Draco awoke early Sunday morning; the bright sun peering through the dark drapes covering his window. Duke lay snuggled up next to him, his hot breath blowing across the bed as he snored audibly. It had gotten considerably chilly this morning, and the pup must have found warmth besides his master. At least someone wants to warm my bed, Draco thought dryly. He slipped out from under the covers and headed towards the loo, hearing Duke's collar jingle as the pup slowly woke up.
Draco looked in the mirror, his face covered with sleep wrinkles after a long night of reading. He couldn't stop reading the Genetics book Hermione gave him, and had spent the entire weekend taking notes and studying the material. He had so many questions; of double helices, telomeres, codons, and other phrases he couldn't even pronounce. Sighing, he used the loo before stepping into the hot shower.
When he got out, Duke was sitting patiently at the bathroom door. Draco toweled off and walked into his closet, Duke closely behind him.
"Shelley, did you take Duke out?" He asked. A soft pop later and the elf appeared, standing next to Duke.
"Yes Master Draco, Master Duke went out while you were showering."
"Excellent, thank you. He and I will be at the Potter's today and will not need your services. Enjoy your day off," he said glancing over his shoulder.
"You too Master Draco." And with another pop disappeared.
Draco walked through his master closet, thumbing through clothes before settling on dark blue jeans and a silver sweater. He changed and motioned for Duke to follow him out to the bedroom.
"All right Duke, we are going to see Harry and Ginny and James today," he said with fake excitement, causing Duke to run in circles. "Try not to run too fast with James today eh?" The dog wagged his tail, as Draco attempted to leash him. "We're going to floo, so no funny business," he said, leading him towards the fireplace. He placed a sticking charm on Duke, keeping him tight against his leg. With a flourish of green the two disappeared, landing roughly on the carpet of the Potters receiving room.
"Duke!" A four-year-old James Potter shouted, running over to the pair. "Hi Uncle Drake," he added as an afterthought. It had taken quite a bit getting used to that title. James hugged Duke tightly, who kissed his face with a sloppy tongue. Draco undid the sticking charm and handed the leash to James. The duo took off to whatever mischief the day had for them, with James chatting away aimlessly to his favorite friend. Unfortunately, they were met by a very pregnant Ginny Potter, who had looked as though she were carrying twins. With her hands on her hips, she stopped James and Duke.
"And where do you think you're going," she asked suspiciously. Duke greeted her with a lot more care, despite his puppy spirit. She patted his head affectionately, rubbing his ears. "Hello to you love," she cooed.
"Mum, we are going to the yard. Duke and I have lots to talk about," he attempted, looking innocent.
"I have no doubt sweetheart. But we aren't out in the yard yet, that's for lunch today."
"But Mummmm," he whined. One look from him mother, rivaled only by Molly Weasley, shut his mouth instantly.
"You both can relax in the living room while I finish lunch. Behave," she added. Sighing, the two walked off a little more dejectedly.
"Sorry about Duke, he still is very excited," Draco offered lamely.
"Oh James just adores him," she waved off. "He'd have been devastated if you didn't bring him, since you know, it's been a month." Glaring, she headed towards the kitchen with Draco close behind him.
"I know, it's been hellish busy." She snorted and headed over to a stove with four different pots going.
"Mmhmm."
"It has!" He retorted.
"Does this have to do with our favorite Minister Granger," Harry teased, walking towards the oven. "Gin, stay away from the oven. How many times do I have to remind you? Better yet, how many times does it need to burn?" He surveyed the pots, smirking at his wife who was blushing furiously.
"We all have our strengths," she muttered. Draco laughed, taking a seat at the island. She rolled her eyes and made a face behind Harry's back while gently settling into a chair opposite Draco.
"How are you feeling?" He asked, noticing her grimace as she tried to get comfortable.
"Bloody awful," she groaned. "I can't wait for this one to get out. Definitely harder than James."
"I do not envy you," Draco smirked. "Potter said you were nearly there. And a few other choice words that I wouldnever say about my beloved wife carrying my heir." Harry turned around violently, shooting Draco a glare across the kitchen. Ginny smirked, calmly looking at her husband.
"More nappies for him, more sleep for Mama," she grinned.
"Of course love," Harry said sheepishly. "Whatever you want." Draco laughed, staring at the couple that had become his...friends. He never thought in a million years he'd be sitting in the kitchen of Harry bloody Potter's house joking like he was some sort of extended family.
