Author's Notes:
Here's Chapter 133 for you!
This chapter is the product of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), where I attempt to write 50,000 words in one month. This might explain why this chapter is so long (10,742 words).
Tonight I went to a local Christmas Lights Switch On, something I included in TMD, when Tabitha Penn is murdered in Diagon Alley, and it made me think, do other countries (that celebrate christmas) have a Christmas Light Switch On event? With music, dancing, singing, and a countdown?
Anyway, please enjoy!
Love, DW x
Both Hermione and Draco were busier than they would have expected during the rest of May while still being on family leave. Most mornings, the young family enjoyed breakfast at a café in the centre of Diagon Alley, conveniently opposite Knockturn Alley. They would people-watch as they ate and make notes of anyone who matched a Death Eater codenames. Their afternoons consisted of meetings with Draco's agents, which were just his Slytherin friends and some of their partners, conversations with President Harris in MACUSA, and lesson planning in preparation for the next academic year.
Therefore, when invitations to the Ministry of Magic's Marriage Anniversary Dinner arrived a week before the end of May, they realised they had forgotten to organise their own Anniversary Dinner. In a large scale panic, Hermione enlisted the help of Ginny, Luna and Mitty to help plan everything. With Luna being back in the country, Hermione realised just how foolish it was of her to think her friend could ever have been involved with the Death Eaters. She was probably still shaken by Dennis' betrayal that she was accusing everyone.
Nevertheless, the four of them managed to pull the whole dinner off within the week. Almost as soon as Hermione owled out their own invitations, they began receiving replies from people excited to attend what had become known as the 'anti-ministry dinner'.
The morning of the first of June, Hermione awakens her husband with a cup of tea and a gift-wrapped box.
"You said we weren't doing presents," Draco says accusatory, trying to sit up and clear his mind from sleep.
"I know we did, but I saw this, and it was perfect," Hermione grins, excitedly sitting beside him, urging Draco to open the gift.
"Alright," Draco yawns, finger-brushing his long hair out of his face, taking a sip of his tea and handing the cup over to Hermione. "Let's see," he mutters, tearing the folded wrapping paper.
Beneath the paper is a velvet box. Draco narrows his eyes, "I hope you didn't spend too much on me," he warns.
Hermione shakes her head, brushing his warning away, "It is my own money, and if I choose to spend it on you, that is no concern of yours." She assures him.
Draco smiles, removing the lid from the box to reveal what appears to be a silver pocket watch. A glance up at Hermione shows a look of confusion on his face.
"Open it," she nods eagerly.
Draco opens the pocket watch up, but instead of finding a clock face, he finds the face of his son, grinning his gummy smile back at him with his gorgeous light brown eyes sparkling. He remembers when the picture had been taken in Central Park while on their holiday to New York.
"Thank you," he says softly, blinking quickly to keep the tears away. "I love it." Draco pulls his wife in for a tight hug. "I love you," he adds, gently kissing her as his hands wander down her leg, pulling her over to straddle his hips.
"Draco," she whispers, kissing below his ear. "We don't have time for this."
"We have all the time in the world," he assures her.
"We need to set up the garden before the guests arrive at three o'clock," she reminds him, her breath catching as his hand slides beneath her dressing gown.
"And what time is it now?" He asks.
"Eleven o'clock."
"Plenty of time to celebrate," he sits up abruptly, sending Hermione falling backwards onto the bed. "Unless you are sincerely opposed to such a celebration," he raises his hands, hovering them mere millimetres above her flesh.
Hermione's head falls back against the bed with a deep sigh, "Don't stop," she mutters, her hands moving to unfasten her dressing gown, but Draco's hands gently push them away, wanting to unwrap her himself.
"How I wish to have known you like this without the loathsome Minister and his Decree?" Draco mutters, pressing his kisses to her stomach.
"Despite it all, I prefer it this way," Hermione admits her hands in his hair. "I'd much rather know you under these circumstances than not at all," she confesses, pulling his face up to kiss. "When Scorpius arrived, I thought my love for you would be shared with our son, but I was amazed to find that I love you more now than I know what to do with it." She reveals.
"Merlin," Draco breathlessly curses, not knowing how to respond to such a statement. So, he puts his mouth to work, kissing his way down her beautiful body in an attempt to make her as breathless as she had made him.
