Disclaimer - Not mine. Maybe next lifetime.
A/N - Thanks so much for the positive reaction to this story. I have a lot of fun writing it! Lucius wasn't supposed to take on a life of his own originally, but he's fast becoming my favorite to write. With the holiday season approaching, Merlin alone knows what he'll do next. If we can get 100 reviews on this story, the 100th reviewer gets to make a suggestion, and I'll do my level best to work it in. :)
Review-wise, grazie to phoenixqueen15, Angel Girl5, arabellagrace, Peytonkmc, Kermit 304, SerpentofDarkness, misswinterjayne, BigTimeGleekBTR, MaraudersAtHeart, Sarah, and SlytherinGurrl. I loved all of your comments, but I have to single one of 'em out:
SlytherinGurrl - fret not, m'dear - Lucius is NOT going to fall in love with Hermione. anidot90 hit it on the head a while back with this comment: "I like this relationship between Hermione and Lucius. I really see them becoming good friends or even a weird Father/Daughter relationship." In Playmate, Lucius is head over heels for Narcissa, and he'll stay that way. Likewise Draco & Hermione.
Many thanks to those who have followed or favorited as well. To paraphrase my favorite author who is not JKR, you guys rock my stripey socks! Brightens my day when a notification comes through in email. Sorry I haven't been keeping up with answering the comments. I'm aiming to do better in the future. Love & virtual Halloween candy to all.
I can't remember who used "Richard" and "Jean" for Hermione's parents' names, but of all the options I've seen, I like that one the best. So props to that author.
Enough of my babbling - on to Halloween, the first part. This is getting involved enough it's going to need more than one chapter...
"Harry-
Draco and I will be bringing two additional 'children' in addition to Scorpius this year. Why don't you meet us at my parents' house at 6:00 on Halloween?
Hermione"
Harry read through his friend's brief note twice, wondering at the change in meeting venues, and the quotation marks around 'children.'
"Gin, can you think of any friends Scorpius might have that would go trick or treating with him outside of our boys?"
"Not a clue." Granted, she wasn't thinking very hard, as she was busy chasing James in retaliation for what he had drawn on the wall. She swore that if she didn't catch him soon, she'd use Petrificus Totalis and not feel the slightest bit guilty. Molly had used it regularly on Fred and George, and it hadn't done them any permanent damage.
"Huh. OK." Harry pulled out a piece of parchment for a response.
"Hermione -
Who are these 'children,' and what's with the quotation marks? Why don't you want to meet us here this year?
-Harry"
Draco read Potter's response over Hermione's shoulder. "What I wouldn't give to see his face when you explain."
His darling spouse smirked and replied, "That makes two of us."
"Harry-
Scorpius's friend Ab (remember him?) and another new friend will be accompanying our son. It's their first time trick or treating. If you remember who Ab is, three guesses on the identity of the other 'child.' And no, it isn't Draco. Given we have these new people going; I thought you would be more comfortable if we did not come to your home.
Bring a camera - this year's going to be good.
-Hermione"
Harry didn't even bother to return an owl; he put his face into the fireplace and made a floo call. Draco answered.
"Ah, Potter. Figured it out, then?"
"You can't be serious. We're taking your father, Malfoy?"
"And my mother."
"Narcissa? I wouldn't have figured her for the type. Hermione's right - this is going to be priceless. She told me to bring a camera. We're really starting at her parents'?"
"Father talked Mother into going. He can be disturbingly persuasive when he wants to be. And yes, we will begin at my in-laws', as always."
"And are your folks aware of that part of the tradition?"
Malfoy shot him an evil smile. "What do you think?"
"I think I'm suddenly incredibly glad I'm part of this trip every year. Has anyone warned Mione's folks?"
"Yes. She called her mother yesterday. It took a while to convince her mum and dad that my parents won't be trying to kill them on Wednesday. And before you bring up the fact that you just happen to be an Auror for the what, 1000th time? We already reminded Hermione's mum."
"Thousandth? I'd put it no higher than 850 or so. Though you're right; being around you does bring my profession to mind." He grinned at Draco's reactionary snort.
"I can't imagine why. I haven't tried to kill anyone in years, Potter."
"Technically, you didn't back then, either. Don't glare at me like that, Malfoy- I meant it in a good way."
Malfoy looked away rather than respond, so Harry eased the blond's discomfort by changing the subject. "What are your parents going to be?"
"Father wants to dress as royalty. Go ahead and laugh, Potter. We did. Hermione mocked him openly for it. To give them some ideas, she showed them pictures of various kings and queens throughout Muggle history."
Harry's eyes lit up. "I'll make sure to bring two cameras. See you on Wednesday."
"Bye, Potter." Draco stood, dusted off his knees, and went in search of Hermione to give her an update.
