled and squealed. "Let's go get supper started, and leave mummy to talk. Hey Ginny. Hey James."
He strode out of the room with a purpose. Ginny shook her head. "Who would have thought he would have ended up like this?"
Hermione laughed, "Certainly not 3rd year me."
Hermione looked around the messy room and sighed. "Draco! How are we going to get through their terrible twos? Their birthday was only in April, and they are already unmanageable."
Draco smiled at his stressed wife, "We will manage Mione. We always do." He glanced at his two year old son as he walked towards his sister intent to take her toy. He couldn't stop the smile that started as he watched the 2 year olds interact. They are a handful, but he couldn't imagine his life without them.
Leo Stephen looked much like his namesake. He had his mum's brown eyes, and light brown curly hair. His facial features were more Montressor than anything else, but Malfoy was evident as well. He was a fun loving little guy who like nothing more than to take toys from his twin. He was also her first to protector if he didn't like a stranger.
His baby girl was walking towards him with tears gathering in her eyes now that her toy was taken. She reached out her arms indicating she wanted to be held and buried her face in his neck. Lyra Nymphadora was as smart as a whip and anyone could tell by looking at her that she was going to be gorgeous someday. She had Hermione's/ the Luchesi delicate nose and facial bones, with straight very light brown hair that was a few shades lighter than her twin's. The rest was pure Malfoy. She particularly had my blue gray eyes, and smile.
Draco glanced over at Hermione while she read The Tale of the Three Brothers to Scorpius. It was his favorite book, and had probably read it countless times. The 5 year old wouldn't listen if you tried to suggest another book. Hermione of course got the kid friendly edition, and was horrified when dad started telling the more adult version by memory once. Scorpius loves to read, but also gets in a lot of trouble with his partner in crime Albus Potter. I know, it's hard to believe my kid is best friends with a Potter, but it comes with the territory of marrying one of the Golden Trio.
Lyra leaned back with a sniffle. She reached forward to touch my cheek to get my attention, "Daddy read book." She said with a smile and pointed to herself.
"Of course princess. Rabbity Babbity and Her Cackling Stump?" I asked as I reached for the book already knowing the answer.
"Yes Daddy," She smiled as I handed her the book. She snuggled into my lap and opened it. She looked back impatiently as her twin came running over to join us. I began to read the book, remembering to raise my voice as the witch talked. Hearing the twins' laughter Hermione glanced up and met my eyes. We shared a quick smile and looked back to the books.
Lyra stood among the other 11 year olds trying not to look nervous. She glanced around, and recognized a lot of the faces. That made her feel a little better. No matter which house she got, she would know someone, right? She reached for her best friend's hand and gave her a nervous smile. If I'm not in the same house as Lily, I don't know what I will do! Leo is too cool for us, and is standing a little further away trying to look unconcerned about the sorting at all. Typical Leo.
I glance back at the rows of large tables. Where will we all end up? Together? Separate? Who knows how the sorting will end up. Everyone was surprised when Albus joined Scorp in Slytherin. Well everyone but daddy. Lily and Uncle Ron were probably the most upset about Albus and Scorpius going to Slytherin. That's a whole other story though.
Lily is sure we are going to end up in Gryffindor, and she usually right about this type of thing. Leo will be in Syltherin like daddy, Scorp, Grammy, and Grandfather. I hope my family isn't disappointed if I'm different like mummy. I try to pay attention as the names are called by Neville, but I'm too nervous. I glance back at Scorpius, and am relieved to see him looking right back at me. He nods and gives me a reassuring smile, while Albus gives me a thumbs up. I smile weakly and turn back around as Alice Longbottom's name is called. My name is coming up!
"GRYFFINDOR!" They hat yells for the first time in a while. There have been a lot of Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws so far with only a few Slytherin and Gryffindors.
"Leo Malfoy." Neville says with a smile. Leo smiles at me and then walks confidently up to the stool. Within seconds of the hat touching his head, "SLYTHERIN!" Scorp and Albus are cheering like crazy. Leo smiles as he hurries to his new house. He's such a good Malfoy. Grandfather will be so proud.
I raise my head and look at Neville as he calls my name. Lily squeezes my hand before I walk away towards the stool. Now that I'm getting sorted I feel calm. The waiting was what was killing me. I climb on the stool and look out among the tables. Where will this ugly old hat tell me to go?
"Ugly? I don't appreciate that." An amused voice says in my head as Nevelle sets the sorting hat on my head. I smile and apologize in my head. Grammy would be angry I forgot my manners. "So, what to do with you? A Malfoy female. My, my this is interesting. Almost as rare as a Weasley female until Ginevera. There is such a history in your heritage, but it's gotta be.." "GRYFFINDOR!"
I smile at Neville as I climb down from the stool. I hurry to the table where I now belong as the cheers start. James, Teddy, Victore, and Alice congratulate along with a lot of strangers. I'm so excited!
"Lily Potter!" Neville says and I turn around to watch my best friend. The hat is on her head very briefly before, "GRYFFINDOR!"
The whole table cheers as Lily runs over. She gives James, who had stood up for his baby sister, a big hug, and then sits next to me. She smiles over at me as if to say "I told you so" as the next name is called.
What did you think?! Please give me feedback! Maybe I could do another chapter continuing their lives, or a couple more memories from before? Let me know!
~Grace