Hey Guys! I'm so sorry It's been so long. Here is the next chapter! I apologize for any mistakes.
Please leave a review.
Take Care!
December 16, 1998 (continued…)
"What should we do?" Hermione asked, beginning to pace in the small space of the bloke's loo on the Hogwarts Express.
Draco sighed, "We ought to talk to Potter. He was there when we got the box from the bridge, and he knows more than any of the others." He said, though his eyes remained on the letter, "We're going to need as much help as we can get."
She could feel that he had doubts though what they consisted of, she had no clue.
"Draco…" She said, her voice getting his attention.
He met her concerned eyes and sighed, "I just…I don't trust Astoria with your life. I trust her to not want me to be killed but she doesn't care about you…so…"
"What if it's a set up?" Hermione asked, finishing his thoughts for him. He nodded and she swallowed, "Let's get out of here and go get Harry."
He sighed and pocketed the letter before opening the door. They walked down to their compartment where Hermione stuck her head in, asking Harry to come with her.
The trio found an empty compartment and went inside, placing a silencing charm on the space and obscuring the glass of the door.
Harry sat down on one side of the compartment while Draco sat on the other. Hermione, however, paced back and forth in the compact space.
"What's going on, Malfoy?" Harry asked, seeing that Hermione was clearly not up to talking just yet.
Draco pulled the letter out of his pocket and handed it to the other wizard. "Astoria Greengrass dug this out of her sister's bin." He said as Harry began to read it.
Draco reached out and grabbed Hermione's hand, pulling her down next to him. He gently rubbed his thumb across her knuckles and met her eyes, "I don't know what this is yet, but I will figure it out. We will figure it out. Please just take a deep breath, love."
Hermione nodded and inhaled deeply, before looking at Harry, waiting for him finish.
The darkhaired wizard shook his head, "This isn't good at all. What can I do to help?"
Hermione looked at Draco, who nodded, sensing that she wanted to tell Harry more information.
"You remember the box at the bridge?" she asked.
"Of course. You figured it had that wand in it." He replied.
Hermione nodded, "We finally got the box open."
"Well, was it in there?" Harry asked.
She nodded, "Yes, along with a few other items."
"Have you used it yet?" Harry asked.
"No, why?"
"Well, you had said that it was your family's. So perhaps it'll recognize you and strengthen your magic."
Draco nodded, "He makes a valid point." He muttered to his girlfriend as she thought back over the prophecy and it's mentions of the wand.
"Okay, when we arrive at the Manor, I'll perform a couple charms outside to see how it works for me." She said.
"I think…" Harry began before pausing.
"What?" Hermione asked.
"I think the Weasleys, and I should remain close to you lot during the holiday break. Do you think your mother would mind more guests for the holidays?" He asked turning to Draco.
"She'll love it." Draco replied.
"Here's an idea." Harry said, "Let's all go to the Burrow from the platform. Hermione can perform the charms on the pitch, and we can get Molly and Arthur to come with us to the Manor."
Draco nodded, "Sounds good."
They rejoined the others for lunch and informed them of their stop at the Burrow before the Manor.
A few hours after lunch, Hermione had fallen asleep with her head resting against Draco's shoulder while he read a book Neville had lent him. He tried to ignore Blaise and Cordelia quietly chatting and laughing in the far corner of the compartment but found it to be impossible. He was still upset with the both of them.
He felt the MAC in his pocket began to vibrate and pulled it out.
Draco, are you bringing an assistant with you tomorrow? McNairy might not be able to help so we could really use another pair of hands. – Rocco
Sighing, he looked on the other side of Hermione and saw Harry, "Potter." He hissed.
Harry turned his head with a raised brow.
"I need to step out." Draco whispered, "May I move her to your shoulder?"
Harry nodded, feeling a bit of pride that Draco trusted him so much as the blond wizard gently pushed Hermione to her right, so that she was leaning against Harry.
As he stepped out of the compartment, he let out a breath. Rocco sending him that note did not help his issues with Blaise. He knew that he needed Blaise's assistance with the potion for Hermione's family, but he was still so furious with his 'best friend'.
Making his way down the train aisle, Draco entered the same empty compartment he had been in with Hermione and Harry previously. He shut the door and looked out the window as the world practically flew by.
He swallowed, wishing he could get some fresh air.
When he heard the door behind him open, he spun on his heal, while drawing his wand, aiming it at the intruder's throat.
Blaise swallowed but didn't act fearful or mad as he muttered, "Well, I suppose it was coming to this."
Draco clenched his jaw, not moving or lowering his wand for a moment. Blaise stood still, arms remaining at his sides, the tip of Draco's wand just inches from his Adam's apple. Draco inhaled deeply before sighing and lowering his wand, putting it back in the worn wrist holster.
Blaise nodded as he said, "We ought to talk, Draco."
Nodding, the blond wizard sat down beside the window.
"Is it all right if I talk and you just listen for a moment?" Blaise asked, needing to get it all out before Draco started shouting at him again.
Draco nodded silently.
Blaise swallowed, nodding, "Okay. The truth of it all is that I wasn't completely honest with you. And originally, I was going to come in here and say that at least I never flat out lied to you, but that's just a coward's excuse, and I'm no coward." He said before clearing his throat and continuing, "Cordelia and I had been discussing sleeping together for a while. We both wanted it to be the night of the Ball, but we didn't want to hurt you." He sighed, "Then it got complicated. Her dorm mate kicked her and the others out, leaving her nowhere to sleep. I told her she could stay in our dorm. She was going to sleep in your bed, I swear." He said truthfully.
"We spent time talking and bumming around and snogging, as expected, but then it got heated and one thing led to another, and we shagged. Draco, no, I'm not in love with her, but mate, I could see myself falling in love with her. She's smart and witty. She's got a great heart and she cares deeply for education. She wants to be a bloody Charms professor someday." Blaise stopped talking for a moment, having nearly said it all in one breath. "I could easily fall in love with her, but mate, you're my brother. Yea, I have three blood brothers, but you are my brother by choice. And while I could love Cordelia someday…I already love you. I'm not willing to let our friendship…our brotherhood go for a girl, even if that girl is Cordelia." He said though Draco heard his pained tone that he attempted to hide under the sincerity of his statement.
Draco sighed, thinking over the other wizard's words before he nodded. "Fine." He said before adding, "Just treat her right and don't bloody lie to me anymore."
"I swear I'll treat her right and no more lies." Blaise shook his head.
Draco sighed, "I love you too, mate. You're my brother." He said before sighing, "And as my brother, I really need your help."
Blaise nodded, "Okay, what are we doing?" he said without a second thought.
Draco went on to explain everything, in detail. He needed Blaise to understand the risk and importance of it all as well as everything that was depending on the potion's success.
Blaise nodded when Draco was through, "All right. So tomorrow morning, then?"
Draco nodded, "First thing in the morning; we have to be there by six."
"We've got this." Blaise grinned.
Draco nodded and replied to Rocco before they rejoined their friends.
It was nearly six in the evening when the Hogwarts Express arrived at King's Cross Station. The group grabbed their luggage and exited the train.
