A/N: So, we've come to the halfway point of this fic! This chapter is shorter as it is a transition chapter. Where the first half of this fic focused on the mystery, the rest of the fic will be more action driven as we get closer to Voldemort coming into power and how Draco will navigate his fifth/sixth/and seventh years given the truth of his parents and the support he has with Hermione and Theo (as well as others).
The overarching story will be canon/canon adjacent, but this is still very much an AU, and as you'll find, this chapter is a set-up for some fun things to come :)
Enjoy!
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14 August 1995
Theo tapped his foot impatiently as he sat in the uncomfortable chair while Mr and Mrs Granger signed and reviewed the final paperwork. Hermione grabbed his hand for comfort, instinctively knowing he was nervous. Two weeks into Theo's stay at the Grangers, David suggested going through with everything, saying it should be fairly easy to get the proper paperwork to prove what they needed for things to go smoothly.
Thankfully Mr and Mrs Granger had already gone through the process to be background checked years ago when they found out Mrs Granger couldn't have any more children after Hermione was born. But for whatever reason, they were never picked. Even so, the challenges they faced paled in comparison to the joy of the current moment.
The only disappointment was that Draco had to leave before everything was official and couldn't celebrate with them.
"Well, you are doing a wonderful thing, Mr and Mrs Granger - especially given his age. Sadly, it's much harder to find a placement for the older ones as most couples want babies or young children," said the social care worker as she stood and shook the Grangers' hands. "I'll give you all a moment to be alone."
Theo knew that this meant nothing in the wizarding world, but to be honest, he didn't give a fuck. Because the people in the room, Muggle or not, meant everything to him.
"It's official," said Mrs Granger, holding out her arms for a hug that Theo immediately reciprocated. Hermione came and hugged him from behind as David roughly rubbed his hair.
"You can't call me David anymore, though," he said as Theo pulled away from the girls and hugged Mr Granger. "Now you have to call me dad."
…
…
…
Draco stared at the closed journal on his desk as he sat. It was late in the evening, but he was wide awake, given he was still sleeping all day recovering from when that fucking cunt tortured him. He'd asked Narcissa what happened to the ugly Carrot, and all she told him was that Lucius punished her appropriately. And now knowing just how far Lucius' depravity went, Draco figured that meant justice was served. He just wished he could have been there to witness it.
Of course, he had no intention of going anywhere near the wizard. Even though Lucius "saved his life," it was evident that Draco was simply a means to an end. But at least now Draco could rest easy knowing that his fath– his dad actually loved him and his "father" was – as Daniel and Mr Granger would probably say – a cunt who treated him like shit. Knowing that there wasn't anything wrong with him like he'd grown up to believe helped him cope – a bit.
Still reeling from the fact his parents were alive, Draco was desperate to meet them. He considered running away to the States, but he couldn't use magic without being forced to sit in another disciplinary hearing. Tapping his finger on the journal, Draco pondered if there was a way for him to travel such a distance without magic.
He could change his name, dye his hair and Floo to the States – Massachusetts, to be exact. But navigating Muggle London alone was difficult enough, even after spending an entire day there with Theo. And the thought of going full Muggle in a foreign country made him nervous. Besides, the Malfoys would quickly discover he'd left and track him down with magic in seconds.
"Fuck," he cursed, placing his forehead on the worn book. Finally, Draco had to accept that he would simply have to wait to return to Hogwarts and have P.E.N.I.S. renegotiate the T.W.A.T. terms to change their objective to the reunification of the Malmström family — and possibly the forceful removal of his sort of sister. The jealousy he felt only continued to flame the more he thought about how much better her life probably was.
Sitting up, Draco decided that it was time to read the second journal, grateful it was in English.
"Okay, dad, let's see what you've been up to over the years."
…
3 August 1976
Alma bought me a new journal for my twenty-first birthday. We plan to get married in January when she turns eighteen. We've moved into a small flat in Edinburgh. It's old and dirty and perfect.