"What are you so happy about Malfoy?" Harry asked, aggressively preparing the salad for lunch.
"Nothing at all Potter," he said smirking.
"That's right you smug bastard," Harry mumbled and Ginny chided him. "Wait until you get married! I bet that witch will have you wrapped around her perfect little thumb."
"Not bloody likely," Draco scoffed.
"We'll see," Ginny said grinning. "Is your mum coming today? Her and Andromeda have been inseparable these last few months."
"I believe so. Last I heard they were vacationing in Nice, so who knows," he shook his head. "Where's Teddy?"
"Out plotting with Victoire probably," Harry snickered. "Those two have got it so bad."
"They're only kids!" Ginny said. "I highly doubt that's on their minds."
"I dunno," Draco drawled. "They look at each other like you used to look at Potter." Harry stood proudly, walking over and giving his embarrassed wife a sound kiss on her lips.
"All that pining worked out," he said darting away as she attempted to smack him.
"Oh shush you big prat," she smirked. "I made up for it when I was waiting for you to stop playing tonsil hockey with Cho." Harry sighed, dragging a hand through his hair.
"Tonsil hockey?" Draco asked confused.
"A muggle term for snogging," Harry mumbled. "It's one of her favorites."
Draco was about to ask for another explanation when he heard heavy paws thump the kitchen floor. Duke was running towards the front door, apparently attempting to greet whoever just walked through. There was a loud bang followed by a feminine "oof" and the sound of someone hitting the floor, hard.
Hermione's feet pounded the pavement, the late September morning air crisp through her lungs. She felt peace rush over her body, as she neared her tenth kilometer. Yesterday's run had decidedly been postponed, as a certain Bulgarian persuaded her to spend the morning in bed with him. She was so sated she had to cancel on Harry, something she was sure she'd never hear the end of.
Hermione felt like she could think with a clear mind once more, her womanly needs taken care of for the time being. She had planned her agendas for the week's meetings, set a timetable for her Unspeakable projects, and managed to get a manicure in muggle London.
She took the next right down Westmount Avenue, the block in Goodrich's Hollow where the new Potter family built their home. Feeling reentered and pleasantly exhausted, Hermione jogged up the path of Potter Manor, the wards giving as she passed through.
The house was rebuilt on a new plot of land Harry purchased with the inheritance that Sirius left. Although Harry did not want a large house built, Ginny convinced him that between family, friends, and the Order, space was not unwelcome. They had built a ten-bedroom manor with seven bathrooms. On Christmas, the house was packed perfectly.
Harry insisted that his children learn about both muggle and magical worlds, so they owned a car and ventured into the muggle world often. Quidditch weekends were alternated with the cinema and museum. Hermione of course, was on rotation for the educational trips.
She got to the front steps and finally caught her breath. She heard a raucous of laughter and opened the front door, only to be assaulted by a giant furball. She went down hard, unprepared for the massive animal to be at the door waiting for her.
"Oof," she cried, hitting the floor with a giant thud. The wind was knocked out of her lungs as two giant paws landed on her shoulders. A warm tongue lapped at her face generously, accompanied by a hot breath and cold nose.
"Duke!" a voice yelled from somewhere behind the great dog. "Get off of her! Are you alright?" Hermione could make out a tall blonde trying unsuccessfully to pull the large dog off of her smaller frame.
"He's huge," she gasped out, trying to free herself from the heavy weight. Draco managed to get Duke off of her, and looked at her alarmed, his eyes surveying her for damage.
"He's still a bit excited," Draco said sheepishly. "Sorry about that," he held out a hand. She took it, feeling the warmth spread up her arm. She shivered, although she wasn't sure what from.
"Thank you," she said gratefully, stretching and feeling a bruise already starting to form on her back. "I must better prepare for him next time."
"Auntie Mia!" A little voice yelled out. James came running in, wrapping himself around her legs. She hoisted him up, kissing the top of his head.
"Hello sweetheart," she cooed, holding the tiny boy in her arms. His jet black hair had gotten long again, his bright blue eyes shining as she embraced him. "I've missed you." Duke, feeling left out, cut in and attempted to kiss them both excitedly. "Did you play with Duke?"
"No, mum made us sit in the living room," he said, glaring over Hermione's shoulder at his mother.
