Draco was jumping up and down, bringing his knees to his chest, stretching his muscles, getting ready for their next training session. His shirt creeped up, showing off a bit of his midriff, but not even Theo could enjoy the view as he squared up against Weasley, readying himself for another practice duel. The stupid redhead, Theo begrudgingly admitted, was a fairly decent sparring partner. It also helped that Theo actually did want to hex his partner's stupid face off, so none of his spells were pulled.
"Three…" fucking Robards was counting down. The irritating Auror was always too bloody involved in Theo's affairs, going as far back as his childhood. "Two…" Theo narrowed his eyes watching Weasley's stance widened and weight shifted so that he was ready to pounce, but Theo would get the better of him this time. "ONE!"
Theo was off, taking the offensive position straight away, whipping his wand so quickly that Weasley couldn't get a shot off in his direction. Brute force, that's what his father had always taught him. Weasley, to his surprise, was easily deflecting each hex Theo was raining down on him, the protective barrier around them keeping the other Auror trainees safe.
"YOU'RE GOING TO EXHAUST YOURSELF, NOTT!" Robards bellowed, but Theo didn't let up. Weasley was slowly backing away towards the edge of the platform and going down to a knee. His shield was up, but there was only so long that he would be able to hold it before Theo broke through. Theo smirked, he could taste his victory when suddenly, he found himself flat on his back with Weasley's wand pressed into his chest.
The stupid redhead above him was smug, knowing that he'd outsmarted Theo. And just as bloody Robards had warned, Theo was too drained to be able to fight back. His chest was heaving as he tried to catch his breath, but with his magic spent, Theo was beyond exhausted.
"You cheated," Theo spat, pushing himself up onto his elbows, as he heard Weasley's trainer, Dawlish, cheering on the sidelines.
"No, I'm a master strategist," Weasley said, reaching out a hand to Theo, but he only swatted him away, clambering not as gracefully as he would have liked. "Fine, be a fucking wanker. I've beaten you in the last seven out of ten duels we've had, just saying."
"Fuck you," Theo seethed as he stood, brushing off the hideous fucking mustard yellow robes that trainees were to wear. He stormed off the platform in the opposite direction of his instructor, not wanting to hear Robard's analysis of just how he precisely fucked up this time.
Potter and Longbottom were the next pair up, Theo passed them as he stormed away to the sidelines where a water cooler was waiting. Theo grabbed a cup and downed the cool liquid, wanting to stew in his misery for just a bit longer. Losing to fucking Weasley was humiliating.
His foul mood lifted for a moment as he sniggered to himself watching Potter and Longbottom square up. B1oth Gryffindors were stiff in their stances, and slightly nervous. Theo rolled his eyes noting how both wizards hesitated in their attacks, causing Robards and Dawlish to both just about have an aneurysm.
"SLOPPY, POTTER! FOR FUCKS SAKES! DID YOU OR DID YOU NOT BEAT FUCKING NO NOSE!" Dawlish roared, slamming his hands against the barrier, sparks flying from it with each blow. "FUCKING ATTACK! DON'T JUST PARRY!"
"LONGBOTTOM! I WATCHED YOU BEHEAD THAT FUCKING SNAKE! I KNOW YOU CAN MOVE FASTER!" Robards was yelling at his charge, throwing his own wand on the ground in his frustration. There was a reason he was Ollivanders' best customer, fucking mental.
"How much longer until you think they realise that Potter and Longbottom are shagging?" Draco asked, coming up to Theo's side. "It's not like they're hiding it. Very well at least."
"I think Robards is just kind of an idiot," Theo murmured, wincing as Potter was shot off a spell that hit Longbottom square in the chest, causing the sandy haired wizard to go flying into the barrier and crumple in a heap. "Though, this might clue them in."
Potter threw his wand to the side and sprinted to where Longbottom was sprawled on the ground, gasping to catch his breath as he shakily sat up. If it had been anyone else, Potter would have been his usual smug self, but with it being Longbottom, he was not.
When the saviour of the world reached his concubine, he dropped to the ground with tears streaming down his face as he looked over his lover, causing Theo to roll his eyes. If he hit Draco with a spell like that, he'd rub it in his boyfriend's face about getting the best of him for a solid week. Bleeding heart lions.
"Still think this is the best way to find Granger?" Draco asked, looking sideways at Theo, trying to keep his voice low. "We could keep trying a tracking spell with your blood since we know she has, well, you know with her."
"No. Whoever is helping hide her and Athena–" Theo swallowed at saying his daughter's name aloud. Athena, his daughter. He'd never seen her, but he already knew that he would move heaven and earth for her. Clearing his throat, Theo blinked away the tears that had formed, not allowing his emotions to cloud his judgement. This wasn't the time for that, he knew that Hermione hiding from him was directly related to Thoros being on the loose, but it still infuriated him that she didn't trust him enough to protect their family.