Wednesday afternoon finally arrived, bringing the elder Malfoys to Draco and Hermione's residence around 4:00. They sat down to an early supper, and then it was time to get all three of the "kids" dressed. Scorpius tore out of the room as soon as he was finished eating, so that left Lucius and Cissa. Lucius had already managed to procure someone's hair for his wife. Hermione's only question was if he was sure that the hair was human. She was surprised to discover that somehow, her father-in-law had heard of her "cat-astrophe" in her second year at Hogwarts, though the circumstances were murky. Less surprising was the fun he had at her expense about it. Draco hadn't even been aware, and his reaction was colorful as his wife explained about Ron and Harry posing as Crabbe and Goyle.
"I knew it! I knew there was something off about the two of them that night!" He paced the length of the room as he began to harangue Hermione for not telling him about this sooner. She shut him up almost effortlessly:
"Yes, so there was. They told me all about your conversation in the Slytherin common room too, darling." She mimicked his posh tone. "'As for me, I hope it's Granger.'"
He wilted immediately under his wife's dispassionate gaze. "Love, I'm sorry. I was what, 12? I-"
"Oh save it, Draco. I've known for years that you're an idiot, and I love you anyway." She sidled up next to him, and whispered in his ear, "but you're damned lucky I'm forgiving. I know where you sleep." Draco's eyes widened as he felt a peculiar mix of arousal and fear.
An amused glance passed between Lucius and Narcissa. He mouthed 'positively rotten.' She smiled and nodded in response.
Draco's father decided to take pity and rescue him from the Fiend. "We brought our costumes and the Polyjuice. What next?" As Lucius expanded the clothing to normal size, Hermione was reminded that Malfoys always had the best, and never did anything halfway.
The costumes were perfect, child-sized replicas of French royal outfits from Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette's reign, including powdered wigs. Both the dress and suit were white, and the dress was trimmed with delicate pink roses in inverted arches, emphasizing the contours of the skirt. The jacket and vest had intricate designs embroidered in what looked like real gold.
"Lucius, Narcissa - these are AMAZING! Wherever did you get them, and why this style in particular?" As Hermione raved over the clothes, everyone failed to notice Draco sneaking away and heading for Scorpius' room.
Narcissa beamed at Hermione's approval. "Madame Malkin whipped them up. It was lovely of her to do on such short notice. The only difficulty was when we could not produce models for the outfits. We merely gave her the measurements the house elves took once we used the Polyjuice. As for the choice of royals, the Malfoys have French heritage, so it was only fitting."
"I would imagine that the lack of live models was unusual. How did she take that?"
"Considering the Malfoys have been excellent customers for years, she took it exactly as expected," Lucius drawled.
Draco reappeared at this time, and bade his father follow him to the guest room to get ready, while Hermione assisted Narcissa. As Lucius stepped out, Granger-Malfoy grabbed her husband's arm.
"Where'd you get to?"
He smirked. "You'll see," and moved to join his father.
As Draco closed the door behind him, his mother took a swig of the potion. "Ugh! No matter whose essence it is, this is always unpleasant."
Hermione concurred, though she reminded her mother-in-law that the fun to be had this evening would more than make up for the foul taste. Minutes after ingestion, Narcissa transformed into an adorable six year-old girl with honey-blond ringlets and huge green eyes.
"It's a shame we have to cover your hair - it's beautiful, Narcissa!"
The childlike figure smiled at the young woman. "Call me Cissy. Seems to fit better with this body, don't you agree?"
The younger Malfoy wife nodded, and helped Cissy step into the replica dress. "I hate to lace this so tightly."
"Beauty is pain, dear. We must all make sacrifices."
"Do you have any idea how disconcerting it is to hear that coming from you right now?"
"Of course. Wait until I start dealing with Lucius and Draco. I plan to make the most of the situation."
"You know, you look sweet, and you seem so elegant and refined, but underneath it all..."
"Slytherin, darling. Slytherin to the core." They both laughed, and Hermione moved to help Cissy with her wig and makeup, taking time to include a beauty mark. Vaguely, she wondered how the men were doing.
"You know, Draco, this could be quite the fashion statement if brought back into style." Lucius turned this way and that, admiring himself in the full-length mirror.
"There is no way on Merlin's bloody earth you'd ever get me into breeches and whatever the rest of this is. And let's not even start with the wig!"
Lucius sniffed. "As I told your wife, son: a Malfoy can look perfect in anything." Draco scoffed to himself, and made sure to jam the wig a bit harder than necessary onto his father's head.
"I caught that."
"You can't prove anything, Father. My hands slipped."
"I'll remember that when you try to extort your 'candy tax' later this evening." Lucius straightened the wig. "Let's go check on my grandson, the astronut."
"Astronaut, Father. Astronaut."
"Of course. That's what I said. Do you know if Hermione got me any books on that?"
"She did. I'll make sure to give them to you when we're done." Draco knocked on his son's door. "Scorp? Do you need any help?"
"Just with the helmet, Daddy. Something's different about my costume!" The door opened, and Draco entered to assist the boy. There was an elaborate locking mechanism to anchor the helmet to the suit, so it was no wonder the child was having trouble. The helmet slid into place with an audible 'click.' "There you are, all set."
"Brilliant!" Scorpius moved around his father to look at Lucius and frowned. "Why are you all lacy, and where's the rest of your pants?"
"This was the fashion of the era. Why do you look like that?"