"So unfair," Hermione teased.
"It's always mum who's mean," Ginny sighed, motioning for everyone to head into the kitchen. Hermione followed the trail of Potters and Malfoys, smelling what had to be Harry's delicious tomato soup. Her clothes were starting to stick to her from her long run, a shiver running through her spine.
"Alright if I use the loo? I need a hot shower," She said.
"Too right you do," Harry teased. "I'm surprised Duke didn't pass out from the stench."
"Hey!" Hermione groaned. "Maybe that's why he likes me most."
"I highly doubt that Granger," Malfoy said, settling himself back into a kitchen chair. Hermione's hands went right to her hips, huffing as she looked between the two men.
"whose side are you on?" She glared. Malfoy smirked, and she couldn't help but notice a certain gleam in his eye. He shrugged nonchalantly, causing Hermione to huff in fake indignation. "I don't know why I hang out with you lot," she muttered, stomping off towards the shower. She heard Harry and Draco laugh as she exited, stomping purposefully up the flight of stairs to her guest room. She clicked the door closed and immediately began stripping her heavy clothes. She almost considered casting a heat charm, but nothing quite warmed her like a hot shower. And Firewhiskey.
After showering and changing, Hermione descended down the stairs towards the kitchen. The smell of lunch made her stomach lurch in hunger. She quickened her pace, entering the kitchen where the red head count increased dramatically. The entire Weasley gang had arrived in her absence. She noticed Teddy and Victoire whispering quietly to each other, their heads nearly touching as they planned some mischief. It was only a matter of time before they were up to other things.
"Be still my heart, the Minister has decided to grace us all with her presence," George shouted dramatically.
Hermione smiled, extending her arms in a grandiose gesture. "You're most welcome, my royal subjects," she teased. Ginny laughed, motioning for everyone to start heading out to the yard.
"Now that that's sorted," she began, "everyone grab a bowl and bring it out back. We've got a full house today so need all hands on deck."
"All hands on deck?" Draco asked curiously.
"Another muggle saying," Hermione said from behind him. "It's referring to times when people traveled by boat and had to assist in maintenance of the ship, which had a main deck."
"Ahh," he said. "I still can't keep track of all these bloody sayings."
"Language!" Ginny yelled from across the room. Draco shrugged as he made his way out back, Hermione behind him with what looked like a salad.
"She's bloody worse than Mum," Ron muttered to Harry, dutifully carrying out a plate of warm biscuits.
"And she's got the worst mouth of all," Hermione muttered to Draco. He genuinely laughed, looking down at her much smaller frame.
"I hear you've got a foul mouth Granger."
"Takes one to know one Malfoy," she retorted.
"Hmm. We'll see about that." He sat down his bowl of pasta salad, gesturing to Hermione to sit beside him. She sat down and watched the entire group find their seats, laughing when James headed straight for her lap. He climbed in, looking at Draco with interest.
"Uncle Drake, why are you sitting next to Auntie Mia?" He asked, reached enthusiastically for the pasta. Hermione reined him in, secretly grateful James had asked that question Draco first.
"Am I not allowed?" Malfoy asked, bending down slightly.
"Of course you're allowed," James retorted. "But that doesn't tell me why."
"Hey, be nice," Hermione chided, patting him on the leg.
"Maybe I wanted a change of scenery," Malfoy drawled.
"Or maybe he thinks Auntie Mia is pretty and wants to be close to her!" Teddy butted in. He had changed his hair and eyes to look like Draco, causing both he and Hermione to jump back into their seats.
"Teddy," Harry warned, seating himself at the end of the table.
"Is that why you sit so close to Victoire then?" Draco teased. Victoire looked up in alarm, from Teddy to Draco, her bright blue eyes wide.
"Sure is," Teddy said proudly. She blushed profusely, her blonde locks falling to curtain her face as she ducked away. "You are the most beautiful girl ever Vicky," Teddy said confidently, his chest puffed. "Next to Auntie Mia of course." It was Hermione's turn to blush, this time using James as a human shield from the rest of the family. Teddy turned to Victoire, his face full of mischief. "Uncle Harry said we just have to wait until we are at least fourth years before I can ask you out properly. What's your excuse Uncle Drake?"
The entire congregation burst into laughter, enjoying the torment of their best friend and former enemy. Hermione didn't think her face could get any hotter, and looking at Draco saw he was no better.