Draco, Hermione, Harry, and Blaise all held their wands securely in their hands while attempting to appear casual as they made their way through the crowd. Hermione kept her beaded bag in her tight grasp, shuffling thorough the tight quarters, looking for somewhere they could all speak to each other.
"Let's go over there." Ron said, seeing a clear space.
The group moved to the far side of the platform and set their bags down before Luna spoke up, "So, I'll be at my house for Christmas if any of you need to reach me. But I will see you all for Theo's New Year's Eve bash at his family's castle."
They nodded and hugged her and Theo goodbye.
Luna planned to introduce Theo to her father before the sandy-haired wizard made his way to his own home to spend Christmas with his brother. The couple bid everyone farewell and apparated to Luna's home.
Neville and Hannah hugged the others and waved as they left to go spend Christmas with Neville's parents and grandmother since Hannah had lost her family in the war.
Draco kept an eye out for Wolfe. His necklace had alerted him that Wolfe, or someone was near, but he had yet to see anyone. That was until he finally spotted the raven-haired, dark-eyed wizard on the far end of the platform with Daphne, Astoria, and Goyle. Wolfe smirked in their direction but otherwise paid them no mind.
"All right. Let's get to the Burrow." Harry said, seeing the same thing, "I'll take us."
Everyone linked hands after grabbing their luggage and Harry apparated them to the Burrow.
Molly and Arthur were quick to come running out since the wards had gone off due to Cordelia's presence.
Molly's eyes widened at the larger group than she had expected. She beamed, "Hello dears! What's going on?"
Harry and Draco filled her in while Hermione scanned through the journal that belonged to her great grandfather and grandfather for any instructions or even suggestions on using the Celestial Wand.
She found only two small notes, in Rodrick's handwriting, jotted down in the corner of a page as if they didn't matter. While the first note was a bit vague, the second one truly confused her.
Celestial Wand
*It teaches the caster about themselves; things they never knew
*Key: vault 953
She felt Draco's hand on her lower back.
"Look at this." She said, pointing at the note.
He read it and furrowed his brow, "You think…Gringotts?" He asked quietly.
Hermione shook her head with a shrug. "I suppose." She sighed, "Let's do this and get to the Manor."
He inhaled and nodded toward the orchard.
Blaise, Cordelia, and Harry went with them to the Orchard while the others went into the Burrow to get out of the cold.
Draco cast a warming charm on all of them as they walked. When they arrived on the pitch in the middle of the orchard, Hermione reached into her beaded bag and pulled out the other, small bag that contained everything from the box except the container of claws and teeth which Dario had taken to St. Mungo's.
She pulled out the brown leather, cylinder container and opened it, immediately feeling the magic emanating from the beautifully understated wand.
She looked at Draco with nervous, honey brown eyes. He looked at her with a small, warm smile on his lips, helping to ease her anxiety.
She licked her lips and pulled the wand from the cylinder. The image of King Arthur Pendragon pulling the sword that had been stuck in the stone flashed in her mind and she nearly rolled her eyes at herself.
She felt the magic rush threw her as if it were the missing piece of the puzzle that was Hermione Jean Granger. She knew she was wielding great power in that moment. She suddenly felt magically whole and looked at Draco.
His eyes widened as he looked at her.
"What?" She asked, confused by his expression.
Harry, who was standing beside Draco, cleared his throat, "Your erm…your eyes…"
Draco stepped closer, looking into her eyes. Golden flakes were splattered within her irises. Her eyes remained honey brown but suddenly appeared to have a golden galaxy within their midst.
"What about them?" She asked, nervously.
Cordelia pulled a mirror out of her purse and handed it to Hermione.
Hermione's galaxy eyes widened, "Why?" she asked, not upset, simply confused.
Draco shook his head, unsure.
"Mione, cast a spell." Harry said.
Hermione had never in her life had a blank mind until that moment. "What spell?"
Harry shrugged and Draco spoke up, "Patronus. Cast your Patronus, love."
She nodded, knowing she could that. She stepped more towards the center of the pitch, raising her wand and in a strong, steady voice she bellowed, "Expecto Patronum!"
As expected, a wisp of silver flew out the tip of the wand but there was no sign of her usual sweet otter. Instead, there was a fierce-looking lion running around the pitch before slowly fading away as she lowered the wand.
Draco stood still, in as much confusion and shock as Hermione and the others. He cleared his throat and walked over to her. When she looked at him, it took him a moment to get used to her eyes, but he still smiled instantly.
"That was…"
"A lion!" She exclaimed before he could finish.
Draco nodded, "Yes, it was. But love, that was a marvelous Patronus."
Hermione sighed, "Thank you. Now why the bloody hell is my Patronus different?"
Harry furrowed his brow, "Are lions important to your family?" he asked.
She nodded, "Very."
"Well, it must be a good sign then." Blaise remarked.
"That note did mention that the wand teaches the caster things about themselves that they never knew." Draco said.
Molly and Arthur, along with the rest of the group, joined them on the pitch. The others began to talk, leaving Draco and Hermione to themselves for a moment.
Hermione cleared her throat and looked at Draco. "So, you think it's a good thing?"
He nodded, "Dumbledore did say that the wand holds no dark magic, so it can't be bad."
She nodded and looked at him again. He finally met her eyes and smiled before looking down at his feet.
"What? Are my eyes that bad?" She asked nervously.
He furrowed his brow, "Hermione, you are by far the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. These eyes or the original…it doesn't matter. I love you for who you are, not for what your eyes look like."
She smiled and leaned into him, causing him to naturally wrap his arms around her.
"We ought to get to the Manor." Draco said, "I'm sure that you're eager to see your parents."
She pulled back slightly and met his eyes, "I am. Just so you know…I love you dearly."
He smiled and leaned down, kissing her lips softly before muttering against them, "I love you too."
She nodded, smiling and they walked over to the group. After everyone gathered their belongings, they linked hands before Draco apparated them to the south terrace of the Malfoy Manor.
Draco took Hermione's luggage from her in a gentlemanly manner and led the way into the Manor.
Blaise noticed how nervous Cordelia appeared and squeezed her hand, "It'll be fine." He whispered as Pippy popped into view.
"Mister Draco and Miss Hermione! Welcome Home!" She said eagerly, causing Hermione to blush a bit at the implication that the Manor was also her home. "Let Pippy take the luggage to the bedrooms so that you all may join Mistress and Mister Cato in the library."
"Where are the Grangers?" Draco asked.
"Mister and Mistress Granger went up to rest about two hours ago." Pippy replied.
Draco nodded and looked at Hermione.
She was concerned but she licked her lips and nodded, "Lets just speak with your mother first, then."
"May Pippy ask where everyone shall be sleeping?" Pippy asked Draco.
Draco nodded and glanced at Hermione before replying, "Put Molly and Arthur in the same hallway as the Grangers. Make sure they have a nice room though, if you would, please Pippy. As for the rest of us…though I hate to say it…put everyone in separate rooms just make sure all of us are in the same hallway as my bedroom."
Pippy nodded, "Yes sir." When she disappeared with a 'pop', so did all of their luggage.
The group made their way to the library where they found Narcissa chatting with Cato, her boyfriend.