"This is what astronauts wear, silly! They can't walk around in jeans on the Moon."
Lucius blinked, nonplussed. "Of course. Whatever was I thinking?" He looked to Draco for help.
"Are you ready to see Mother, Father?"
"Always."
The two sets of Malfoys met in the parlor, where much ado was made over everyone's costumes, not all of it flattering. For instance, there was Scorpius' reaction to Narcissa: "Your dress is HUGE. It makes your bottom big." For her part, Grandmother Malfoy thought some kind of monster had entered the room when she saw the spacesuit. Only her son's serene demeanor kept her from hexing Scorpius by mistake.
Hermione pulled Draco aside.
"What happened to Scorpius' outfit? It was much simpler earlier. Now it looks like an authentic suit!"
"After I saw what Mother and Father brought, you really didn't expect our son to look second-rate, did you? I took the opportunity to, ahem, tweak a few things while the three of you were discussing Madame Malkin."
"I can't decide if that was sweet or incredibly arrogant."
"Go with sweet. It pays off better once everyone's gone." He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively and she smacked him in the arm. He pretended offence. "What? It pays off better for you too, if you recall."
"Draco!"
"Granger-Malfoy?"
"Have you forgotten that your parents and our child are in the room?"
"Of course not." He leaned closer and breathed into her ear, "Why do you think you're still dressed?"
She left his side before he could fluster her any further, and went to address her in-laws. "The two of you look fantastic! As do you, Scorpius. You look just like a real astronaut!"
Her son lit up at the praise. "Better than before?"
"Much better, dear."
"Will that get me more candy?"
Hermione was chagrined to hear three voices in unison: "Slytherin."
"Stop it, all of you. Let's get started."
"Are we meeting at the Potters'?"
"Erm, change of plans. They'll catch up with us at the first house. We'll go by floo," and she called out an address, going through first with Scorpius.
Draco waited a few minutes before gathering his parents to him, and away they went.
The younger Malfoy stepped gracefully from the fireplace with Ab and Cissy on either side of him. The children found themselves in a homey room that seemed small to them, but was actually quite large by most standards. A flash went off to their right. Blinking away the bright spots, the former Death Eaters saw Harry Potter himself holding a camera and sporting a gigantic grin. Scorpius and Potter's boys were chattering to each other about candy, and Hermione was sitting on the couch with Ginny Potter, laughing. Two nervous-looking Muggles stood nearby.
Lucius turned subtly to his son. "Draco? Care to tell us where we are? We seem to be at a distinct disadvantage."
"That's all right, Father. You're a Malfoy; I'm sure you'll adapt in no time." The Muggles approached cautiously after being urged by their daughter.
Draco greeted them warmly. "Richard and Jean Granger, may I present my parents: Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy."
Narcissa actually squeaked. It was soft and over quickly, but every adult in the room noticed it.
Lucius stepped forward, extending his hand to Richard. "You are Hermione's father, I presume?"
Richard looked at said hand for a moment as if deciding whether it was safe. "I am." He ended the handshake quickly. "Well, this is awkward."
The child-sized Malfoy patriarch regarded Hermione's father for a moment before he offered, "Not necessarily. I believe meeting like this could work in everyone's favor."
"How so, Lucius?" Hermione was intrigued.
"Your parents are aware of the less-than-pleasant parts of our history, and of the prior... regrettable dynamics, are they not?"
Jean regarded Lucius warily. "We are."
"At the moment I assume I look somewhat ridiculous, and therefore considerably less threatening."
The chuckles he heard around the room attested to the accuracy of his statement. Lucius reached out a hand to his wife. "Mr. and Mrs. Granger, my wife, Narcissa Malfoy."
The tiny Marie Antoinette clone murmured "charmed" as she shook hands with the Grangers, who were rapidly calming. It was impossible to feel threatened by two overdressed children, and Hermione had been quite emphatic about the change in her in-laws' behavior of late. Mr. Granger nodded to Lucius, "Please. Call me Richard. This is Jean."
"Thank you. As I said, Lucius and Narcissa." He cleared his throat. "I know that this is neither the time nor the place, but I realize that it would be beneficial for all of us to sit down and have a serious conversation in the future." Lucius checked to make sure the children weren't paying attention, and he quietly continued, "For now, please know that you have our sincere apologies, and we would like to make amends. You have raised a truly remarkable daughter."
Lucius' speech was greeted by several moments of dead silence from everyone over the age of seven. Potter's wife even had to reach over and close his mouth for him.
The mismatched pairs of parents regarded each other a moment longer, then Jean picked up a bowl and held it out to the Malfoys. "Two pieces each, and only after we hear the magic phrase," she grinned impishly.
Draco felt a moment of alarm as he realized that Lucius could come up with any number of inappropriate magic phrases. He needn't have worried. His father stepped forward, opened his pillowcase, and returned Jean's grin.
"Trick or Treat," he said suavely. Hermione and the Potters applauded. True to her word, Jean laughed and dropped two pieces into the pillowcase. Like sharks homing in on blood, the other children lined up to receive their treats, and the Halloween Candy Hunt officially began.