"February 18, 1979

My dearest child,

Today was the day that I realized that my life would be forever changed. Today is the day that I looked upon your mother, and saw the most beautiful glow and I just knew, deep within my heart…. I was to be a father. You mother has No idea, that much I am sure, but I know. I could feel the subtle shift in magic around her, as it churns to protect you. You will be forever my greatest achievement in life…. Don't tell your mother that… She believes that marrying her was my greatest achievement, but I believe her view will soon change. I cannot wait to see her face when she realizes….

Even as my joy mounts, I am afraid for you, to be born into a world with such sorrow…. I cannot tell a soul that you are coming into the world, not even my family. I cannot put your life, or that of your mother's at risk. She is on the opposite side of this farce of a war, you see, her family deep within the lines of darkness. Not because she believes in the darkness, but because of who her family is, who her father was…. Or her grandfather, I was never quite clear on that score.

My mother once told me stories of how she used to talk to us when we were in the womb, and how we so enjoyed the stories and pushed against her to let her know we were listening. She wanted us to learn from the very start, but I was always troubled that I could never remember the stories and how I wished I had. This is why I write to you my precious child, because I want you to know the stories, and know how much we loved you from the moment we realized you were to grace us with your presence. How I hope you have your mother's spirit, and my love of knowledge. I hope you know how much you are loved!

Sleep well my Beloved, we will see you soon,

Your very Happy Father!"

"February 17, 1979

He knows something! He won't tell me, but I will find out what it is that he thinks he knows. He will not walk around here with that air of superiority any longer…. Just wait until I find out!

Today has been such an odd day for me, things feel different. Perhaps I am getting sick, or there is a storm coming, I cannot tell. Perhaps it is just the stress of this war, watching him go and not knowing if he will return home to me. Seeing him every morning when I awake, it lightens my heart, but watching him go…. It near breaks it. There are such dark whispers, and my mother… she says the worst things. Deep down I know she wants me to be happy, but being on the side of darkness…. It gets to her. She can be cruel, not so much with actions, but with feeling…. I can feel the malice, the hatred seep off of her when she comes home from the meetings with the Nott's. Abraxas Malfoy was seemingly quite obnoxious at this last event, wanted my mother to present me to his son, as if that Peacock could hold the attention of a Selwyn…. I have my love, even if he is a bit arrogant…. Oooooh, he knows something, and I will not stop pestering him until he tells me….. "

"February 19, 1979

I spoke with mother today, she has told everyone that I have come down with a pox( really mother a pox?), this should keep the dark ones from requesting my presence. I shudder to think what they want from me, other than some sort of broodmare. Luckily for me, even though my mother doesn't approve of my husband overmuch, she knows that we are wed and there is nothing that she can say or do. My poor mother, this is all rather tough on her, I thought I almost lost her when one of them showed up on our doorstep. I could see him from where I was, tall and thin, he didn't look like something evil until he smiled. He was quite unassuming, and yet when he smiled at my mother… something evil crawled across my skin.

I shudder now just knowing that he knows where I am, mother told me to call Fabian. They are huddled now in a room together, and they put a silencing spell on the door…. What ever they are discussing it can't be good, Oh How I wish I knew what was happening. I am not some delicate flower, I am a witch…. Who am I kidding, I am as weak as a lamb lately, I have this strange illness…. Maybe mother is right, maybe I do have a pox…. Perhaps the healers at St Mungo's…. No I better not, it is safer for me to not go outside…. "

"February 19, 1979

For my most precious Child,

Now should be the time of rejoicing, for indulging in life's splendors and shouting my love for your mother to the world, but today is an ominous day. We had to ward the house, move it and set it much further back on the property than it was. We used many wards and charms to make the old house appear there, where it was, and guard the new one. Why you ask? Today a man stopped by your mother's house, a vile and evil man. Tom Riddle, his tale is one that not many know, but I am unlucky enough to be one of the few. Dumbledore, One of the Hogwarts Professors and Deputy Headmaster of Hogwarts has trusted a few souls in knowing some of his secrets. I am not sure why he has decided to trust me with something like this, but I am sure that there is no good to come of it…..