"There you are! We were beginning to worry." Narcissa said, standing up to hug Draco and Hermione.
Draco nodded to Cordelia while Hermione and Narcissa spoke. Cordelia inhaled nervously and stepped up next to him.
"Mother." He said after Hermione's conversation ended.
Narcissa looked at Draco and caught sight of the beautiful blond girl with unmistakable Malfoy features but blue eyes.
"Mother, this is Cordelia. Cordelia, this is my mother, Narcissa." Draco said.
The two women smiled at each other and shook hands.
Cordelia's eyes were a bit watery and Narcissa frowned, "What's the matter, dear?" She asked, reaching out to touch the half-Veela's arm in a gentle, caring manner.
Cordelia shook her head, "It's just…I just feel awful for even existing, especially when I see how genuinely nice you are. I'm so sorry that…well, I'm sorry."
Narcissa shook her head and smiled at the girl, "Sweet girl, listen to me. Throughout my entire life, I have never been as happy as I am now. Finding out that Lucius did that was what forced me fully see who I had married. But I'm not at all upset that you exist, dear. My son has a younger sister. I always wanted more children and I wanted him to have siblings, but it just never happened. At least now he has a sister."
Cordelia smiled and nodded as the doors to the library opened and the Grangers walked in.
Hermione beamed and ran over, hugging her mother tightly before hugging her father. When she pulled back, she furrowed her brow and looked at her father oddly, "Are you okay, Dad?" she asked.
"I'm doing well, darling." He said with a smile that didn't quite meet his eyes.
She nodded but didn't believe him, "How are you two feeling?" she asked.
"We're feeling just fine, darling." Hayden smiled.
Hermione nodded, smiling, "Okay good." She turned to Draco, hoping he could sense her emotions, but he was too busy talking to Narcissa.
"What are you talking about?" Draco asked his mother quietly.
Narcissa furrowed her brow, "Well, Minerva sent me a portrait of Dumbledore about a month ago. It came with a note from her stating that Dumbledore wished to speak with me."
"Ans you're sure it was from her?"
"Well, it was her owl, along with two others. The note was on her stationery and had her signature." Narcissa answered, confused.
Draco furrowed his brow, "And you talk to him? About what?"
"Well, truthfully, at first, we talked a lot about you and Hermione but then he said that he needed to speak with Hayden about some Granger family matters. He and Hayden speak everyday now."
Draco furrowed his brow, "Where is this portrait?" He asked.
"It's in Lucius's old study."
Draco nodded and looked over at Hermione, catching her eyes for a split second. In that split second, he knew something was terribly wrong and Hermione needed an excuse to get out of there.
"Well, I hate to make this short, but we've all had a long day." Draco said, "And I know how tired we all are. We can visit more in the morning."
Jean hugged her daughter tightly, "Goodnight, Minnie. Sleep well." She said before walking over to talk to Molly.
Hayden pulled his daughter into a hug and said, "Goodnight, Hermione, darling. We'll see you in the morning." He said.
Hermione nodded and bid them all goodnight before rushing out of the room with Draco.
Hermione practically ran to Draco's bedroom with Draco and the others right behind, even though they were all rather confused.
When they got to Draco's room Hermione began to pace back and forth.
Blaise and Cordelia went and sat by the fireplace where Blaise lit a fire to warm the room up. Harry and Ginny stayed by the door while Ron and Pansy sat on the sofa across from Blaise and Cordelia.
Draco walked over to Hermione, ignoring the presence of their friends.
"Hermione?" He said calmly.
She turned with worried eyes that were still speckled with golden flakes.
"Draco, I swear to you…that man down there is not my father."
The blond wizard furrowed his brow, "Okay. How's that?" he asked, confused but, knowing Hermione well. He knew better than to doubt her.
"He never called me Minnie." She said, feeling like an idiot.
Draco's expression however eased her worry about possibly overreacting, "What did he call you?" he asked, tilting his head in concern.
"Darling." She replied, "He's never called me that a day in my life."
Draco nodded and looked around at their friends. It was time to fill them all in.
"What about Luna, Theo, Neville, and Hannah?" She asked, having sensed his thought.
He sighed and turned to Blaise, "Get Theo here." He said, "Discreetly. And get him to bring Lovegood. Once again, I emphasize the word discreetly."
Blaise nodded and kissed Cordelia on the cheek before leaving the room.
"What about Neville? Hermione asked.
"It's his first Christmas with his parents at home. I'd rather not take that away from him." Draco replied.
The brunette witch nodded.
"Can you fill us in a bit more?" Pansy asked.
Hermione nodded and made sure there was a silencing charm set up before she and Draco began the explanation from where it all started.
By the time they finished, Luna and Theo had long since arrived and were sitting on Draco's bed.
Draco sighed, "There's one more thing, Hermione." He said, looking at his girlfriend. "Mother just told me that about a month ago, three owls, one of which was McGonagall's personal owl, delivered a framed Dumbledore portrait to her. It came with a note from McGonagall stating that Mother would need this because Dumbledore really needed to speak with her about some matters." He explained, "However, the portrait of Dumbledore asked to speak with Hayden about Granger Family matters and apparently, they now speak at least once a day."
Hermione furrowed her brow before clenching her jaw and strutting to Draco's fireplace. Blaise and Cordelia moved out of her way immediately as she grabbed a handful of Floo powder and got on her knees before throwing the powder in and announcing her location.
Hermione cleared her throat, startling Headmistress McGonagall, "Miss Granger, what in the name of Merlin are you doing?"
"Headmistress, please, could you come to Draco's bedroom at the Manor? It's of the utmost importance." She said.
McGonagall looked at her sternly and nodded, "I'll be right there."
Hermione nodded and pulled back from the fireplace.
"What did you do?" Harry asked as Blaise helped Hermione up.
"McGonagall will be here any minute."
Draco's eyes went wide. "The Headmistress is going to be in my bedroom?!"
"That's got to be a fantasy of some type, am I right?" Theo asked, grinning.
"Not the time, Theodore." Luna said with a small smile.
Less then three minutes later, Headmistress McGonagall was standing in Draco's bedroom and the both of them found that quite awkward.
Hermione pushed past it and asked a question, "How many portraits are there of Dumbledore that contain the knowledge he had when alive?"
McGonagall was taken aback by the question but replied, "There are three. Why do you ask?"
"Where are they?" Harry stepped forward.
The Headmistress was once again surprised by the directness of her students but answered, "One, as you all are aware, is in my office. There is one located at the Ministry of Magic and the third is…" She paused, "Well, his brother, Aberforth has it, but I don't believe he has it on display."
Draco furrowed his brow and asked, "How about portraits that don't have that knowledge? How many of those are there?"
McGonagall's nostrils flared but she replied, "Ones that would appear exactly like the one in my office but simply wouldn't know the detailed matters?"
Draco nodded, waiting.
"There are several of them in the castle and a few at the Ministry. Now, why are you all asking these questions?"
Draco shook his head, "I have one more question." He said before asking, "Did you send a portrait of Dumbledore to my mother?"
The moment the words left his mouth, he knew she hadn't sent the portrait. It was faint but the slightest crease of confusion appeared between her brows.