Some time later, Draco and Hermione are interrupted by their embrace by Ginny and Luna's shouts echoing through their house as they make their way upstairs to find them.
"Are you even up?" Ginny's voice calls. "I expected to see gazebos in the garden," she adds.
"Shit," Draco mutters, clambering out of bed and across their bedroom into the bathroom, just as their bedroom door is kicked open by Ginny.
"There you are," Ginny comments. "Why are you still in bed at midday?"
Luna's eyes scan the state of the bedding and Hermione's face knowingly, "Ginny, shall we prepare breakfast?" She asks, although it's much less of a question, as she grabs Ginny's hand, pulling her out of the room.
"I've already eaten," Ginny says as she's pulled away.
"Not for us," Luna adds.
Hermione chuckles in embarrassment, hiding beneath the covers. She had planned the day out, and yet one hand on her thigh sent her plan spiralling out of control. It would take a miracle to set up in time for the dinner to begin. Thankfully, they had acquired the help of Pearl, who had to close her restaurant, 'Victoria', for the day due to the Ministry's Dinner. Therefore, she was more than happy to offer the help of her restaurant's chefs to cook for Draco and Hermione's dinner.
Hermione kisses Draco's bare shoulder as he exits their en-suite and on her way for her shower. Afterwards, she joins everyone in the kitchen, where toast and eggs have been prepared for their breakfast, along with a pot of tea.
Luna is holding Hermione's plan, trying to rework the missed actions to later in the day. "What time is Pearl arriving?" She asks.
"Two o'clock, with her chefs, who will prepare the food ready to serve at five," Hermione answers, eating her scrambled eggs.
"George is arriving beforehand to set up the music, correct?" Luna continues.
"Yes,"
"Blaise is helping George, so he'll probably be here earlier too," Draco adds.
Luna simply nods her appreciation at the new information and continues going down the list. By half-past twelve, the remaining work had been divided between the four of them, and they were ready to work hard for the next two hours in an attempt to get everything prepared.
When Harry arrives by floo to Hermione and Draco's house, he is accompanied by James gripping his hand tightly. The so-called terrible twos had hit the Potter household two months early, as their son insisted on doing everything by himself.
"Right, we're here; you can go play with Scorpius," Harry informs his son, who runs off into the living room. "He's not wearing shoes today," he states to his wife as he joins her in Hermione's kitchen.
"Perfect," Ginny sighs.
"Shoes can be very irritating," Luna agrees.
"I assume James chose his own outfit today as well," Ginny adds, having watched her son run past in a green dragon jumper and a kilt, which was a hand-me-down from Teddy.
"Of course, he did," Harry nods, sitting down at the kitchen table, gratefully accepting a cup of tea from Hermione. "So, how many guests are we expecting for the Dinner?" Harry asks.
"All the New Order members are joining us, and the majority of our acquaintances agreed to come. I didn't invite those who we don't know in any capacity or those who I didn't trust to tell the Minister," Hermione admits. "Overall, about one hundred people are attending, not including children, who have also been invited."
"It's going to be a good night," Harry smiles. "Luna, you're still open to writing an article for the Quibbler?"
"Of course, Harry," she agrees, gesturing to the quill sticking out of her hair, which she's piled into a bun atop her head.
The first guest to arrive is George, with his family. Although he is followed closely by Blaise with Pandora, he quickly passes over to Luna before joining his Weasley friend outside to set up the music.
Luna's face brightens upon being handed her daughter. She takes her child outside, telling her all about her most recent adventures and the upcoming travels, which Pandora would be joining her on.
"I'm glad Luna's seems more comfortable being a mother now," Ginny whispers to Hermione as they watch their friend out of the kitchen window.
Hermione nods, "I don't think she's completely there yet, but she had her friends and Blaise to help, and Blaise is such an amazing father." She adds. "They really were good for each other, but I don't think it was the right time." She hypothesises.
"You didn't hear this from me," Ginny begins, drawing Hermione's attention from the window. "But Luna's definitely moved on." She winks.
"Is she seeing someone?" Hermione asks, eyes widening.
"No, Luna doesn't want anything serious, but if someone catches her eye whilst on her travels," Ginny waggles her brows.