Tom Riddle was in school a few years before your mother and I, and he garnered quite a following of pureblood bullies as his lackies. Quite a silly thing considering he is not a pureblood. His mother was, and all those that came before him on his mother's side, but his father was a muggle, a rich muggle at that. I had to do a little fact finding for one of my missions and found some terrible things. I have always been rather good with memory charms, and i had the unfortunate task of collecting them for the order, he is the one you know. The baddest Wizard in recent times, he is the one bent on starting this fruitless war. He was born into a world unable to love, the result of being conceived while his father was under the influence of a love potion.

I tell you these things here my child, because they need to be said. Love can do many wonderful things and the lack of love can do some of the most aweful. There is panic, there is fear. Witches and Muggles alike are living in constant fear of a man who has changed his name! Only a few years ago did the rumors start to spread about a vile man bent on becoming powerful, the most powerful. Voldemort, he calls himself. He collected his followers and now their sons, calls them Death Eaters… Vile and vicious beasts. They kill without mercy, they spill the blood of innocent… This is the world you are coming into my child, one filled with so much fear. You are my light little one, you and your mother, as much as I want to be there to protect you… nothing is certain in this crazy world. I pray that by the time you come into the world, things will be a much better place. Hopefully we can stop this madman and restore rights, but I am unaware of how the pieces will fall…. Sleep tight my little one, I will be dreaming of a better future for you.

Your Loving Father"

"February 19, 1979

I know I have already written but, the most momentous thing has occurred at my home! The entire Order of the Phoenix was here in my house! Fabian brought them, and they actually put some sort of extension charm on the land and moved the house back from the road! "It's safer this way, we need to protect you, he knows where you live." Was all Fabian would say, I assume that they mean the man that had come to the door, but I don't know exactly who he is. So many wards were placed on the house, and now only a select few know where it is. No one will be able to apparate onto the grounds, we are now officially unplottable. Fabian moved our house closer to the family stone's, I don't believe that he knows that they are there but he did. He is outside right now, setting a few of his own ward stones, carving them by hand and infusing them with blood magic. It worries me that he is so scared for my safety, why now? We were just fine a few days ago, the protection we had on the house was adequate.

I got to meet Gideon today for the first time, they really do look like twins, my Fabian is far more handsome. I still have yet to meet Molly, the sister, but perhaps that is for the best since I am to be hidden away…. I know it is for the best, but I hate that I have to be some sort of secret. I do not even know if Gideon knows that I married his brother….. Or any of the order do for that matter. They all seemed so nice, and they hadn't said much to me when they were here…. I met the Potters, the McKinnons, the Bones and the Longbottoms, of course Dumbledore was there as well…. I just hate feeling so weak and useless…. I am not the pureblood bride my mother had hoped that I would grow to become, but still… I just feel like I am not enough of a witch these days…. "

"February 20, 1979

My mother knows something! She suspects something, I can see it behind these small smiles she gives me and that knowing look. Her and Fabian are getting along swimmingly, he stayed last night…. It was strange to be able to hold him all night, to know he was safe with me and not out there keeping an eye on things. My mother has been giving him glances…. GLANCES! Not so much as a by your leave to me, but to MY HUSBAND she is giving him Glances….

Infuriating, they both are…. The smiles and nods…. They are tip toeing around me like i am some piece of fine china…. I am a bloody witch! Not some overpriced china doll, it's insulting. I am normally not one for tantrums, but this feels awfully close to one. I can't seem to hold my emotions in check like the pureblood I am, my emotions are all over! Up and down… one moment I am crying, the next it's pure laughter…. Its stress right? That is the only thing it can be… "

"February 20, 1979

My little one,

I had to confide in your grandmother the gravity of the situation yesterday. She now knows that you will be joining us soon, and that is why so much magic was poured into keeping you safe. THe war is raging every day around us, we have lost so many, I could not live with myself if i lost you or your mother. It seems that you coming into our lives is both a blessing and a curse. We love you, but we could not bear to lose you. Being born into times such as these….

Some good did come out of yesterday's events, Alice and Frank longbottom came to help with the wards. I think Alice took a liking to your mother, perhaps now she will have a friend within the order, she has so very few friends these days. Being sequestered inside the house can be maddening. Alice has asked if she could drop by now and again to check on her, just to be there as another woman to talk to. Your grandmother and I are on speaking terms which is new, was never really supportive of me being her daughter's choice. Now we have an accord of sorts, it is driving your mother quite crazy. I Do believe she has yet to figure it out, but I am sure that is coming. She had been feeling ill, and I do not believe she has put all the pieces together. When she does, she will be over the moon. I have a few meetings today, Dumbledore has me speaking with Remus, Sirius, and James today. I think he may have a plan up his sleeve, or maybe perhaps more information gathering.