"Absolutely not! Why?" She hissed.
"My mother said that she received a portrait of Dumbledore from you. Your personal owl, along with two other owls, brought it. It came with a note on your official stationery with your signature." Draco explained, "And since you didn't send it, that means…"
The older witch's face pitched together angrily as she finished his sentence, "Someone has been in my office."
"But how could they get in there unnoticed with all of those portraits?" Theo asked.
McGonagall shook her head, "I'm not sure, but I assure you I will find out." She said before looking at Draco, "Mr. Malfoy, Miss Granger, I need to speak with the two of you privately."
"They know everything." Hermione said, motioning to her friends.
McGonagall nodded, "Okay then. Has anything progressed?"
Draco then explained everything to the older witch. He went into detail about how he and Hermione had found the wand and how the potion was ready to be brewed the next morning. When he explained about Hayden and his behavior as well as his meetings with the fake Dumbledore portrait, McGonagall appeared disturbed.
Hermione licked her lips and shook her head, "We aren't ready, Draco." She said as they all sat in thoughtful silence, contemplating the options of how to handle the situation.
"In what way are we not ready? We have plenty of help. We have you with the Celestial wand in hand and it's magic obviously meshes perfectly with yours."
"We don't even know where they are!" She exclaimed.
Blaise sighed, "Well, you know how to find out, don't you?" Everyone looked at him and he nodded, "You've got to speak with the Dumbledore portrait…as if it's really Dumbledore."
McGonagall nodded, "Mr. Zabini is correct. You also need to ask for advice from him and act as if everything is normal, but do not speak about the potion or any plans in front of Mr. Granger. He is clearly compromised and until we can fix that, it isn't safe to trust him."
Hermione's heart sank and Draco squeezed her hand, supportively.
Ginny nodded, "Yea, we also need to warn the others in the Manor." She said, thinking about the safety of her parents.
"But I need to leave. If I'm discovered here, everything will be ruined." The Headmistress said, "Keep me informed, whether by letter, Patronus or Floo, I do not care. Just keep me informed. I will return the moment you need me."
"On that note, Headmistress, you ought to know that Hermione's Patronus is no longer an otter." Harry said.
The Professor furrowed her brow and looked at the witch in question, "Then what is it?"
"It's a lion." Hermione replied.
McGonagall smiled a small smile at the brunette, "I'd say that's rather fitting, Miss Granger. Much more so than an otter. I suppose it changed the first time you used the wand?"
Hermione nodded.
"Well, from everything the genuine Dumbledore told me about the wand, I'd trust that judgement and feel a true sense of pride, if I were you." She said knowingly.
Hermione nodded and McGonagall left, using the fireplace.
Ginny and Ron went to find their parents while Draco and Hermione went to locate Narcissa and Jean. The rest of the group discussed different estates they knew the Wolfe family owned, as well as any other locations they thought Hermione's family could have been held for so long without being detected.
Draco and Hermione were walking down the hallway where Lucius's study was located, looking for Jean, when Draco heard a door open. He quickly pulled Hermione into a room but didn't shut the door, listening as footsteps walked the opposite direction.
"Why did you…" she whispered.
"That was Lucius's study." He muttered, breathing quietly.
They needed to find his mother and Jean, quickly.
Hermione squeezed his hand and they both exited the room. They walked down the hallway, turning down the next one, running straight into Hayden.
"Dad!" Hermione exclaimed before smiling, "Sorry. We didn't see you there. Are you all right?"
Hayden nodded, keeping his eyes on Hermione, "Of course, darling. Have you seen your mother?"
Hermione licked her lips while shaking her head, "No." she said, swallowing.
Draco took the moment to assess Hayden's stance and proximity. That was when he noticed it; just under Hayden's left sleeve was a wand holster. Draco didn't continue to stare, not wanting to call attention to it.
He attempted to send Hermione a signal via their Cor Nexum and she appeared to have received it when she told Hayden that they had to get back to their friends but they'd see him the next day.
Hayden nodded and glanced at Draco, "Well, night kids."
"Night, Sir." Draco replied.
Hermione and Draco turned to go back down the hallway. Draco saw Hayden's reflection in a mirror at the end of the hallway as he reached up his sleeve to pull out the hidden wand. The blond wizard moved in the blink of an eye. He pushed Hermione into an open bedroom to give her time to get her wand out. As he pushed her, he brandished his own wand and shot a disarming spell towards the man who shouldn't be able to perform magic at all.
While Draco's disarming spell shot towards her father, Hermione sent a Patronus to Harry.
Shocking both Draco and Hermione, it only took a flick of his wand for Hayden to shield himself from the disarming spell and shoot an unknown spell at Draco. A green light shot towards the blond. Draco dove into the bedroom across the hall from Hermione to give himself some cover, but he wasn't fast enough.
The green light wrapped its way around his left ankle in a ring of raging green flames.
He groaned and once again tried to stun Hayden but collapsed in agony as the burning became more severe.
"Yes, it'll get worse. There is a cure but…" Hayden chuckled fiendishly, "you'll understand if I don't tell you want it is."
Draco groaned and caught Hermione's eyes as she was about to jump out of the room from across the hall. He used all of his strength to tell her to stay still and silent.
Draco groaned, "Who are you? You're not Hayden Granger!"
"Oh, I am, but I've just had a few…values instilled in me and now, I'm a whole new man." He grinned wickedly, holding his arms out wide as if to 'show off' the 'new' Hayden. "Now, while that slowly kills you, which it will rather soon, I'm going to go handle my daughter and wife. Then I'll deal with your mother and the others, I suppose." He sighed, rolling his eyes, "It's going to be a long night. But by the end of it, the world will be free of this disgusting family."
"You mean your bloody family?!" Draco shouted
Hayden nodded, "Yes, there is that, but you know…a simple name change, and I'll have a whole new life once their gone."
Draco shook his head, "You are a disgusting piece of shite and soon we'll have the real Hayden Granger back." He groaned, feeling the burning getting worse and his body getting weaker.
Hayden laughed diabolically, "Oh Draco, please use your brain. I know you've got one. The 'real' Hayden…the one you all know and love oh so dearly is dead and gone. I'd tell you that your little lover should plan a funeral, but she'll be with him soon."
Draco groaned, feeling severe pain, and knowing he was close to passing out.
Hayden sighed with narrowed eyes, "I suppose I could just end your suffering now. I could just kill you, Malfoy…right now." He muttered, "You know, I think I'll do that." He scowled, aiming his wand at Draco's heart. "Save the world from the Malfoy's as well, yea?"
A stunning spell was shot from across the hall as Hermione jumped out of the room. It missed Hayden by a hair, and he spun on his heel, sneering at his daughter.
"Hello darling." He said, as he glanced around to see if anyone else was there. "Thank you for saving me a trip."
"Merlin! Fuck!" Draco groaned, "Run Hermione" he pleaded, attempting to raise his wand towards Hayden.
Hayden smirked and aimed his wand at the nearly passed out wizard.
Hermione screamed, "No!" and shot and shielding charm over Draco to protect him.