"Teddy," Harry scolded half-heartedly. "Be nice or I'll make it fifth year." Teddy sat up a little straighter at this, glancing towards Victoire.
"You got it," he muttered. Bill looked like he wanted to throttle the young Casanova while Fleur looked adoringly at the pair. Ron chuckled quietly, muttering something under his breath to George who grinned. Fleur whispered something into her husband's ear, causing him to visibly relax.
"Well Teddy," Hermione began, "Uncle Drake and I will be working together on a big project together. Something I think you'll find interesting."
"Is that right?" He asked bored. Hermione was about to release the news but a small pop interrupted her. In walked Andromeda and Narcissa Black. The sisters had been practically inseparable ever since Lucius was tossed into Azkaban.
"Sorry we're late," Andromeda announced, walking towards the group arm in arm with Narcissa.
"There was a delay in the international portkey," Narcissa added, leading them towards the seats besides Draco. Duke looked tempted to jump them, but sat obediently next to his master, his tail thumping the Earth.
"No problem at all," Harry said smiling. "We were just getting started," he said rising. The entire family looked towards the end of the table where he stood. "Sunday lunch is my favorite part of the week," he began, "especially when you all can make it- including you Malfoy." Draco chuckled running a hand over Duke. "It was important that we all gathered here today to celebrate our very own Hermione Granger."
Everyone clapped and shouted enthusiastically, with Ron and George throwing in a few whistles.
"This weekend in the Prophet, it was announced that the new TONKS INSTITUTE would be opening. This is going to be the newest project, headed by Hermione, in curing lycanthropy."
The applause was deafening, and Hermione smiled. James was squirming in her lap, itching to get closer to Duke.
"There's not much I can tell you, but since everyone is here is bound by my secrecy oath, I'm happy to say that Draco will also be working on this project." Malfoy blushed as everyone clapped for him too, the attention foreign to him. "We apologize in advance if either of us are irritable or stressed, as this is a huge undertaking."
"Good thing Malfoy is always a git," George shouted. Hermione chuckled as Draco glared at the redhead.
"Thanks Weasley!"
"I know you all are very well connected, so I ask if you come across anything, and I mean anything, please let either of us know. This is going to be a long, grueling project. Any leads can be a real advancement," she finished. Harry nodded, his green eyes sparkling with pride. He looked towards Teddy, who looked like he was about to cry. Victoire held his hand tightly in hers.
"Thanks Auntie Mia and Uncle Drake. Mum and Dad would be so grateful," he said softly.
"You got it," Draco said firmly. Hermione smiled at him, his grey eyes meeting hers. She never realized how handsome he was when he wasn't hurling insults at her. She filed that information away for later, as she felt James attempt to reach for the pasta again.
"Looks like James is hungry," Harry teased. "Everyone dig in! This will probably be one of our last lunches as Ginny thinks the baby will be born sooner than her due date." Everyone chuckled and immediately hands reached every which way across the dinner.
"Auntie Mia I need help," James whined dejectedly. She laughed and began assembling a plate of pasta for him. He settled down, peering over at his neighbor's plates for additional ideas. He finally settled and Hermione attempted to set her own plate, which proved quite difficult with a moving four year old in her lap.
"Do you need help?" Draco asked.
"It would seem so," she sighed. "My reach has gotten considerably shorter in the last twenty minutes." He laughed, grabbing her plate and hovering over the salad. "Salad, soup, and a little scoop of pasta will do it."
"Yes ma'am," he teased. "Do you need it cut in smaller pieces too?"
"Oh shush," she chided. "James, use your fork not your fingers. You're a big boy now."
Lunch was pleasant, as everyone spoke in smaller conversations. Ron and George had huddled with Bill, deep in conversation and their meal. Narcissa and Andromeda chatted with Fleur who kept stealing glances at her daughter and Teddy, who were oddly quiet after the previous unwanted attention.
Hermione sighed happily, lost in her thoughts as she finished lunch. It was amazing what war could do. Sure, it caused absolute chaos and emotional carnage on the group that sat before her. She was of course, included in said group. But the rebuilding, well, that was magnificent. Hogwarts had been just the start, and she remembered her magical core going weak after so many Reparo spells.