Sleep tight little one

Daddy loves you"

The Manor that sat here on this plot of land once held great balls and was the epitome of aristocracy. Today, however, it sat gloomy and dull. The once sparkling white walls were tarnished, just like it's owners. Dull pillars looked to be barely holding the weight of the house, almost as if the plight of the owners had taken life in the house, eating it away from the inside. Guilt can do that to a man, perhaps it can do that to a house? Unspeakable evil once roamed the halls, filling each crevasse with its venom. Each room had its own blight, its own black mark. The drawing room floor would never come clean, blood of an innocent lay there, a crater in the floor where a chandelier fell, and yet another innocent lost its life. The dining room, with it's large mahogany table, sits abandoned and brittle, as if the weight of those that had died in that very room sucked the soul out of the furniture.

The only bright spot, in the entire Manor, was the morning room. It once was a place where the woman of the house ran for shelter, seeking solace within its unmolested walls. This room, above all others, shined with renewal. Within its walls, old magicks had awoken the house. The once dead and barren walls held hope. Inside this room sat a couple, once child soldiers in a vicious war. At one time they sat on opposite sides, facing each other in a battle that was never really theirs to win. Like pawns on a chessboard, they faced off and neither one came out unscathed. At one time they were carefree youths, content to learn and enjoy life. As soldiers on both sides they each have their own wounds, both mental and physical.

The couple sat at a table that was worn, but in a good way. Years of use and love, not vile venom, had worn the table. A small platter of sandwiches and sweets sat in the center, alongside a rapidly cooling pot of tea. Unlike most couples, this couple was not of the ordinary variety. Magic flowed deep within their bones, down to the roots. Both of them capable of more than they currently knew, more than any drafty old school could teach them. The woman had just started to come into her power, she was just realizing her hidden potential. The Man, had locked his magicks away, terrified of what he could become. She could see however, that inside of that Man was something worth fighting for, something worth coaxing to the surface, even if he was to afraid to see it.

The trauma of the past was still too close to the surface, it may have been a few years since the ending of the war, but there were still some trepidation. He watched her out of the corner of his eye as she ate, noting how demure and soft she was. She was nothing like the pureblood women he had dealt with in the past. Soft and demure, quite unlike what she was in school, yet refined and intelligent. Her beauty was subtle, yet strinking. Unsure of what to do about his revelations he ate in silence. The magic flowed out of her in subtle waves he could feel. Much different than the evil tendrils of magic he once felt, yet they had a power all their own. Safe… the word flitted about inside his mind, he could feel safe with her, if he let himself.

Watching the emotions flicker behind his eyes, she wasn't unaware of how he watched her. Inside this room, she could feel life, she could feel hope, and she wanted him to feel it too. When revelations were made, she would never have guessed that she would be sitting here in this house ever again. Never could she have foreseen that she would want to be sitting here with him of all people, but here she was. Lost in all the new emotions she was feeling, she let her magic guide her. It took her to a place of peace, not physically, but mentally. The war was over, her side had won, but at what cost? So many had lay dead or dying on the battlefield, so much talent had died with them, so much potential. The seeds of renewal were dropped in the blood soaked earth, and it was time to nurture that. Deep down, she knew that things needed to change, what was going on around her now was very close to what was happening before the war, but now in reverse.

Emotion swirled in her heart, she knew that she needed to change things, starting with this man here. Theo had told her many things as they spoke, as he attempted to guide her into her heritage. Things did not click for her until she stepped foot onto her family grounds. The moment she touched the front door something inside of her unlocked. With each step she took into the once loved manor, dust flew away and memories swept in. She could see her mother, fair and raven hair, clinging to her father. She could feel the love, the fear…. She knew she was home. On instinct she went to the basement and saw her mother's working room. Candles littered the walls, book on top of book lay haphazard on the shelves, one lay open next to a small cauldron.