Hermione laughs, "You're so crass," shoving her friend's shoulder gently, "As long as my friends are happy, I'm happy." She smiles.
A sudden influx of guests takes Hermione away from her friends for the next half an hour, as she greets them in the floo room and directs them outside into the garden, where the party will primarily take place.
One large gazebo had been placed against the large bushes in their front garden, where the dance floor had been set up with the DJ station. Either side of the large one was a smaller gazebo, where Pearl's chefs were finishing the meals, and her bartenders were mixing drinks for their guests. Then scattered around were circular tables with wooden garden chairs for their guests to relax with their family and friends. Nearby, a large playhouse, sandpit and the swing set have been placed to keep the children entertained, within sight of their parents.
"Hermione, this is amazing. Your garden is absolutely gorgeous," Katie Bell says, her hand grasped around her husband's, Aster Edging, who nods his agreement.
"Thank you," Hermione hugs the woman. "I'm glad you could make it here tonight. You both look so happy," she adds.
"Why shouldn't we be? It's our anniversary, and we're both happy together, so why not celebrate," Katie explains. "Although, I know not everyone here would say the same. There have already been so many divorces."
"I'm guessing that isn't in your cards," Hermione smiles.
"No, not at all, it took a while, but we got there in the end," she places her hand on her stomach.
Hermione smiles, "Congratulations! I wouldn't worry about how long it took; I know quite a few who are pregnant right now."
"Who?" Katie's eyes scan the group of friends gathered outside chatting to each other.
"Well, Percy and his wife, Audrey, are expecting their first. Of course, you've heard about Ginny, but Neville and Hannah are having another." Hermione lists. "Do you know Theo Nott?"
"Yes," Aster comments.
"He and Lisa are expecting another in October," She adds.
"Didn't Hannah just have Frank in January?" Katie questions.
"Yes, they're expecting next January again; it was a complete surprise," Hermione mentions.
"There's seems to be a lot of surprises going around," Katie smiles. "What about you and Draco? Are you planning for anymore?" She raises a brow.
"Scorpius isn't even a year old yet," Hermione chuckles awkwardly. "We're waiting a few years, so we can settle into our careers. We fulfilled the Marriage Decree, and now we can finally relax." She smiles, feeling like a broken record as she repeats the same speech every time someone asks. "If you excuse me, Molly and Arthur Weasley have just arrived," she nods over to where they're talking to Percy and Audrey. "I should go say hello."
"Of course," Katie agrees, quickly turning her attention to another nearby friend.
Molly brings Hermione in for a hug, "You've done brilliantly, dear." She praises her.
"Thank you, Molly, but I couldn't have done it without Ginny and Luna." She admits.
"If anything, you've kept Ginny occupied. She's so fidgety when she can't train, and her healer has banned her from flying," Molly complains.
"As they should, no one should fly, especially not when pregnant."
Molly shakes her head fondly, then shrieks as Bill and Fleur round the corner, little Victoire asleep in Bills arms. The family walk towards them, but Molly runs to greet them, wanting a cuddle with her granddaughter.
"Mum, she's sleeping," Bill warns her.
"And she'll sleep again later; I haven't seen my girl in months," she cradles Victoire.
"Molly, it has been six weeks," Fleur corrects her mother-in-law, her French accent audibly thicker since their move to France.
Hermione focuses on Percy and Audrey, feeling slightly awkward and guilty for suspecting the woman as a Death Eater. She had been nothing but polite so far, having conversations with her siblings-in-law and other attendees. She had even brought a trifle for Draco and Hermione as thanks for the invitation.
"Are you looking forward to going back to work?" Audrey asks Hermione.
"Definitely, I'll miss Scorpius, of course, but I like to be kept busy, and I love the hustle and bustle of daily life at Hogwarts," she smiles. "What about you, Audrey? Percy tells me you really enjoy your work. Will you be taking the full year of parental leave, or will you go back early?" She returns the question.
Audrey smiles at Percy, "I think I'll take at least three months and see how I feel afterwards," She answers.
"We've discussed parental leave, and I'm going to take the full year since Audrey's job is so important and pays better," Percy explains.
"Your work is important too, Percy," Hermione assures him.