"Whoever is helping hide them knows the inner workings of pureblood spells and tracking methods."
"Did you notice what the Prophet is saying about Granger's disappearance?" Draco asked, watching Robards and Dawlish gesturing wildly around their charges, saying something about how they couldn't be dating and training partners. "Skeeter is suggesting that Pans might have something to do with it."
By that point, Dawlish seemed to be done chewing out Potter and Longbottom, motioning for Draco to join them. Not waiting for a response, Draco jogged away to pair up with Potter, much more enthusiastic than he'd ever been with Blaise.
Off to the side, Theo saw Blaise with his arms crossed over his chest, sizing up his new partner in Longbottom, knowing better than to underestimate him. However, what Theo didn't notice was Blaise's grip tightening on his wand at the mention of Pansy's name.
ooo
It was late in the evening, the moon and stars shining bright on what appeared to be a castle sitting at the edge of a sea that Hermione couldn't identify from sight alone. Despite having travelled by muggles' means, the Zabini house elf – Frank – had done something to her that kept her from getting her bearings.
The cool night air was filled with the sounds of crashing waves hitting the rocks below them, making it feel even more ominous. Had it not been for Pansy holding Hermione in place, she knew that she would have run off in fear. Hermione tucked Athena closer to her body, her eyes scanning their surroundings, not detecting any menacing magic that was directed towards them.
Directed towards them being the key phrase.
"Pansy, where–"
"The Mistress does not disclose hers location, do not ask the Mistress hers location." Frank stated, his sunglasses still firmly in place. "Frank does as his Mistress says and Mistress says to bring you inside."
With a snap of his fingers, the bags they'd brought with them disappeared, leaving only the two elves and the three witches at the cliff's edge. Without another word, Frank began to walk with precise movements towards the castle that Hermione just noticed was surrounded by a moat. Had it been there the entire time? She wondered, clutching Athena even closer, curious as to what lived in the depths of the water protecting the fortress.
"Don't speak," Pansy whispered to Hermione before she could even ask any questions. "Yasmine Zabini is not to be trifled with and it'd be smart to remember that we're on her turf."
Hermione snuck a glance in her companion's direction and saw that Pansy's normally pale skin seemed to be even more pale at the moment. Hermione thought back on anything that Theo might have told her about Blaise Zabini and his family, but the most she could recall was that Pansy had at one point dated the wizard. Their conversations hadn't really been in much detail about their friends' lives, instead enjoying the short amount of time that they'd had together being lost in one another.
The little bundle of blankets in her arms began to squirm, and Hermione pressed her daughter closer to her chest. Athena was not even a week old, and her short life had already been filled with so much chaos. Without Pansy and her healing knowledge, Hermione would have worried that all the stress being put on the newborn would be negatively affecting her. As it was though, Athena was perfectly healthy and growing as expected.
Every time she looked at her daughter's face, all she could see was Theo. Theo's loose brown curls in tufts on the top of her head. The glimpses of the dark blue eyes that Hermione hoped would stay were the same as Theo's, even her dimpled chin and button nose were the same as her fathers.
Think about Theo, and what she was doing to him had tears falling down her cheeks as they stepped into the grand foyer. A grand crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling and the walls weren't covered in wallpaper, but tiles from floor to ceiling that were intricately decorated and into a pattern that mimicked the scene of the sea below. Even as Hermione stared at the walls, she couldn't decide if magic had been infused to make it appear as waves rolling through the water or if it was an optical illusion. Truly, the entire space was a work of art in itself.
Hermione's awe at the foyer was quickly overshadowed by the appearance of the most beautiful woman she'd ever seen in her life.
The woman looking down from the top of the staircase had her nose pointed upwards as she gazed at the small group gathered in her home. Her waist length black curly hair fanned out behind her shined as if it were littered with starlight. The deep crimson dress she wore stood out against her dark flawless skin, hugging her body and showcasing her figure. Her eyes were such a dark brown that Hermione felt herself getting lost in them, as if she were hypnotised.
"Is this them?" The woman's voice rang out with a thick Italian accent in the large room, and she even seemed more of a Goddess.
"Mistress, Frank presents Madams, Pansy Parkinson, Hermione Granger, Missy Athena Nott, and Emmy the house elf." The elf – that was a bit too tall to be an average house elf – bowed deeply. His ears drooped forwards and brushed the floor as he showed his Mistress respect.
As Yasmine Zabini descended towards them, Hermione could nearly see the power the woman had radiating off her and she wondered if this woman wasn't a Veela. The attraction she felt towards her and the want to do anything to please her was nearly overwhelming as Yasmine cocked her head to the side studying Hermione.
When she finally reached them, long elegant fingers with perfectly manicured nails reached out towards the bundle of blankets that still concealed Athena. Holding perfectly still, to try and not offend the woman, Hermione held her breath as Blaise's mother uncovered Athena's face.