Handwritten notations were scrawled on the pages, eliciting a smile from her. Reverently she touched the pages and felt a jolt and something shift inside of her. Something on a high shelf caught her eye, she reached for it, and it floated into her hand. Wandless magic, something she was still trying to master. It was a box, slim, almost like a wand box from Ollivanders, but there was something more important to it. Inside the box was an Athame, one of old. The blade looked tarnished and worn, but it sang of magic and power. This was her family history, the way to tap into her family's magicks. Instead of touching the blade, she closed the lid and pulled the box close to her, she looked longingly at the mess her mother had made in her haste to leave, and without a second thought she waved her hand and the room righted itself.

By all rights, She should live in that Manor, surrounded by her family things, but she knew she was not ready to be a part of that life yet. The man sitting so close, and watching her even more closely was the key to helping her get there. When she set out to speak to Narcissa Malfoy, she had never dreamed of this, sitting here with this man, after a kiss like the one she had. Draco Malfoy was never someone she thought she would ever share a kiss with, yet here she was. Perhaps some would blame her new increase in status, but she knew better. Draco had no interest in roping in a pureblood witch, or he would have done so right after the war. No, he was lost, looking for someone to tether him down in the storm. Post war was difficult on everyone and he had lived closest to that evil, here in this house.

"Why have you locked yourself away in your ivory tower Draco?" She spoke softly at first, not wanting to break the gentle ease that surrounded them, yet she knew it must be done. Many hurdles faced both of them and they needed to face them, together.

"Hardly locked myself away…." He murmured, yet wouldn't look at her. "Things are different. I am not this epitome of aristocracy, my family now symbolizes how far times have fallen."

"Not true, your family still lies in the bosom of the ministry, I know that for certain. Your Father may have fallen from grace, but you and your mother were deciding factors. Never let it be said that your father's reflection cast doubt on you." Her hand sought his across the table. "You both have been through much, and you have locked yourself away in shame, in hiding. Let it go, all that anger and hate. You have grown into yourself Draco, you have become someone new. Let the renewal begin."

"Renewal? Of what? There is so much for me to atone for…"

"No, there is not. Forgiveness has been given. There is no more atonement. What you do now, is look to a brighter future, you use your past to shape your future." She finished her sandwich and stood. "Take me to the drawing room."

"No, you cannot… it… we cannot clean that room." He stiffened in his seat and stared up at her.

"If you do not take me there yourself, I will find it on my own. I want to show you something." She took his hand and motioned for him to stand. He made no motions to get up so she walked from the room. She let her magic guide him to the spot that had haunted her dreams. The pain was tangible in the air, her arm throbbed violently in remembrance. As she entered the room she heard the almost silent footfalls coming down the hall, Draco had decided to follow. Smiling she took a step into the room , letting her magic spiral out. Each step took her closer to the middle of the floor, once here she raised her arms and began to sing.

Draco watched her from the doorway, he had not been able to step foot into this room since that night, he was unable to breathe as he watched. Her music, whatever it was called to him, called to his magic. Unaware of what the song called for he closed his eyes and let it take him. The smell of sage and rosemary coated the air, a gentle breeze took flight. He felt her then, her hand on his shoulder and one on his palm, and then he was moving with her, his eyes still closed. They danced, rapidly to this new tune as her magic flowed through both of them, his magic reaching out with hers. This was a dance of healing, something he had only read about in dusty old books. His magic was being pulled out of him, not in a bad way, but strengthening and adding to hers. Each ebb and flow of the music pulsed with their magic until it stopped.

Grey eyes shot open to stare into tawny ones, they looked no where but, afraid that if he did…. "Look at what our magic can do." She whispered it to him, though he never saw her lips move, the words were spoken to his soul. His eyes slowly left hers and looked around, timid. His eyes widened as they really looked at what the magic had done. The room looked nothing like the drab, vile place of his nightmares. A place of weakness, he couldn't help the woman he had…. no , he was foolish, he had done nothing to help, yet now…. "Magic can heal or hurt, those that seek power only do so to harm, those that use their magic to heal have more power than they know." Her hand touched his face, soft and light and he felt that pull all over again.

This kiss was softer, sweeter, filled with promise. "You are amazing," he whispered against her lips after a moment. There was laughter in her eyes and she pulled him to her again.

"I do believe it was both of us that completed this task. Never say that I took all the credit Draco," She pushed his hair from his eyes and he smiled.