Percy shakes his head, "I returned to the Ministry in an attempt to gain information. Since the New Order has been formed, we've got so many other Ministry workers on our side. I don't see what use I can have in the position I currently hold. I know my worth, and I just don't think I'm giving my full potential within the Ministry."
"That's more like it," she gives him a quick hug, leaving them to find her husband.
After an hour, Draco finds himself hiding in his study, attempting to settle a fussy Scorpius. There had been a lot of greeting and attention since their party began. Scorpius had gotten tired of all the cooing and pocking at his chubby cheeks. Draco wasn't all that fond of the attention either. On numerous occasions, people had expressed their surprise that he and Hermione had remained together after the birth of Scorpius. However, Draco could read between the lines and knew the underlying surprise was with Hermione for staying with him.
He could see Hermione out their study window talking with various guests but periodically scanning the crowd. He assumes she is looking for him, so he makes his way out the front door towards her. She holds her arms out for Scorpius, cradling him close when he passes her over.
"Where have you been?" She smiles.
"Hiding," Draco admits. "Scorpius was becoming restless with all the attention."
"Does he need a nap?" She asks, rocking her baby.
"I'll take him up," he quickly announces.
Hermione rolls her eyes, "Have Mitty get him off to sleep? You're the co-host; you can't hide all afternoon." She tells him.
With a deep sigh, Draco does as he's told, taking his son up to his bedroom for a nap and calling Mitty to get him off to sleep while he joins Hermione back out in the garden. It's easier with his wife by his side, reassuringly squeezing or caressing his hand when someone says something rude.
Thanks to George and Blaise, soft, gentle music played throughout the party. The dance floor had a steady flow of guests dancing and laughing together. The more upbeat party music was due to begin after dinner had been served.
Pearl caught their attention from her gazebo to tell them dinner would be ready to serve in ten minutes if they wanted to ask everyone to find a table.
Hermione casts 'sonorus' from the dance floor to gain everyone's attention, "Friends, our dinner is about to be served, so please find a table to sit at with your friends and family."
There are a few minutes of murmurs as everyone figures out where and with whom they're going to sit for dinner.
"I'm not going to keep you too long with some boring, rambling speech about how successful our marriages have been for the Ministry," she begins her speech.
A chorus of boos and a round of laughter assures Hermione that their dinner and her speech were the proper steps to take forward.
"Instead," she continues. "I'm going to quickly thank you all for coming to our dinner, in place of the Ministry's dinner. We've gone through this whole Marriage Decree ordeal together these past two years, and that's something we will always have in common. The Ministry, and Minister Shacklebolt, has no idea what they have put us through, and they do not deserve to use our children as success stories. This is the beginning of the end of the Marriage Degree. I wish you all the best for the rest of your life." Hermione completes her speech.
George cheers, "Hear! Hear!" which starts a round of applause and cheering from their guests.
Hermione gives an appreciative curtsy, wishing she had placed a more potent quietening charm over their property, so their more nosy neighbours don't come asking about the noise.
"Please," she speaks once more. "Enjoy your meal."
The waiters begin handing out menus around the table, listing a selection of starters and desserts, with meat, fish or vegan main options to choose from. The prepared meals immediately start being levitated around as guests order.
Hermione sits beside Draco, with Harry and Ginny, and Ron and Pansy.
"Pansy," she grins. "I haven't seen you at all. Have you just got here?"
"We got here an hour ago; there are so many people that I don't want to talk to, but who wants to talk to Ron," Pansy sighs. "So, we've been around a bit."
"I'm glad you're enjoying yourself," Hermione sarcastically jokes.
Idle chitchat consumes the relaxing and laid back meal as guests reminisce over the past couple of years. They share their hopes for the future, now that the vast majority of people have fulfilled the properties of The Marriage Decree. A recurring hope among couples is to move out of the Estate and into their own place. All in an attempt to get back to some form of normalcy with their spouse and child. Although, a few individuals, who had arrived alone, were happy to finally focus on their own lives. Either way, all their guests seemed optimistic about the Marriage Decree coming to an end within the next year as the last couples were expecting.
After dinner, Ginny pulls Hermione onto the dance floor with Luna and a few other Gryffindor girls for a dance, as the music becomes more upbeat. For half an hour, they take over the dance floor, a few other people joining them, including Blaise, who drags a reluctant Pansy with him. When Hermione finally returns to her table, she finds Draco talking quite seriously with a worried looking Milicent Bulstrode.