Several spells were shot down the hallway towards Hayden. He moved quickly, dodging each one.
"Don't kill him!" Draco shouted to the others as they all joined forces against Hayden.
Arthur and Cato came sprinting around the corner as Hayden stunned Ginny and sliced Harry across the arm with an unknown spell. Arthur sent a binding spell straight towards the occupied Granger, catching him off guard.
The magical binds wrapped around Hayden's body, making it impossible for him to move. He dropped his wand and shouted at them to let him go while cursing their names.
Luna had run over to Draco and was joined by Cato.
"I've never seen anything like that." Luna remarked, looking at the green flames that consumed Draco's ankle.
Cato nodded "Hold still." He muttered and aimed his wand at the flames causing them to slowly diminish.
Draco still groaned in agony as the curse continued to burn, slowly killing him.
Cato inhaled deeply and said, "I've got you, son. I've got you. Hold still." before closing his eyes as he aimed his wand at Draco's ankle again, running the tip of it along the singed circle that remained there.
Draco's groaning calmed as he shivered from the aftershocks of the pain and the room began to darken around him. The only sound he could hear was that of a woman sobbing far off in the distance.
Draco suddenly sat up, expecting to be on the floor in the hallway, instead he was in his bedroom, lying on his bed.
Blaise jumped up from his spot by the fireplace, "Merlin mate, you scared the shite out of us!"
Cordelia stood up from the chair and ran over, "Are you all right?"
"Where's Hermione?" Draco asked, attempting to get out of bed as he ignored any questions.
Theo shook his head, "Whoa, slow down, Draco." He said, "She's with Hayden."
"How is he?" He asked, his eyes going wide with concern.
Sighing, Blaise replied, "Well, he's alive but barely. Whatever happened, he's been filled with dark magic. Dario said that there isn't a single shred of good magic in him." He explained. "Your mother thought it best to bring Dario in to check on you, Hayden, Ginny and Potter."
"What happened to Ginny and Potter?" Draco asked quickly.
"Hayden stunned Ginny with a nasty stunning spell and Potter got a bad cut but they're fine now." Pansy replied, "How do you feel?"
"I need to speak with Hermione." He grunted as he stood up feeling a bit dizzy before he noticed his singed trousers. As he looked closer, he saw a plain, black ring, circled around his left ankle. "What the hell is that?"
Blaise nodded, "Oh yea, well, Cato's looking into it using some of the books at his shop but whatever curse that was that Hayden used on you, it leaves a mark on your body."
"Because I don't already have enough of those." Draco muttered bitterly. "I really need to see Hermione."
Narcissa entered the room and nodded to Blaise who took the hint and led the others out of the room.
"Draco, darling, I'm so sorry. I had no idea that the portrait was fake. It was Minerva's private stationery and signature so I trusted it, but I shouldn't have. Hermione must despise me. She trusted me to keep her parents safe and then this happens." Narcissa said, feeling emotional.
Draco walked closer to her and pulled her into a hug, "Mother, it was a mistake. It's all right. We 'll fix this. I'll make sure of it."
After spending a few minutes with his mother, Draco changed out of the singed trousers and went to find Hermione. He went down to the ground floor and to the corridor that Pippy had assigned the parents to. As he was about to round the corner, he heard whispering.
"She is going to have to tell him and soon." Ginny said in a hushed voice. "Witch's powers start going barmy the first few weeks of pregnancy. She's not going to be able to hide it for long."
"I know, Ginny, but it's her decision ultimately. And when Draco finds out, he's…" Luna
"Malfoy!" He heard and turned to see Ron jogging over to him, "McGonagall is in your room. She needs to speak with you now."
Draco nodded and didn't look back as he rushed back to his room. He really needed to speak with Hermione. He tried his best to not think about what he had overheard Ginny and Luna saying, but the words swam around in his mind.
'Is Hermione pregnant?' He thought.
"Some holiday." He muttered to himself as he rushed up the staircase to get to his bedroom.
When he arrived, he found the Headmistress waiting.
"Draco." She said, "Dumbledore needs to speak with you."
"I'm not leaving Hermione here."
"We'll watch out for her." Blaise said.
He shook his head, "No, I should be here."
"Draco, just go and talk to him then come back." Pansy said, "We'll watch out for her."
Draco sighed and nodded before using the fireplace to go to McGonagall's office at Hogwarts.
"What is it?" He asked Dumbledore's portrait as McGonagall entered the room behind him.
The sparkling blue eyes met grey ones and quietly spoke, "Draco, you must speak with the portrait that was sent to your mother. However, the moment it sees you, it will know that you are aware of it being counterfeit. The moment you walk into that room, the clock begins."
Draco furrowed his brow. "What do you mean?" He asked, listening closely.
"Since we know that it is likely Ezra Wolfe, he will have a plan in place. You must be prepared before speaking with him."
Inhaling deeply, Draco nodded and asked, "How can I be better prepared?"
"For now, keep Hayden bound in a separate area of the Manor. He's been compromised. You also need to set up several wards around the room where the portrait is located so that no one may enter except you." Dumbledore said before adding, "Minerva said that you will be brewing the potion tomorrow. That's good. It needs to be ready as soon as possible."
"We're also attempting to locate the Wolfe family and where they have been keeping the Grangers."
The portrait Dumbledore nodded, "Minerva and I will be here should you need anything, just contact her."
Draco nodded, "I really need to get back to the Manor."
Dumbledore nodded and Draco used the fireplace to get back to his bedroom at the Manor.
When he arrived in his room, he found Mr. and Mrs. Weasley as well as all of his friends except for Hermione.
"How'd it go?" Theo asked him.
Nodding, Draco replied, "It went well. He wants me to speak with the portrait right now and find out what's going, but…but I think I've got a better plan."
Hermione entered the room with Narcissa and Jean. When she spotted Draco, her golden-speckled eyes widened and she rushed over to him, throwing herself into his open arms.
He held her close, feeling utterly grateful that she was unharmed.
As he set her feet back on the ground, their eyes met and she sighed, "I'm so sorry."
He furrowed his brows, "About what?"
She sighed, "My dad tried to murder you, Draco."
Shaking his head, Draco quickly cut in, "Love, that man is full of dark magic. Your actual father is nothing like that. Hayden Granger is a good man. We'll get him back."
Hermione's eyes became watery as she leaned into him.
Draco held her close as they others in the room talked amongst themselves.
"So…erm…" Ron cleared his throat. "What's the plan?"
Draco inhaled and looked over at their friends, thinking over everything before nodding, "I'm not sure yet. Give us ten minutes."
The others nodded as Draco pulled Hermione from the room.
"What is it?" Hermione asked.
Draco sighed and looked around before pulling her into another bedroom.
"Draco, what is it?" She asked again, concerned.
He swallowed, "I need to ask you something because if I don't, I won't be able to concentrate on the things I need to."
She nodded, cupping his jaw softly while furrowing her brow, "Okay. Go ahead."
He inhaled shakily, "Are you…are you…" He swallowed, "Love, are you pregnant?"
Her head reared back in surprise as she replied, "No. No, I'm not. Why…Why would you ask me that?"