"This is your home, you can stay here…" Theo looked at the cobwebs on the ceiling and grimaced.

"I'm not ready yet Theo, there is so much more that I need to know, so much more that I need to do first. My home is not ready to have me." He smiled at him as she grabbed a book here and there, searching for something.

"It's a house Hermione. How is It not ready for you?" He leaned against the doorframe and watched her with a puzzled expression.

"Houses hold memories, just like people, just like a snitch. I am not ready to hold onto them, I am barely me anymore Theo…. It's hard to explain, but I just know I am not ready." She brushed her hair from her face and rounded on him. "I will need to really find my own flat…"

"You haven't told them have you?" He signed when she looked sheepish. "Molly weasley may not be the best woman to go to for pureblood ethics class, but she is family. I don't know how you could have kept that a bloody secret."

"It's complicated, and no I haven't told her. I can't exactly just go up to her and ask about my dad or my mum can I? She doesn't talk about her brothers, just like she doesn't talk about Fred. She bottles it all up, and I don't want to be the one to make her crack, she is under enough stress as it is with the wedding planning…. And I just need my own space."

"Tell you what, Granger, I got a small flat above my office you can use for now until you get your space. I won't bother you." He scratched the back of his head. "On one condition…."

"What's that?" She laughed as she walked up to him and brushed some dust off his shoulder.

"If you let me come ask you questions every now and a gain for a female perspective on things." He turned and walked with her to the door. "I am lacking in female acquaintances…. And I need assistance in that area."

"Goodness Theo, you need a female friend to ask questions to about women? I think I can handle that….. How about I do you one better? I have lunch with a few friends once a week, how about you join us?" She patted him on the arm as he paled.

"What?" He almost squawked. "I don't think…"

"Good, don't think, you are over thinking. Come to lunch with us, they aren't all women, I assure you. And no, Harry and Ron are not invited. Relax," she laughed as he nodded.

When hate and fear take hold of a home, it is hard for the inhabitants to stay positive. Narcissa Malfoy had always prided herself on her ability to put on a mask, a brave face,, for all that that knew her. Being shunned in public was new, but she still put on that face every day. When she was home, however, things had changed dramatically, that poised exterior crumbled….. More often than not she spent time alone in her bedroom. Not the one she had once shared with her husband, but one of her own choosing. Here in her bedroom she had cried many a silent tear, for the love she had so foolishly let blind her and followed in the footsteps of a madman. Cried for the loss of a life for her son, her only real reason for living anymore. The name she had so revered as a girl was nothing but shambles, and so was her life. She had to stay strong for her son, he was the only star in the sky.

Love, she had loved her husband, and for all his faults she still did. Her son knew of her love, but he had never felt the true warmth of it, she had tried to be less like her own mother with him, but Lucius was ever his father's son and did not show him the affection that he had deserved. Draco had grown to be a pureblood Prince, just as Abraxas Malfoy had taught Lucius. Never in a million years did she ever think that she would feel that it was wrong to treat a child that way, to have him grow up with such visions of himself. Draco was always a smart boy, loyal to his mother, and a point of pride and honor for his any good pureblood son. A strong and capable man, able to take control of family affairs once he was married off to a witch of caliber and excellent breeding.

All of the years of schooling, she had kept a close eye on her son, watching him grow. Seeing who he chose to mingle with was always a good thing for a mother to be on top of. The Parkinson girl had given her indigestion, not so much her as her mother. Posy was counting galleons in a bride's price…. It was good thing Draco never saw more to her. Crabbe and Goyle were and interesting pair, not the brightest of the bunch but still, they were loyal to him. She wanted him to have real friends and not just lackies, when he showed interest in Nott she knew he was more than a lackey, he would be an intellectual equal, a friend. That fourth year of school, something had changed with Draco, he was more withdrawn, even with all the excitement going on at the school and his father's scheming… there was something off about that year.

When she and Lucius had visited the school for that barbaric tournament, she had seen it. Draco had found an interest in a girl of extreme intelligence. Hermione Granger was the epitome of what Lucius had called vile and beneath the rest of the wizarding world. She was a muggle born witch, but she was the brightest in her year, outshining every pureblood. Draco had told her tales of her exploits, veiled under speaking about Mr Potter, and she had seen the look of panic on his face when he realized that she was submerged under the lake for Viktor Krum to find. It was in that moment that she knew that her son's heart had been lost.