~ Daniel
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3 September 1976
Work is interesting to say the least. I spend most of my time in the library creating a curriculum where my advisor checks in to ensure I don't wander around. Alma is growing suspicious of what I'm actually doing. I need to develop a better way to convey the truth and bypass my limitations. She thinks I'm having an affair.
She threw a pan at my head today.
Fuck.
~ Daniel
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28 September 1976
I'm staying in a room above some weird pub near work because Alma kicked me out. I'm growing tired of this. I believe what I'm doing is important but I don't think it's worth losing Alma. Plus I'm tired of those ugly creatures asking me if the filthy — would like some tea.
I want to kick it in its ugly face.
~ Daniel
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1 October 1976
I stole a bunch of books from the library.
I've also started working on a side project.
Fuck them.
~ Daniel
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5 October 1976
Still staying in the pub but I was able to give all the books to Alma for her to read. I don't know if she'll believe me. I also figured out I can simply say wazards and wutches. Just change a few letters and now my accent is even worse. But at least I can speak. Take that wazarding world.
~ Daniel
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13 November 1976
Just had the best sex of my life.
Also, I moved back into the flat.
Hopefully the wazard boy won't miss his broom. I broke into the sports dressing room and stole one and carried it out in my fucking guitar case. I used prototype 4 and got it to hover for a few seconds. I also stole a bunch of newspapers with the moving pictures.
She believes me now.
~ Daniel
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24 December 1976
Alma gave me a photo of her and put it in my pocket watch for Christmas. It's my favourite gift.
I got her a stash of weed.
She said it was exactly what she wanted and thanked me in my favourite way.
~ Daniel
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22 January 1977
I'm a married man now.
~ Daniel
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3 April 1977
Alma has been selling her paintings to make money. I keep asking for money for all the work I'm doing and they gave me a sack of fucking coins in their currency and I'm not even allowed to set foot in their fucking bank to exchange it because these are the most obtuse people I've ever met.
~ Daniel
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22 May 1977
They finally let me go to the bank with an escort. He is fucking cool. But even so the trip to the bank did not go well. We were kicked out and then their police came but then they saw my escort who is one of them and I was able to get real money.
He had to make them all forget and now I'm not allowed into the wazarding world for my "safety."
They still want me to keep writing the curriculum but I have to work from home.
Now I have to make my own tea.
I might miss that creepy creature.
~ Daniel
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19 June 1977
I've been studying Sweden's wazarding history and I think I can make this work.
~ Daniel
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3 August 1977
Alma took me to the cinema to see Star Wars today. It was fucking incredible. Gave me some ideas.
We'll see. I need to find better materials for my side project.
~ Daniel
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4 March 1978
It's been a while since my last entry. Alma and I are safely back in Sweden. Apparently there's been a fucking wazard war going on and no one fucking told me.
They sacked me and shut down the education program in Britain which I really don't care about because now I can focus on my project. We moved back two months ago after they tried to make me forget. I had my prototype with me and used it effectively enough that I was able to get away.
~ Daniel
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3 August 1978
I'm twenty-three today. I spoke to my father over the phone and it went well. Alma and I are going to go visit him and the woman who I refuse to name.
~ Daniel
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4 August 1978
She's alright I guess.
~ Daniel
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27 August 1978
My theory was correct and the element ore works best as a conduit. I plan to look into my family history. I wonder if it works because of my heritage or just because it works in general.
~ Daniel Malmström
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28 October 1978
Iron ore works as well. I went south of the Dalälven River to cut down some Ash trees for wood.
~ Daniel
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31 October 1978
The initial test was somewhat of a success but I need to stay away from trees when I test. That almost got out of hand.
~ Daniel
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24 December 1978
Merry Christmas mum.
Thinking about you lately.
~ Daniel
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21 January 1979
I took Alma to the test site outside Oslo. I showed her what I've managed to create and she wants one too.