"I overheard two of our friends chatting about one of the girls being pregnant and they mentioned my name. So, I assumed…but then, if you're not then who…" He went silent.
Hermione gripped his jumper, "Draco?"
He met her golden-flaked eyes once more and asked, "Is my sister pregnant?"
The brunette swallowed, "I'm not sure. Honestly, I'm not. She may be but she might not be."
Draco clenched his jaw tightly.
"Love…Draco, listen to me. You need to just breathe. I know that you are furious right now, but..."
"They said they were responsible." He muttered.
Hermione sighed, "Well, Cordelia told Blaise that she'd been taking the monthly potion, but she didn't realize that she had forgotten a couple of times."
He shook his head, angrily. "Does he know?"
"No." Hermione said, "Blaise doesn't know anything and darling, we need to let her be the one to tell him. She's not even sure if she is pregnant or not."
He nodded, "Okay. How did you plan on going about getting a test?"
Hermione sighed, "Well, I thought about going to the market in Diagon Alley and purchasing a pre-brewed potion but…well, people would talk. So, then I considered purchasing the ingredients, but that might cost quite a bit."
He nodded, "I'll grab a pre-brewed potion from St. Mungo's tomorrow."
Hermione nodded, though she hated the tone of his voice. It was evident that he felt betrayed, and her fear was that he felt that way because of her.
"I'm going to set up some wards around the study where the portrait is."
"Okay. Erm…I was thinking that tomorrow, while you're at St. Mungo's, I could take Harry and Ron with me to Gringotts to check out the vault that was mentioned in the journal."
He nodded, "Please just be careful."
"I will."
Draco swallowed, "Let's go put the wards around the room and then get back to tell the others what the plan is."
Hermione stopped him from walking past her and pulled him into a kiss.
He inhaled and kissed her back, cupping her jaw.
As they separated, he met her eyes and quietly said, "I'm not upset with you, love. I'm just…I'm a bit in shock. I can't even really be upset with Blaise."
"What about Cordelia?"
He sighed and shook his head, "I don't know. I'm surprised that I'm not mad at her…to be honest, I think it's more of a disappointed feeling. She just sixteen years old and she's not in love." He paused and shook his head, "This is not the most pressing matter. I'm sorry. For now, we need to stay focused on your family. Let's…"
"Draco, stop that. Your family matters too."
He nodded, "I know love, but the situation with Cordelia has about nine months of prep time whereas this situation with your family, well, Dumbledore said that once the portrait sees me, we're on a clock."
She sighed, and nodded, leaning up to kiss his lips.
After Draco placed wards around Lucius's old study, they went back to his room where the others were waiting.
"Okay, here's the plan." Draco announced, unable to meet his sister's eyes, "Tomorrow morning, Blaise and I will leave to brew a potion at St. Mungo's. Hermione needs Potter and Weasley to go with her somewhere while the rest of you stay here and keep Hayden in that room."
"Also…" Narcissa added, looking at her son and Hermione, "We've sent for Hayden's brother and his family to come here to stay so that they will be safe. Everyone who is here tomorrow, needs to help protect them, though Dario has already offered some of St. Mungo's security to help protect the Manor."
Draco nodded and Hermione smiled, thanking the Malfoy matron.
"As for tonight…" Molly spoke up, "I know you won't hear many parents say this, but no one should sleep alone."
Ron grinned.
"Lose the grin, Ronald or we'll room you up with Harry." Arthur murmured.
Ron's grin instantly disappeared.
"Your uncle and cousins will be here tomorrow." Jean told her daughter as everyone began to head to bed.
Hermione nodded and hugged her mother, "Do you need me to sleep with you, Mum?"
Jean smiled as they separated and shook her head, "Narcissa and I are sharing a room. Thank you for offering though, Minnie. Now, go get some rest. I'll see you in the morning."
Hermione nodded and bid everyone goodnight before she and Draco went to get her luggage from the other bedroom. When they got back to his room they quickly changed and curled up together in bed, almost instantly falling asleep.
December 17, 1998
He finished getting dressed and pulled on his jacket before looking over at the bed where Hermione was still sound asleep.
They had gone to bed only four hours earlier, so he didn't want to wake her. He walked over to the bed and waved his wand, conjuring up a single orange rose. He placed it on her bedside table before leaving.
Blaise and Cordelia were coming down the hallway towards him. She was still in her pajamas and looked exhausted.
"I figured it'd be best to have the girls at least sleep in the same room." Blaise said.
Draco nodded, and opened his bedroom door, transfiguring the sofa by the fire into a large, comfortable bed.
"Thanks." Cordelia smiled.
Draco nodded and turned to leave with Blaise.
"Morning mate." Blaise grinned as they headed down to the library.
"Morning." Draco nodded, trying not to think about Cordelia. "Let's go do this."
Blaise nodded and they both used the Floo network to travel to St. Mungo's.
Once they got down to the cellar, they found Rocco, Dario, and McNairy.
"Draco!" Dario said, "Good, you've brought help."
Draco nodded and pulled off his jumper. He wanted to roll up his sleeves, but he couldn't with that many people around. Instead, he simply cracked his neck and said, "Let's get started."
Dario left the four men to their work, promising to return later to check in on them.
The four men, each looked over ingredients and instructions before they began gathering the ingredients from the full shelves that lined the walls.
Once they had everything out, Blaise called out each item's name and Draco marked them off of the list on the parchment.
"Okay." Rocco said, "I'm going to read out the instructions, and if anyone notices anything off, speak up."
Draco followed along as Rocco spoke.
Instructions:
· Start with a standard size 2 Copper Cauldron
· Prepare all ingredients as they need to be according to instructions above and set them all aside to be ready for use
· Add half of Honey Water (250ml) to empty cauldron
· Turn heat on Medium
· Bring to a boil
· Add all Mint (5 leaves, ground finely)
· Stir 20 times counterclockwise
· Add half amount of Fire Seeds (2, whole)
· Add all Castor Oil (30ml)
· Let boil until color turns to light shade of Orange
· Add all African Sea Salt (1g, ground finely)
· Add Ashwinder Egg (1, whole, frozen)
· Stir 12 times clockwise
· Stir 4 times counterclockwise
· Add all Thyme (2 stems, ground finely)
· Add rest of Honey Water (250ml)
· Let boil until the steam turns Red
· Add all Moondew (2 flowers, ground finely)
· Add last of Fire Seeds (2, whole)
· Add all Dragon Horn (1, ground finely)
· Stir clockwise until the mixture turns Yellow
· Add all Dittany Stems (3, ground finely)
· Add all White Wine (180ml)
· Stir Counterclockwise for 4 minutes
· Add all Niffler's Fancy (3 leaves, whole)
· Add all Dandelion Root (3, whole)
· Let boil for 3 minutes
· Add all Phoenix Tears (8 teardrops)
· Perform Incantation "magicae restitutio" meaning 'Magic Restoration'
· Mixture should glimmer briefly
· Add specific ingredient relative to the family taking the potion
o (In Granger's case: Add Granger Family Lion Claws and Granger Family Lion Teeth (6 of each, ground finely)
· Stir 2 times clockwise
· Mixture should turn golden color
· Let boil for 5 minutes
· Turn off heat
· Separate into 24 separate doses and let sit in a dark, cool space for 12 hours before drinking (1 dose per person)
"So everyone is ready?" Rocco asked.