That was a mess, her husband would never have been able to see past the girl's blood status. Such a petty thing to consider, especially now that the war is over. So many great witches and wizards who were not pure of blood had lost life or limb in this fruitless war. Walburga Black was rolling in her grave knowing her daughter no longer considered blood purity an issue. Her mother had driven the family apart and into an insane spiral with all her preaching. Look at what good that did! Andromeda was alone, suffering the losses of her Husband, daughter, and son in law. Bellatrix had devoted herself to the dark lord and tortured so many innocents, including the woman sitting in downstairs.

Seeing Hermione in all her understated glory this morning was a shock, especially seeing that she even spoke to her. Why a war heroine was speaking to a Malfoy was beyond her, quite. Watching Hermione's interactions with Draco, however, was something amazing to watch. It is clear that the woman had at least an inkling of an idea about how her son felt. The shell of a man that wandered these halls and shut himself off from the world needed this spark of happiness in his life.

Smiling she picked up a frame off of the desk where she was sitting. Draco, all of 6, smiling back at her from atop his broom. Moments like this one she missed, the carefree joy he had…. All of it was stripped away, if not by his father, than by the war itself. Almost all hope was gone from the family that there would be an heir to the Malfoy name, Lucius was sure. Damn him. Draco deserved happiness, and she would see to it that he got it, Hermione was a step in the right direction, and perhaps some friends needed to become more regular in his life.

Narcissa felt the ripple of magic, it almost felt like her home took a breath of fresh air. She returned to the room where she had left Hermione and Draco to find nothing but an empty room. A peel of laughter sounded down the hall and she moved in small timid steps to the room she never wanted to enter again. The door stood open, but the murmur of voices drew her to the doorway. Hermione and Draco were dancing around the room, smiling and laughing. She inhaled sharply at the state of the room, nothing about it was as she had left it. The walls were rich with color, the floors sparkled and the chandelier was back in its place looking no worse for wear. Death and destruction no longer hung in the air, she could feel joy and happiness.

Hermione noticed her first, her eyes darting this way and that to see the room. She spun once and Draco saw his mother standing there, watching them."Mother?" He asked, not stopping the dance.

"How is this possible? We were never able to…."She took a step into the room and really looked hard at the walls.

"Magic heals Narcissa," Hermione laughed and twirled once again. "Not just magic though, love, forgiveness…. All those things that are so easily given and taken advantage of, they all heal. Open yourself to your Magic, let it guide you." She linked elbows with both Narcissa and Draco and walked back to the first room. "This is the time for renewal, take advantage. With one healed wound, the others will follow."

"You have power beyond compare."

"I don't believe that is true, i believe that i have found my potential to heal, to make a difference and it is something that I will do. My blood status may have changed, but my heart is still the same. I want to be the best I can be, not for power or fame, but to help those less fortunate than me. I might make a request of your vast knowledge of charity functions in the future, if you don't mind?" She looked pointedly at Narcissa, and then , at her nod, turned to Draco. "Might I borrow you for a few hours?"

"As you wish," he smiled at her and nodded to his mother.

"I shall owl you about lessons if that is alright?" Hermione hugged Narcissa, and at first the older witch was shocked. However, after a moment, she returned the hug and proceeded with an air kiss above each cheek.

"I am not sure what i can honestly teach you, my dear. I will endeavor to do my best. I await your owl," she smiled at Hermione and patted Draco's shoulder. "Have a good time."

"June 01, 1979

My Dearest Daughter,

Today marks the beginning of my sixth month of pregnancy, in three short months you will be joining us here at home. Your father has been going a little crazy trying to decide what colors to paint your room and what nursery set you need. We had been putting it off, determining whether you were to be a boy or a girl, but we decided to do the spell after all of your father's worrying over color. (I still say Green is the way to go, nice, light, and earthy. Your father says red, typical Gryffindor) We were overjoyed when the healer said you were to be a little girl, (we would love you no less if you were a boy I assure you) to be honest, your father turned quite green. He loves his sister to pieces, but I am not sure he quite knows what to do with a little girl, but I am sure you can change that.