I will also need to invest in some eyepatches because I'm a fucking idiot. Also this is actually Alma writing because Daniel is currently in a hospital bed. I told the nurse his face was too close to the socket when he spilt his beer.
She said she's seen stranger injuries from people being pissed so I think we're okay.
Happy birthday to me!
~ Alma
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24 June 1979
Now that I've acclimated to my new way of living I can return to working on my project and writing. I spent the past few months accepting that I am now blind in one eye. And said eye is gone. Maybe I can ask that bloke who took me to the bank for one of his googly eyes. The scar I have is pretty cool and Alma calls me a pirate and I told her I'm going to plunder her treasure any time she says that and she proceeded to call me a pirate fifteen times in a row so I have some work to do.
~ Daniel
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2 July 1979
I've begun a new build. I've decided to start from scratch and use only the elements native to Sweden. Having too many different sources of elements makes it hard to focus the energy.
I've been studying Ancient Norse Mythology and discovered some interesting things. Now knowing what I know I think there's more to it than I thought.
~ Daniel
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7 September
So the woman my father married is a fucking wutch.
I was able to talk to her and tell her about what I'm working on and she has been a wealth of knowledge on how the Vetenmagi and Vikings worked together and used their abilities. I think I will be able to perfect my project.
She gave me some reading materials with a more accurate history.
I feel happy.
~ Daniel
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24 October 1979
Alma has been sick the past few days. She thinks the milk is bad but I feel fine.
~ Daniel
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22 November 1979
Alma is pregnant.
I feel happier than I've ever felt in my life.
I can't wait to meet you.
~ Daniel
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24 December 1979
We spent Christmas with my father and Orla. Alma announced the pregnancy and my father cried he was so happy.
Wish you were here mum.
~ Daniel
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2 March 1980
The wazards fucking found me back in January on Alma's twenty-first fucking birthday too. I'm glad I wasn't pissed yet as I was going to drink for the both of us since she's pregnant. I thought they tracked me down to make me forget but they wanted me to move back to England to work with them because they were intrigued with my prototype because some wazard cunt is trying to be the next fucking Hitler.
I said no but they threatened to make me forget everything. If I wasn't in our flat I would have used my project on them but it could have hurt a lot of innocent people as I'm still working on it so I don't know what it's capable of.
So now I'm sitting in a brand new flat on the wazard ministry dime in Islington.
Alma has already found a new midwife. Her name is Elly and she comes to the flat to check your progress. She and your mum are convinced you're a girl but I think you've got a prick. I won't tell them that though because if I'm wrong they won't let me live it down.
Your mum has already picked out the name Hanna after her mother. Don't worry. I'll pick something out for you, son.
Can't wait to meet you.
~ Daniel
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24 April 1980
Your mum's belly is getting so big. I could feel you kicking and saying hello.
Hello son.
~ Daniel
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14 May 1980
Some wazard came and did something to protect the flat. Your mum said she thinks someone is following her. I told them that if something happens and I will hold them personally responsible.
I won't let anything happen to you or your mum.
~ Daniel
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28 May 1980
Your mum painted a horrifying picture of who's following her. I tried telling one of the wazards but they said we should be fine and they've taken the proper protections. They said that since we aren't a wazard or wutch we shouldn't be much of a target.
I think they're wrong.
I feel helpless.
~ Daniel
…
Draco sat back in his seat and took a breath as he wiped away his tears. Apparently, his father was working on some kind of conduit or weapon – both probably. Regardless of his interest in his father's secret project, Draco was currently more focused on how his father had tried to get help and whoever was working with him failed them because they were Muggles.
Taking another deep breath, Draco turned to the last written page. His heart nearly stopped when he read the first line under the date.
It was his name.
…
5 June 1980
Draco,
The cunt who is stealing you from us has only given me fucking two minutes to write this. Know that we love you. Your mum won't stop crying. I hate them and I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.
This is fucked up.