The other three men nodded
"All right then." Rocco nodded.
"Let's get started." Draco said.
Meanwhile, Hermione was just waking up in Draco's bed. She sat up and noticed Cordelia in a bed that was located where the sofa usually belonged.
Hermione looked to her left, at the empty bed and sighed, missing the blond wizard dearly. She looked to her right and a smile instantly appeared on her lips when she saw the orange rose on the table. She picked it up and breathed in the soft, floral scent.
While Cordelia slept, Hermione looked through the journal of her great grandfather's and her grandfather's to see if there were any other clues about the vault that had been mentioned.
After nearly twenty minutes of searching and finding nothing, she gave up and got out of bed. With Cordelia still sound asleep, Hermione got dressed quietly before opening Draco's bedroom door. Just as she opened it, Harry was raising his hand to knock.
He grinned, "Hey, Mione."
"Morning, Harry." She smiled, "Are you and Ron okay with going with me today?"
"Of course. Where are we going?" He replied.
Hermione glanced over at Cordelia before nodding for Harry to follow her out of the room.
"We need to go to Gringotts. I'm not exactly sure what is there but there was a note in the journal that my grandfather and his father both kept referring to a certain vault. Draco and I are guessing that it's at Gringotts." She explained.
Harry nodded, about to reply when Ron, Pansy, and Ginny came down the hallway, towards them.
"You two ready to go?" Ron asked.
Hermione nodded, "Yea. Pansy, could you and Gin keep an eye on Cordelia please?"
Pansy and Ginny both nodded, knowingly.
The Golden trio left, using the fireplace in the library to get to The Leaky Cauldron.
"This is like the old days, you know?" Ron smirked as they three of them made their way through the pub and out to the cobblestone street.
"Sort of." Hermione replied, her mind being per-occupied.
Ron touched her back, "Mione, you're not alone."
She smiled and thanked him before they entered the Bank.
When she walked up to the Goblin, she noticed how they all seemed to be on extra alert. Though, she didn't blame them, seeing as the last time the three of them were in the bank together, they had left on the back of a dragon.
"I need to get into Vault number nine hundred and fifty-three." She told the goblin.
The Goblin smirked, as if he knew something she didn't. "And do you have the key?"
She cleared her throat and said, "I have the wand."
The Goblin's beady black eyes widened in surprise before he grunted and said, "Fine then. Gorgut will take you do there." He said with a hint of disgust in his tone.
She nodded as another goblin led the three of them to the mine carts.
The ride was lengthy even with the cart moving quickly. When they arrived at the Vault, Harry helped Hermione out of the cart and the three of them stared at the large wrought-iron vault door. It was rather plain except for the small circle located in the center.
Hermione stepped forward and placed the tip of the Celestial wand against the circle and it began to glow with a golden light.
"Step back while the door opens." Gorgut grunted.
Hermione stepped back and the door opened wide. She nearly dropped the wand when she saw inside.
Meanwhile, Draco and Blaise were handling working with professionals as if they were professionals themselves. By noon they had finished the potion and were bottling all twenty-four doses up for Dario to keep in a secure location.
Blaise and Draco grabbed their jumpers and bid the others farewell before heading to the Floo area so that they could get back to the Manor. Just as Draco was about to grab some Floo powder, he remembered something and told Blaise to go ahead and that he'd meet him at the Manor.
"I just need to ask Dario something." Draco said.
Blaise frowned but nodded and left.
Draco headed to Dario's office and knocked on his door.
"Come in." he heard.
Draco entered.
"Oh, Draco, Is everything okay?"
"Yes…well, I erm…I actually need a favor." Draco sighed.
Dario nodded and listened as Draco explained.
"Blaise is my best mate and he's currently in a relationship with my sister. He's not aware of this yet but my sister thinks that she may be pregnant. I was wondering if you could get me a couple high-grade, pre-brewed pregnancy potion tests…" Draco said.
Dario nodded, "Of course. And there's no need to ask; I won't speak of this to anyone."
Draco nodded, grateful. He waited while Dario grabbed the potions.
He slipped them in his pocket and headed towards the Floo area.
When he arrived back at the Manor, Draco went to find Hermione.
Pippy popped into view in front of him, "Hello Mr. Draco! Everyone is eating in the dining room."
"Is Hermione here?"
Pippy shook her head, "No, sir. She, Mr. Potter, and Mr. Weasley haven't returned as of yet."
He nodded, about to go up to his room, "But Miss Hermione's uncle and his family are here."
Draco turned and nodded, "Okay. Thank you, Pippy. If Mother asks, I'm going to go shower and freshen up and if Hermione gets here, ask her to please come see me immediately."
Pippy nodded, "Yes, sir."
Draco smiled at the House Elf before leaving the library and going up to his bedroom. He went into the ensuite and started the shower. As he stripped off his clothing, he looked down at his left ankle and saw the singed circle marking.
Wearing only his boxers, he crouched down and looked closer at his ankle. The mark didn't cause any pain or discomfort, but the knowledge of its existence annoyed him.
He stood up, about to pull off his boxers when there was a soft knock on the loo door.
He walked over and opened the door, seeing Hermione. He smiled and let her in, "How'd it go with the vault?"
"Well, let's just say that the Granger name is worth more than I realized."
He furrowed his brow, "It was full of money?"
"And family heirlooms." She replied with a nod.
He nodded, "I'm glad that once we get them back, they won't be struggling for money. Did you leave it all there?"
She nodded, "Yes. I spoke with the head Goblin, and he said that the vault is secure and can only be opened with this wand." She said, patting the wand in her pocket.
Draco nodded, "Okay good. Oh, I was able to get three…" He muttered, crouching down to reach into the pocket of his discarded trousers. He pulled out three small vials of clear liquid, "pregnancy test potions and an instruction card to go with them." He said handing over the vials.
"Blaise doesn't know anything but please let me know the results."
She nodded, taking the vials into her hands before leaning up to kiss him on the lips, "That was very sweet of you, love."
He nodded, "Well, I just…I'm going to be there to support her no matter the result, and I want her to know that she's not alone. She has family…actual, blood family that is here for her. She needs to know that."
Hermione nodded, tilting her head, "Where did your anger go?"
He huffed a small laugh, "Oh, it's still present but I was thinking about the entire situation, and it occurred to me that I needed to be more understanding. What if it were you in this situation? I would want people to treat you with love and respect, not anger and disapproval. So, I'm not happy about this but I've decided to take it one step at a time." He explained, "First, she takes the test. We'll face everything else later on."
Reaching up, she cupped his jaw, "You are a wonderful boyfriend, a spectacular brother, and a marvelous man. I am so proud of you."
He leaned down and kissed her lips softly. She deepened the kiss before he pulled back.
"Your uncle, aunt, and cousins are here; go spend time with them. I'll shower and meet you downstairs."
She nodded and said, "Okay. When you come downstairs, though, you and I need to see this memory that was in the box."