I wrote last time of our secrets, of the wedding and how we are in hiding of sorts. This war has plagued us all. I speak of these things, not to remind you of how awful things were, but to explain things in the present, because of uncertainty of what is to come. My family seems quite sure that we are safe and free of the plights of war, but I am not so convinced. Your father is working with the Order,and my allegiance is to him first and foremost. The Selwyn clan has been in the pureblood aristocracy for as long as any of us can remember, My mother being a close relative of the Gaunts.

Speaking of your grandmother, she scowls at me from her balcony as I write these little letters to you. She doesn't understand why I do this, why I married your father. She doesn't acknowledge him, perhaps for the best, but she cannot see what we have. Your father and I met, and once were rivals at school, we both excelled in our own respective classes and were in different Hogwarts Houses, yet there was something there between us. Something that through all the taunting and rivalries, pulled us together. Love, my dearest daughter, what we have is love. Your grandmother, and many of the aristocracy, marry for convenience, and no more. To strengthen family ties. I do not want this for you, my love, for you are a child of a marriage of love.

I know it is too soon to be writing these things, but you need to know that in words, how much you mean to both your father and I. One day, many people may say that we kept our marriage and you a secret because of shame, never think that. Right now, our priority is keeping you safe, and allowing you to come into this world and grow to be a beautiful and powerful witch. When the time is right, I will take you into my garden and show you our stones, I will teach you all about magicks, about herbology, and my favorite Potions. Your father is quite good at Defensive spells and Transfiguration, so he can show you these, I need to leave him something to show you, don't I?

I really do love that man. I cannot wait for you to come home to us little one…. You continue to grow and when you are older you can read these words and know how silly your mother and father are. We love you, very much, our dearest daughter. Never forget.

XOXO

Your Mother. "

"June 01, 1979

Hello My Gryffindor Princess!

Today we officially found out that you are to be a girl! A Girl! I'm not quite sure what to do with a girl, I had planned on taking you out to the lake and learn Herbology, and laying on a blanket under the stars learning astronomy, but… who am I kidding, Any Daughter of mine can learn all those things and more. Your grandmother would have you in training to be a proper pureblood princess, but that is not how we Prewetts work love, we like to learn about things, not silly customs. You, my princess, can do whatever you set your mind to!

That might sound silly, and I am sure than any parent would tell their child this, but you princess, you are so much more than I could have ever hoped for. You and your mother both. Your mind can only take you so far, your magic, that is what takes you places. Never forget, your magic is your guide. If you work with it, never against it, you can achieve so much! Love, princess, love and magic is all you need. Not to say that hard work isn't important, because it is, most assuredly. Magic can't do it all, but it can do so, so very much. Magic is how I met your mother, not just because we are witches and wizards though, but true magic. Magic that is taught at school is only the first few chapters of a book, the rest of the adventure is about magic that cannot be taught, you just KNOW.

The feelinging you get when you run through a field, and you can feel nature all around you. When you stare up at the stars and feel the tingles knowing you are a small part in a big picture, that kind of magic can't be taught. Let that magic flow through you, every moment, once you let that magic breathe inside you, you can do so much. It was this magic that brought me to your mother, I can see it, just like it was yesterday. I knew her of course, from school. We were top students, but one day I was sitting by the lake, just breathing in the magic, and i felt Something tug at the magic. Not in a bad way, but all of a sudden it was there, and I looked up and I saw your mother sitting on the across the lake from me, sitting atop a boulder. Never once looked up from what she was doing, I still to this day don't know what it was, the little imp won't tell me, but she was there. Long dark hair being tossed by the breeze, she was like something from a vision, Fjörgyn personified. Her magic called to something inside me.

One day you will meet someone whose magic will touch yours, and you will know, just as I did. You will feel that pull, that something and you will know. It better not be for a long time, my princess, because they will have to prove themselves to me. I will not just hand over my princess to anyone. You will see what love is, my princess, you will see your mother and I, you will see your Aunt and Uncle and how much love can give you. You will feel how much we love you and we will help you nurture your magic. For that, my beloved, is what family does.