"Thank you, Draco," Milicent says as Hermione comes within earshot.
The other woman glances up at Hermione and smiles a little awkwardly as she stands up, "It's been a lovely party, thank you for inviting Abe and me."
"Thank you for coming," Hermione returns the thanks, sitting beside her husband, watching her leave. "What were they talking about?" She instantly asks Draco.
"They've not conceived yet, and today was the Marriage Decree's deadline," Draco says.
Hermione's face falls, "I'm guessing they don't want their marriage annulled."
Draco shakes his head, "Milicent was always quite a shy person; she never had much self-confidence. Abraham's been good for her, and she told me they love each other."
"That's awful. Have they received any information on the annulment?" Hermione asks, glancing around their garden at the many happy couples, wondering if others are worried about annulment.
"They received a letter this morning stating they will be paired with a new partner in June next year," he tells her.
"Next June? Why are they waiting a year?" She frowns as realisation dawns on her. "The Minister is waiting for a larger pool of eligible people. He's waiting for next year's graduating class to come of age." She states disgustedly. "The Death Eater's are correct; the Minister is going to pass another Marriage Decree."
Draco nods, "We'll pass the information on to President Harris. We've got a lot of people working on our side, more than we ever expected. Perhaps we can push them to remove the Minister before next June." He suggests.
"I highly doubt it," Hermione sighs. "We've got plenty of people, but not enough information. This is all speculation. We need evidence. President Harris and the ICW won't take him down without a strong case." She sighs.
The music that had been a constant in the background of their party suddenly changes back to a slow, gently tune.
"Come on," Draco stands, holding his hand out for her. "All this can wait until tomorrow; for now, I want to dance with my wife on our anniversary."
Hermione's eyes soften, taking her husband's hand and allowing herself to be led to the dance floor, where they embrace and gently sway to the music. She rests her head upon his chest, listening to the beat of Draco heart. There's no need for them to fill their silence with conversation; both of them are more than happy to enjoy a moment where it's just the two of them.
At the Ministry of Magic, barely fifty couples had arrived for their anniversary dinner. Confusion set in as they sat at empty tables in an empty hall. Zacharias Smith and his wife, Poppy Woods, were just as confused as the rest of the hall. However, in Zacharias' case, he had no idea why his work colleagues in the Department of Magical Games and Sports hadn't arrived.
Expectantly, when Minister Shacklebolt called the halls attention by walking on stage, he looked positively furious.
"First of all, I would like to thank all of you for attending your Second Anniversary Dinner. This dinner is not for me. We, the Ministry of Magic, organise these dinners for you, the couples of The First Marriage Decree, to celebrate all you have done to help the British wizarding community. Your children are a blessing that has relieved the stresses left over from the War, and your attendance here shows your loyalty to your community." The Minister for Magic announces. While his words' meaning could be construed as enthusiastic and favourable, his tone of voice is sharp and fiery, indicating the anger within.
"I don't think we should stay long," Poppy whispers to Zacharias, and he nods in agreement.
"I did have a speech prepared, where I went on to discuss the positive impact The Marriage Decree has already had on our community. I was going to announce a new Ministerial Department that I have worked tirelessly on, that aims to improve education for our children." The Minister sighs deeply, leaning against the podium. "At the end of the day, the purpose of The Marriage Decree was to ensure there is a future for Wizarding Britain, and our future is all about our children. Suppose I am remembered in history by one action. In that case, I want it to be The Marriage Decree, which is already restoring the population of our community. Still, if I am remembered for one more action, I hope it's for how much I cared for the future of our community, despite so much adversary." Minister Shacklebolt stands tall. "Enjoy your meal; you may leave afterwards." He walks off the stage to sporadic applause, leaving out of the door at the back of the stage.
As starters begin to appear in front of the attendees in the Ministry's hall, Minister Kingsley Shacklebolt storms through the Ministry towards the lift that will take him up to his office. He orders his secretary, Eliza Ivory, to call Oscar Crawford to his office immediately.
"Y-yes, sir," Miss Ivory jumps to her feet, quickly scribbling a note as the Minister enters his office, slamming the door behind him.