Know that we didn't want this. I want you. We very much want you. Unfortunately they placed a mujikal travel ban on your mum and me. We've been barred from leaving the fucking States until his dad is dead. Even so know that your dad is clever and I'll figure out a way around it.
I don't want to wait ten years to see you.
I will dedicate my life to bringing you home and if this war goes south I will personally destroy Voldecunt and his army myself.
I swear on Thor the god of thunder.
I will find you.
~ dad
…
Draco quickly shut the journal when he heard someone entering his room.
It was Lucius.
"Get the fuck out," he said coldly, knowing the wizard couldn't harm him because of his Vow. Lucius remained silent as Draco stood up, finally facing him. Draco took a deep breath to control his anger. "Where is Abraxas? Tell me, and I'll fucking Avada him for you," snapped Draco. "I'm not a Malfoy – I could easily kill him. I have enough hatred to mean it."
Lucius barely reacted as he took a step closer, sporting his cane. "My father has warded himself in a chateau in France."
"The one by the beach?"
"Yes."
Draco began to scramble around his room, throwing things into his backpack and grabbing his wand.
"If you were to set foot within five kilometres, the wards would instantly kill you because of your – blood status."
Throwing his backpack across the room, Draco pulled out his wand and pointed at Lucius. "Let me go to them, then. I want to see them."
"I can't let you do that."
"Why? Why not? What does it matter? Just tell everyone I – I went to Hogwarts early or something."
Lucius briefly closed his eyes and opened them again. "The Dark Lord has given me a task, and unfortunately, I've just been informed that you will be asked to take up the mantle should it not be complete. If you are anywhere near my daughter and I have failed, the Dark Lord will track you down, putting everyone at risk."
Draco lowered his wand and wiped another tear from his eyes. "It's not fair. Why did she get to know the truth this whole time? Why — why did you make me believe there was something wrong with me? That –"
Before Draco could even finish, Lucius abruptly left the room.
"YOU FUCKING CUNT!" he yelled and then roughly sat on his bed. Taking a deep breath, Draco rolled onto his side and grabbed his mother's bear as he cried while counting down the days until he could see Hermione and Theo again.
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5 June 1995 – Massachusetts, USA
Hanna walked silently beside her father as they headed towards the small Wizarding town outside Mount Greylock. She looked back at the Ilvenmory Castle, knowing this was most likely the last time she'd ever see it again.
"Are you mad at me?" she asked hesitantly when they finally reached their destination.
Daniel made a contemplative face as he opened the door to the Bottomless Cauldron Tavern, where they'd be Flooing to Boston and exiting into the Muggle world.
"Nah, fuck them," he said with a small smile.
"Your thinking about him."
He gave a slight nod. "Did you open your gift yesterday?"
"Yes – it was a diamond hairpin," said Hanna as she grabbed a fist full of floo powder. "Bell and Hand Tavern," she said as they both stepped through. "I put it in my closet with everything else. Just doesn't seem right to enjoy them, ya know?"
"Don't let our grief prevent you from getting to know her. I'm sure she suffered like your mum and had severe postpartum depression. Having your baby ripped from your breast does something to your brain. And knowing how fucking ignorant magical folk are – well, I doubt she had any help. Plus, she's married to that cunt."
Hanna sighed, knowing exactly how her dad felt about her sperm donor. They continued to walk until they reached the car.
"Fucking cock suckers," rasped Daniel under his breath. "They've ticketed me. I'm three fucking minutes over," he said, pulling open the door and dropping roughly inside as Hanna followed suit.
"Is mom repainting his room again?" she asked, buckling in her seat.
"She thinks that since he's fifteen, she should get rid of the baby blue – so obviously, she's painting it a darker shade of blue," he laughed.
Daniel pulled out onto the road as they made their way back home.
"I can't believe Principle Marigold had me snap my wand," said Hanna. "You'd think getting expelled was enough of a punishment," she retorted, causing Daniel to laugh.