For now, you stay safe and sound, you grow and we will see you soon. Good night my princess,

Your Father"

Selwyn Estate sat back from the road aways, enough to hide it from prying eyes, and enough enchantments to make it unplottable for anyone who hadn't already been there or who knew its exact location. The outside of the house hadn't changed at all since the beginning of the First Wizarding war, and quite frankly it never would. The entire estate buzzed with life, a tangible electricity that you could reach out and feel. When Hermione first stepped on the earth here, she couldn't feel it, not until she touched the doorknob. With that small motion, the ground awoke, and all the life that once lived there, sprang forth. Renewal indeed.

The gardens that were once overflowing and untamed seemed to have snapped themselves back into shape. A greenhouse sat to one side that once had cracked glass and rusty doors, now pristine. The once stagnant fountain now teemed with life, small fish swam merrily and a lilly pad or two floated on the surface. Magic was back in the gardens, night is when you could see it best, the gardens glowed. The magic didn't stop at the gardens, the house itself seemed to vibrate with energy.

The beautiful stone Facade is what struck Draco most when he saw the house for the first time. The building itself seemed to resemble a castle, the rock seemed to glisten in the sunlight. "My father wrote about this place as if it were a living castle. He considered my grandmother to be somewhat of a Dragon, and he had to rescue my mother from her clutches." Hermione laughed and pulled him closer to the door. " For all the comparisons to something medieval, my father did love it here. He was part of the order and spent quite a bit of his time at headquarters, but when he wasn't there, he was here." She took Draco's hand and had him touch the door knob. Something crackled up Draco's arm and he looked quickly at the door. "Claimed that the house itself was built with ancient magic, so that it was alive."

Draco gulped and turned the knob, and the door opened, he missed Hermione's pleased smile. The first step into the darkened room was an odd one, Draco felt a little disoriented. It felt as though there were a thousand eyes upon him, searching deep into his soul for something…. Just as soon as it was there stealing his breath it was gone. "You have been judged by the house of Selwyn and have come out unscathed. You are a good match for me, my father wouldn't have let you step any further if he found you lacking you know. " He turned sharply to her a she stood beside him. "He charmed the entrances, all doors, windows, and tunnels,to make sure his wife and daughter were protected."

Grabbing his hand, she led him up the stairs and into what used to be her nursery. "At first my father wanted a boy, someone who could protect my mother should he fail his missions, but then they found out I was to be a girl and everything changed." She saw him look about the room, a rich mossy green color covered the top half of the walls, the bottom half was a rich loam color. A large tree was painted onto one wall, and its branches seemed to make up the chair rail about the room. The crib also looked like tree branches, and the mobile was made of stars and leaves. "He wanted me to be bright, and to use my magic to guide me. I have been reading a lot of what they left me. When I first came here, everything was covered in dust, but now… the house is alive. Each time I come I find a new thing to explore, a diary or a note, or even a book here and there that someone left for only me."

"Why are you not living here then?" He asked as he touched the wood of the crib. He looked about the nursery and noticed that everything here was done by hand, magic woven in, but done by hand. "Your father was quite a craftsman."

"I am not ready to live here, and the house is not ready for me yet." She laughed at his expression. "Theo made the same face…. There is more magic here than I can handle just now, and perhaps I can't be here alone just yet for any length of time. The memories… they come in waves, both good and bad." She touched a small stuffed dragon sitting on a toy chest. "I used to be a girl living among two worlds, and now I live among three…. It's difficult sometimes to try and realize that the people I had thought of as my parents for so long were not the ones who birthed me. To feel these feelings and read the words of my biological family is…. It's hard to do alone."

"You are not alone. Not anymore… You have me Hermione." He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her head into his chest. "You have me…."

Here in this moment, away from prying eyes, away from the rest of the world, there was peace for a little while. Hermione may have needed more time before she could move into a home that was as foreign to her as her departed parents, but she had this man. This broken man in front of her, and she had every intention of helping him build himself back up and into the man she knew was under the surface. He needed guidance, he needed her, just as much as she needed him. Draco offered freely, which is more than he had in school, he was already making changes and steps into the right direction. Happiness seemed… achievable.

Renewal, it was a word that thrummed in the back of Hermione's mind and she passed it on to all those that she touched. Such a small word meaning so much, promise, hope, redemption.. All of these words fell under the blanket of renewal. In a world that was ravaged by war and hate, what better to hope for than a clean slate and a fresh start. Despite all the plotting minds, and unseen evils of the world, each chance at renewal brightened the future for everyone involved.