"Okay." He nodded and kissed her once more before she left.
After Draco showered, he pulled on a pair of black jean trousers, a grey tee with a unbuttoned, medium blue shirt over it.
Once he got a pair of black trainers on, he grabbed his wand and headed down to the library.
Hermione smiled, "Uncle Chris, this is Draco, my boyfriend." She said, grabbing Draco's hand. "Love, this is my Uncle Chris, my Aunt Marissa and my cousins Benjamin and Anna."
Draco smiled and shook Chris's and Marissa's hands before shaking Benjamin's and Anna's. "It's a pleasure to meet you lot. I'm sorry it's under these circumstances."
Chris nodded in agreement as his wife complimented the house.
Hermione and Draco told the others that they needed to step out for a moment and left the library.
"Where is the Pensieve?" She asked quietly.
He nodded towards the side corridor, pulling her hand to follow him.
When they entered the Humidor Room, Hermione looked around at the walls that were lined with shelves stocked full of several different cigars.
"A Humidor?" She asked.
He nodded, "It's the perfect place to keep a Pensieve. It's secure, temperature controlled and not a commonly traveled room."
She nodded, "That's true." She replied as he pulled out his wand and waved it front of wall.
The wall began to slowly turn until it had turn one hundred and eighty degrees. There was a Pensieve hovering above a white stone table.
Draco nodded, inhaling, "You ready, love?"
She nodded and reached into her beaded bag while he locked the Humidor Room so that no one would enter while they were in the memory. Hermione set her bag down and stood in front of the Pensieve. Draco joined her as she poured the silvery memory into the silver bowl.
They both dipped a hand into the silvery contents and were thrown into the foyer of the Malfoy Manor, but it was clearly years before their time. The elegant foyer had statues of Malfoy wizards that Draco knew currently in the cellar of the Malfoy Manor.
What confused Hermione was that the man standing in the Malfoy Manor foyer was a man she had seen in photographs with her grandfather when he was young. He appeared to be a bit younger than fifty years old in the memory and had a wand in his pocket.
"That's my great-grandfather, Rodrick. He and Leo are the ones that wrote in the journal." She told Draco as Rodrick stood, tapping his foot impatiently.
"Mistress will see you now." An older House Elf said after 'popping' into view.
Rodrick nodded and glanced outside, catching Hermione's attention. It was snowing outside, and she wondered if it was before or after Christmas.
Draco grabbed her hand and pulled her along as Rodrick followed the House Elf to the master bedroom that belonged to his mother. The House Elf opened the door and moved aside, allowing Rodrick to enter. Hermione and Draco rushed in before the door closed.
"Rodrick…" They heard a woman say in a weak voice and looked over at the bed where Draco was shocked to see someone he recognized.
"That's my great-great-grandmother." Draco said confused as Rodrick stepped closer to the be.
"Valeria, how do you feel?" Rodrick asked.
Valeria Malfoy sighed, "Oh, I'm not well, Rodrick. My time has come and I'm afraid there's nothing to be done about it. Soon I will die but I must tell you first that there is something that weighs on my heart."
Rodrick nodded, "I am listening, Valeria."
"I married Cassius and we had our son. I can't regret having a family, but I do regret the family I had. I should have told you long ago, Rodrick, but my love for you runs deep." She said, tears pouring from her eyes, "I will die soon with regret, but I must tell you that I love you and I always have. My family…we had a Seer, and she once told my great-grandfather that the Granger family would one day have no magic. We were not allowed to love or marry a Granger for fear of mixing with the 'wrong kind'. I should have ignored them though." She said, shaking her head.
Rodrick stood still. Hermione knew he had to be in shock.
"Rodrick, I know now that blood purity is not what matters. What matters is love. I hope that one day our heirs will see that and fall in love despite what they are told." She sighed "I know that you love your wife. I only wanted to let out my feelings before I leave this world." She said before letting out a breath.
He nodded and sat on the edge of her bed in a much more casual manner than expected, "Valeria, had you told me this years ago, I think things would be different. But yes, I love my wife and our son and grandsons." He replied, "But today will always be special to me. It'll be the day my first love told me she loved me back."
Valeria smiled, "It's my birthday too, so it shall be easy to remember."
Rodrick smiled, "I couldn't forget it even if I tried."
Draco's eyes widened and he looked at Hermione, "My great-great-grandmother died on her birthday in nineteen sixty."
Hermione nodded, "So she'll die while he's there perhaps."
"Perhaps but that's not the point. Hermione…" he said, feeling nervous. "Her birthday was January ninth."
"January ninth nineteen sixty…" Hermione said thoughtfully before realizing that the memory was the day before Ezra Wolfe had killed some of her family and kidnapped Rodrick and Stella Granger. "He must have put this memory in the box right after leaving here." She said.
Draco nodded as Rodrick said, "Is there anything I can do to help you, Valeria?"
"Yes. Rodrick, you must tell your family to beware of the Wolfe family. They want so badly to gain your powers. If you're not careful they'll do something to hurt you all, I know it."
Rodrick nodded, "Yes, they've always been trouble."
"Well, just so you know…just so you…just so…just…" She said before coughing hysterically.
He grabbed her the glass of water on the table and handed it to her. She took a large sip before nodded and breathing deeply.
"Just so you know…they purchased a castle under Romero Wolfe's name, he's one of the ancestors. The castle in on the Isle of Skye. The muggles aren't aware of its presence. They call it Skye Castle."
Rodrick nodded, "Okay. Okay, Valeria. Now just rest."
"Rodrick, I'm concerned and I'm attempting to warn you."
"Valeria, I'm sure everything will be fine." He said.
"I don't think it will." She muttered.
The memory faded and the were back in the Humidor Room.
Hermione restored the memory in the vial before saying, "So, now we know where they are probably keeping them."
Draco nodded and as she grabbed her bag, he reset the Pensieve wall.
Hermione inhaled and said, "So what should we do?"
He nodded and thought for a moment, "Love, I think we need to get your father to take the potion. I think it might help remove the dark magic. I'm afraid that there is some sort of connection currently, between him and Wolfe and if we leave him like he is. Wolfe may…"
"Kill him." Hermione finished with a sad and nervous sigh.
Draco swallowed and nodded before saying, "But love, I think him taking the potion may help prevent that."
Hermione nodded, "Okay. Let's contact Dario and have him bring five of the doses over here. We'll see how it goes with Dad first and then maybe Uncle Chris and the others will want to take it."
He nodded, "Then we'll go to the Skye Castle?"
She nodded, "We'll have to take everyone. Gods!" she exclaimed, feeling overwhelmed and honestly frightened.
He pulled her close as she sighed, "It'll be okay, love." he muttered.
"Draco if something happens to any of them…"
"I know…"
"Or you…" She sniffed, holding him close. "You've already been hurt."
He pressed a kissed to her temple and said, "I'm fine now. We'll all be fine."
She looked up at him and pulled him into a deep, desperate kiss. He kissed her back, cupping her jaw before pulling back and pressing his forehead against hers.
"I love you, Hermione." He said.
"I love you too, Draco." She muttered.
"Now, let's go save your family." Draco said with a nod.