"Well, you did break into her office to change all of your grades – for the third time."
Hanna rolled her eyes. "Mr Adams was out to get me —"
"Oh, I'm well aware of his bias against No-Maj–borns. But who gives a fuck anyway. If I wasn't bound by magic, I would never have sent you to the Godforsaken school in the first place. And be glad Principle Marigold had you snap the wand. She would have known it was made of pine with the core of – well – pine. And be grateful the school gave us a few days warning before our meeting. Otherwise, you might have had to snap your real wand."
"Yeah, sorry. I didn't realise they would do that." Hanna opened the glove compartment and pulled out her actual wand. "How did you get the age trace off of it?" she questioned, knowing she's been able to use magic outside of school since she could remember.
"Loophole. I had Randal pick it out after he'd lost his own because he said the erumpent ate it — which — I'm inclined to believe. And then he "bequeathed it to you" when you first showed signs of magic and got himself a different one. Wands only have an age trace if the first owner is underage."
"Ah, yes. Remind me to thank Rolf's dad next time he visits."
"Are you sure you want to go to Milton Academy? If you're going to be attending a No-maj school now, why not the public school down the road? Why boarding school?"
"I told you – Lauren goes to Milton Academy and is lonely. We're going to be roommates."
Daniel snorted. "See, I knew you got expelled on purpose."
"And you're happy, so what's the big deal?"
"I guess it would have been nice to have you home. But it must be important to you if you've gone through all the trouble to concoct such a plan. Isn't Lauren that girl you ran into last summer? How come I haven't met her?"
"She doesn't live in Boston except for school, so we write letters mostly."
"Where does she live?"
"Just outside the state."
…
After saying hello to her mom, Hanna walked into her room and tossed her backpack on the bed. Then, sitting at her desk, she took out a piece of paper and a No-maj pen because her dad banned Wizarding writing materials just because he could. Although he does let her have a little owl named Han Solo so she can write to them from school and to her magical friends.
"Hey, Hans she said as she petted her owl sadly, knowing she'll have to leave him behind this time. Having to make an effort to use No-maj mail to write to her parents during the school year will be tricky — but she knows it will all be worth it.
And so, after collecting her thoughts, Hanna finally began to write.
My Silly Pen Pal,
Everything is going according to plan.
For the next three months, I'll be practising my accent so I don't stand out, and I'll also be charming the black in my hair to blond for the same reasons. We'll look like twins!
I've already been reading about your school, and from what you told me, students don't really notice when a new classmate randomly shows up, and the teachers are too focused on "other things" that I plan to simply plop my ass in a classroom and keep my head down.
I'm excited to be your roommate! I'm sorry that the other girls ignore you because they think you're weird (only I'm allowed to call you that). But, at least you have your own room.
That being said: Operation D.I.C.K. is a go.
My parents will drop me off in Milton on August 28th to get settled into my dorm. I'll have to Oblivate the faculty so they don't alert my parents that I've gone AWOL. Then, I'll take the subway to downtown Boston to the Bell in Hand Tavern and Floo to London.
I wonder how much he knows? Your letter back in November mentioned you briefly spoke to him. Do you think he was put off because you just had to mention the Nargles or was it something else? I'll forgive you for being such a weirdo, either way. I can't believe your dad sent you all the way to the U.S. because he thought "Magic Camp" was real. But I'm glad to have run into you when we did.
Your friend, Hanna
Founding Member of Draco's Intervention by Capable Kids
P.S. I've charmed this letter so only Luna Luvgoode can read it. Your directive as Second in Command of D.I.C.K. is to Incendio when finished.
P.P.S. Can't wait to finally see you again, Loony!
Hanna sat back in her chair, rereading over the letter, satisfied with her work. She handed off the parchment to Hans and sent him on his way, watching the tiny owl fly out her small bedroom window.
"Don't worry, baby brother. Your big sis coming to help you."