The room was so silent that had someone even shuffled their feet, it would have been heard. No one breathed or dared to move as the Mistress of the home studied the women and child her son had sent for her to protect.
"Who do you hide from," she asked, her voice a low murmur as she ran a finger slowly down Athena's jaw.
"Thoros Nott," Pansy supplied when Hermione didn't say anything. "The child is of the Nott bloodline, and we fear for her safety as he is still on the loose."
Yasmine didn't take her eyes off Athena, still caressing the baby's soft skin, studying her delicate features. A sad look finally settled on her face and Yasmine at last looked at Pansy and then Hermione.
"I knew Cassandra," she stated, stepping away from them, clasping her hands in front of her. "She was brave as she was beautiful. A true warrior. You may stay for as long as Thoros roams this Earth. Until his last breath, I swear to you that you will be shielded from any who wish to seek you."
The woman turned her full attention to Frank at that time and tilted her head. Apparently giving him all the instructions, he needed, for the elf gave another low bow before a crack had disappeared him from sight.
"Frank can contact Blaise without arousing suspicion, he will plant the seed of doubt that the two of you are together. Mrs. Parkinson, your mother is from Vietnam if I recall."
"Y-y-yes, that's true," Pansy stammered, out, her eyebrows rising into her hairline as if shocked that her ex-boyfriend's mother would remember such a trivial fact about her.
"Then he will receive a correspondence that will be intercepted by a source who will leak to the press that is where you have gone to heal from the devastating effects of the war." Yasmine instructed, her tone bore no argument and neither Hermione nor Pansy had one to offer regardless.
"I dare say, the only elf I have in employment–" Hermione scoffed at the word employment but hid her face when the woman turned her attention towards her. A chill crept up Hermione's spine and it reminded her that she was here as a guest, and it would be best to not insult her hostess. Epically one as intimidating as Yasmine Zabini.
"As I was saying," she continued, eyeing Hermione, who held Athena tighter to keep herself from another outburst. "I only have Frank who works for the estate. The rest is tended to by witches and wizards, so I'm afraid I do not have a nanny elf."
Hermione could feel the buzz of excitement at what was coming from Emmy next to her. "Emmy be Missy Thea Beth's nanny Mistress!?" The little elf squealed with such enthusiasm; Hermione was left speechless.
Looking down at Emmy, Hermione was reminded of the bond that Pippa and Theo shared. Her heart ached as she watched the elf turn to Pansy, who nodded in agreement with Blaise's mother over Emmy being given the privilege of caring for Athena. These elves again weren't being treated like Dobby or Winky. They were treated with respect and love, love that they returned by pouring themselves into caring for their families.
"Emmy is honoured, Mistress," she said, bowing so low that her nose brushed the floor.
"Now that's settled," Yasmine addressed the two teenage witches again, her lips were tight as she looked them over, obviously displeased with their current appearance and smell. Though they had just travelled via muggle transportation from Scotland to wherever in Italy they were, they had yet to really take a moment to rest or clean themselves. Still battle worn and exhausted from what they'd been through before that was all weighing on them.
"Food, through the archway there, you'll find a kitchen. I'd suggest you take the time to select what rooms will be yours for the duration of your stay after that. Anything in the east wing is available to you. Now, if you'll excuse me."
Before either Hermione or Pansy could thank her, the woman was gone with a flourish of her gown. Hermione was left alone with Pansy – Emmy having taken Athena to bathe her – not knowing what to do. A whole new life was beginning, and Hermione was wondering just how long the duration of their stay truly would be.
ooo
Draco's entire body ached from the intense training sessions that Dawlish and Robards had put him and the other new recruits through that morning. Between the duelling, learning basic first aid, studying all the laws and regulations that they would have to follow, and making sure their bodies were in top physical shape – Draco was spent. His mind was racing off into a million different places, thinking of what he could have done differently in his latest practical exam up against bloody Satin Potter to if he'd eaten recently. All of it swirling together.
"You know–" Theo called from their ensuite, his mouth sounding full as if he were in the middle of brushing his teeth instead of just waiting until he was finished to speak. "If I were a less confident man, I'd be worried that you were going to leave me for Potter. The sexual tension between the two of you, I might ask Longbottom if he's wanting to swap for the night so you both can get it out of your system."
"Will you shut up," Draco drawled, rolling his eyes despite his boyfriend not being able to see him. "Potter is just arrogant and thinks too highly of himself. Defeat one dark wizard and all of the sudden you're above training? I think not."
Theo snorted as he walked out of the loo, a towel slung around his narrow waist and his curls wet and hanging in his eyes. With the Auror training that they'd been at now for a few months, Theo's body had slowly started changing. No longer were either of them thin or wiry with lean muscles. No longer were they boys scared and trying to survive to the next day.