She had seen Malfoy then, assisting with what was left of the Slytherin house. They had exchanged very few words, just side-glances at one another. Only at graduation did they first even acknowledge the other's presence, as both had earned top marks with Hermione as their Valedictorian and he as their Salutatorian. After she had given her speech, he shook her hand and murmured a "Congratulations".
"Sickle for your thoughts," he interrupted quietly, his hand reaching behind her chair to rest comfortably. James had become still in her lab, and she realized she had been playing with his hair, lulling him to sleep. She adjusted his tiny body so that she was cradling him, the shift allowing him to suck his left thumb.
"I was thinking of graduation."
"Graduation? What made you think of that?" He asked politely, sipping his glass of red wine.
"Just how things have changed," she admitted. "And how things have changed so quickly."
"For the better, I presume?"
"Of course," she sighed. "Is it weird sitting next to me? I remember the last time was then, at graduation, before my speech."
He sighed deeply, his hand resting on her chair coming up to run through his hair. "Not weird, just different."
"Hmm," she said. She caught Ginny's eye, motioning to James or Draco, she couldn't tell. "Looks like Mama Potter wants James put down. Take a walk with me?" Draco nodded, pushing their plates toward the center of the table. He helped her scoot out of her chair before leading them to James room.
"Duke, stay," he commanded, watching the dog's ears flop dramatically. Malfoy rolled his eyes at her, before continuing the path inside.
The house was quiet, save for the distant sounds of the lunch party. Ron's unmistaken laughter followed them into the house and she hugged James' body closer to hers, shielding him from the noise. He wrapped his arms around her neck instinctively, while she cradled his bum. Malfoy took the first right and opened James' room, laughing softly at all of the stuffed Lions lining his tiny bed. Hermione watched as he methodically relocated each lion to the trunk at the end before pulling the covers back. Hermione slowly lowered him down, tucking him in with his favorite lion, Snapey. She kissed his forehead and watched as his breaths became more even. Looking to Malfoy, she saw his face soften as he too stared down at the sleeping boy.
"When did we get so old?" He whispered sadly. She smiled as she grabbed a baby monitor and turned on its match before closing his door softly.
"We've been old for a very very long time," she chuckled. "He'll be out for two hours at least," she grinned. Malfoy laughed as they headed back downstairs.
"Lucky him," he retorted. "The only other person I know who naps more than him is Duke."
"The two babies," she snickered. "Care for a walk?" He raised a brow at her and motioned towards the gardens beyond the patio. They walked in silence, each lost with their own thoughts. Hermione couldn't understand why she had even asked him to join her through her usual tour of the grounds, but his company was not unwelcome. He surveyed the area around them, casually glancing down at her smaller frame from time to time.
"So Granger. Care to talk work? Unless that is still against the rules?" he quipped. She snorted and shoved him lightly.
"I thought you'd never ask Malfoy," she said. "I take it you digested the book I lent you."
"Twice over," he replied proudly. They had entered the center of the gardens where a few benches were surrounded by large sunflowers. Hermione headed to her favorite bench, throwing herself down and gesturing to Draco to join her. His large legs stretched out across the path as he sat. He waved his wand in the air, casting the Unspeakable Muffliato.
"I thought as much. And?" Hermione asked inquisitively.
"It's bloody brilliant," he all but exclaimed. "It also highlights the lack of education we get in the wizarding world. Obviously our subjects are important, but we are missing a whole new perspective that complements medicine. It's frustrating."
"Now imagine being a muggleborn who was raised with the basics then having to switch straight into magic," she grumbled. "It was very difficult for me to reconcile them both. Only after my Hogwarts education was I able to readdress muggle subjects and be inspired to tackle something so impossible as lycanthropy. I think besides the difficulty, there has been a rather lax approach to curing it."
"Oh I don't doubt that," Malfoy sighed. "Potioneers stay wealthy off selling Wolfsbane. Families with an afflicted wizard suffers economically. It maintains a class system that is completely unacceptable."
"Exactly!" she exclaimed, jumping up in irritation. "It's fucking bullshit. Medicine should be available to everyone. Believe it or not, muggles are having this same problem. But I refuse to let it fester while I am Minister. All those poor children who were bitten during the war. It isn't right."
"So I take it you'd like to hear my theory of the disease?" He smirked.
"Yes," she said. "Then maybe I'll share mine."