Both of them had put on a considerable amount of weight in muscle mass, their biceps and forearms thicker and their legs more powerful than they'd ever been. They were more confident, more powerful, and no longer living under the fear of their fathers.
Even with all these new changes and the busy schedules that they kept, with three months since the Battle of Hogwarts and no word from Hermione it made Draco wonder. In all their efforts, he'd yet to find their witches.
Theo climbed into bed, extinguishing the light so that only what trickled in from the moon illuminated their bedroom. Laying his head on Draco's chest, they held each other in the dark, letting their minds run wild in whatever direction they wanted to go. Though, Draco couldn't keep his thoughts to himself for long.
"A knut for your thoughts?" Theo asked when Draco's foot began bouncing out of a nervous habit.
"It's just… What if Thoros has Hermione and Athena?" Draco whispered into the warm summer air. "It's August, and we aren't the only ones searching for her. Shacklebolt has the entire Ministry combing the country and different parts of the world. If they can't find her, might they be…"
"No, I don't think so," Theo interjected. "You know my father, we know that he knows about Athena, right?" Theo said, running his hand through Draco's hair in a soothing motion. "If he did, he would make sure I knew. He'd want to make sure I saw him slaughter them. No, I think they're out there somewhere, knowing the danger that my father poses and waiting until it's safe."
"Then what?" Draco asked, rolling on top of Theo so that he was looking down at him in the dimly lit room. "Who do you think is hiding them? There's no way Granger is doing this on her own. I know she was able to hide from the Dark Lord with no help, but she didn't have a newborn with her. A newborn who will need to be fed and have regular checkups. Someone else is involved. The only question is, who?"
Theo considered him for a moment, using his fingers to trace the lines of Draco's face. Draco leaned back to look into Theo's eyes, a fire building there that made Theo look equal parts terrifying as he did sexy. "Pansy, this has Pansy written all over it," he declared with such conviction that Draco could feel the truth in his words, even if he wasn't entirely convinced himself.
"You think? I mean, Pansy is with her mum's family wherever they're from. I don't know that she could fake it to the extent that she has if she wasn't."
"No," Theo shook his head, wrapping his arms around Draco's torso. "I know the bloody witch. Always involving herself where she shouldn't be. Our next day off, we're going to meet with the Bùi family."
Theo was no longer looking at Draco, rather he was focused on something over his shoulder on the canopy above them. The small soothing circles he traced in Draco's back were relaxing, easing away the years of tension that had been building since the end of his fourth year when his father had come home with news of the Dark Lord's return.
"Then what do we do?" Draco whispered into the quiet night, not wanting to disrupt Theo's thoughts, but still needing more answers.
At first, Theo didn't answer, still rubbing his hands over Draco's sore back muscles. His throat bobbed as Theo swallowed down whatever emotions he'd been holding before looking at Draco with such an intensity Draco felt as if Theo were trying to melt him.
"We look for them. Hermione and Athena, but also, we hunt down Thoros. And this time, we end him."
A/N: Hello! Thank you for reading Athena of Starlight! This is the first part of my Athena series, with the next part coming to be titled Athena of Moonrise. Make sure that you are subscribed or following me so that you don't miss when that story starts dropping.
A funny thing about this is that I never intended for to re-write DH to the extent that I did. I had thought oh, one or two chapters and that will be all I need. Instead, it's grown much beyond that.
Beta work done on this story was by Ceilidhchaos, allisonsnead, and lasallemarcia
If you want to hear more from me, I'm on social media. Facebook groups Dreomione Appreciation and Sarah Fraser's Forest and then also on Twitter sarahfhickman
Now, for a sneak peek into Athena of Moonrise...
"Thea?" Hermione stood on the edge of the meadow that was safely tucked in the wards surrounding Zabini Castle. "Athena Elizabeth!" She called more forcefully, fear starting to creep in as she looked around the eerily still grass.
"BOO!" Hermione screamed, jumping into the air, waving her hands wildly as she clutched her chest. She glared at where the the little girl had appeared, now rolling around in the wildflowers in fits of giggles was her own little wildflower and…
"Emmy, what has she done to you?" Hermione asked, crouching down to try and wipe away some of the yellow smudges off the little house elf's face.
"Missy Thea Beth says we is warriors," Emmy, Athena's nanny elf exclaimed with more enthusiasm than really necessary. "Missy Thea Beth is a brave witch, here to protect us from the wolves."
"The wolves?" Hermione asked, lifting her three-year-old into her arms as she looked down at Emmy, who was straightening the dress she wore that matched her Missy's.
"Yes, mummy! The werewolves are coming for us!" Athena exclaimed, lifting her hands and making the shape of claws as she snarled and snapped her jaw. "He's waiting for us mummy, but we get him first!"