"Fair enough," he said thoughtfully. "We know that is transmitted through venom, and the route of administration is key to infection. We saw with the oldest Weasley that a scratch from Greyback can cause some changes in behavior, but not full transformation." Hermione nodded, her mind flying every which way. "We know that those who were bitten, transformed. That means that the bite broke the skin and delivered the venom directly into the circulatory system."
"So far, so good," she encouraged, smiling wide. He smiled in return, and Hermione felt herself flush under his gaze.
"I think the venom contains something that changes the genetics of the infected witch or wizard."
"Yes!" She shouted. He was the perfect fit for this project. She couldn't contain her excitement at this point. Maybe, just maybe, they would crack this awful disease.
"So," he drawled, "we need to analyze the venom, connect it to the genetic disruption, and figure out how bloody magic causes the body to completely transform into this uncontrollable psychotic monster. As Weaselette would say, 'piece of cake'." Hermione laughed, nodding enthusiastically. She couldn't imagine what it would feel like when they finally cured it.
"That's it Malfoy." He laughed, stretching his legs before standing up besides her. He walked over to the sunflowers, plucking one and twirling it in his thumbs. Hermione was rooted, watching him this way. She had never seen him so open, or comfortable around her. He walked towards her slowly, grey eyes meeting her warm brown. She felt the air change around them, watching as he reached up and tucked her hair behind ear. He placed the sunflower there instead, smiling as he stepped back.
"I know I said it before, but I want to be clear Granger. I am so sorry about how I treated you back at Hogwarts. You didn't deserve it."
"And I told you, Malfoy, that all was forgotten," she replied softly. He shook his head, his blonde hair shifting in the breeze of the early afternoon.
"Teddy was right, I do think you are amazing," he blurted out, his cheeks flushing. "I can't thank you enough for not only hiring me, but also for letting me into your life..again."
"Everyone deserves second chances," she said.
"Everyone except Viktor Krum," Draco said smirking. Hermione gaped at him, causing him to laugh even further. "Don't look so surprised. Mattius caught me up on everything."
"Everything?" She asked annoyed.
Ignoring her, he said "as my last girlfriend so kindly pointed out 'anyone who dates Hermione Granger, and doesn't marry her is a fool.' It was the wisest thing that one ever said."
"I had the same conversation with said fool on Friday, actually," she sighed. "It's not as though there is a line outside the Ministry waiting to court me, which in itself sounds archaic and misogynistic."
"Is that so?" Malfoy laughed, sipping his red wine elegantly. "Well Granger, things change. I'm no expert at any relationships, hell, I've just made real friends in the last three years. But you're beautiful, you're kind... And well…you're you. Don't waste time on Krum if he can't commit to you. You're logical enough to see that's a waste."
Hermione had no idea who this man was, because clearly Draco Malfoy had been replaced. Or Imperiused. Or both. Where was this all coming from?
"Who are you and what have you done with Draco Malfoy, Prince of Slytherin, and pureblood extraordinaire," she said voicing her concern.
"That douche is long gone Hermione," he sighed. "I've changed with the times, and the times have changed me."
"How very philosophical of you," she said wryly.
"Maybe. But I meant what I said. I hope we can become better friends, despite you being my boss," he teased.
"And what if we can't? What happens then?" She asked confidently, though she wasn't too sure she wanted the answer. He turned towards her, fixing the sunflower in her hair and smiled. She inhaled a deep breath of his rich cologne mixed with the smell of the sun, the aroma wrapping her in a heavy blanket of warmth.
"Either we become enemies," he breathed, "or I send Viktor Krum a fruit basket for being the biggest fuckup of the century."
His grey eyes held no malice, and Hermione didn't know if she wanted to scream or jump his bones right there in the garden. She had felt wanted by a man before, but this was something different. The energy between them was tangible, it always has been. They had shared so much hatred. So much history. But could it ever become something more? Something so volatile could either be beautiful or utterly disastrous. She wasn't sure which she was more afraid of.
"I suppose anything can happen," she finally said. He nodded, satisfied, before extending his arm for her.
"I fear we may raise suspicion if we stay out here any longer. Lord knows what Weaselette thinks with hormones raging." Hermione laughed, tucking her arm into the crook of his elbow while carrying the baby monitor in the other.
"I'm sure you'll be required for a game of Quidditch."
"That too," he sighed. "Ready?"
"Lead the way."
I hope you all enjoyed! Looking forward to your reviews.