Kingsley doesn't know where the other hundred and thirty couples were. Though, he assumes it has something to do with Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy. He paces behind his desk, awaiting the arrival of his Minister for Defence. Those two had been nothing but trouble since he consented to their marriage two years prior, and something needed to be done about them. He couldn't annul their marriage since they had fulfilled the requirements of The Marriage Decree. Something was going on within the Ministry; Kingsley could feel it. Conversations stops as he walks through the corridors, then pick up when he is out of earshot; more of his staff take their lunch break out of the Ministry; they've become suspicious of each other since the arrest of Alphard Vale. How had he not suspected his Head auror?
A knock at his door interrupts his thoughts as Oscar Crawford enters his office.
"You summoned me, sir?" Crawford asks, standing to attention in front of his desk.
"I want the restriction spells put back up as soon as the last attendees leave the Anniversary Dinner," he states.
The Minister for Defence nods, "Anything else, sir?"
"Yes, I believe Granger and Malfoy to be a threat to Britain," the Minister admits.
Crawford nods slowly, "What actions have they taken against you or the Ministry?" He asks.
Kingsley's jaw sets, "I believe they are working with MACUSA and the Ministry moles to attack us from within."
"Espionage?" Crawford questions. "That is a serious accusation, sir? Without concrete evidence, there's not much I can do." He admits.
"I want them to be placed under surveillance," Kingsley tells him.
"Sir, that would involve the aurors. How do you suggest we get around Harry Potter discovering the surveillance?" Crawford asks.
"Leave Potter to me," the Minister orders. "You are dismissed," he announces, and his Minister for Defence instantly leaves.
Kingsley would keep Potter distracted with the intricacies of Alphard Vale's trial for the next few months, working with whichever law firm the Minister chose to prosecute. That was a decision that needed making as soon as possible, so he pulled out the numerous letters of request from many of the Ministry's law firms, who were eager to prosecute Alphard Vale. He would make the choice tonight.
As their party continues into the afternoon, couples and family decide to leave, thanking Hermione and Draco for a beautiful party. Eventually, by half five, there's only a small group of close friends still sitting around at the tables and dancing on the dance floor.
"You've hosted an amazing party, Hermione," Angelica states as they dance.
"It was a great excuse for a weekend return to Britain," Fleur adds. "Bill misses his family a lot, but we feel safer in France," she admits.
Hermione nods, "I can understand that. A lot is going on in Britain at the moment."
"Hermione, you and Draco must come with the Weasley's when they visit us in August," Fleur insists, taking Hermione's hands in her.
"I'm afraid we're already going away with my family in August. We're going to Spain," Hermione tells Fleur.
"Take two holidays," Fleur smiles, spinning around into the arms of Bill. "There you are," she gushes, kissing his face.
"I don't think Fleur's drunk much since Victoire's birth," Angelina laughs.
"I haven't either, since Scorpius," Hermione admits, laughing along. "I'm going to find Draco," she announces, suddenly missing him.
Hermione wanders off the dance floor, her eyes scanning the garden for her husband, but she's unable to find him. She wonders for a moment if he's hiding inside the house again when a sharp, screeching alarm sounds from inside their home, signalling an uninvited person has crossed their wards.
At the gate to their drive, Hermione sees several people dressed in dark cloaks. Her initial panic is that the Death Eater's are attacking; however, once she realises she can see their faces, she understands that they're aurors and Ministry Officials.
"Arthur!" Hermione calls over to the man stood near her. "Why are there aurors here?" She questions.
"I don't know, but it can't be good," Arthur mutters, his hand wrapped protectively around Molly's wrist.
A loud, echoing voice sounds out from the apparent leader of the auror group, "Attention! You are all in violation of the gathering restrictions. You are all under arrest on suspicion of treason against the Ministry of Magic." The voice states.
"Come with me, Arthur, Molly," Hermione calls, the effects of the few drinks she'd drunk wearing off instantly. "Percy, get Audrey, now."
Hermione begins leading them behind her house. They hadn't stood too far away since she had been heading inside to check for Draco. Hopefully, she should be able to help at least a few people escape through the floo at the back of her house. However, as they sneak past the kitchen, Hermione sees three aurors inside her home, probably infiltrating through the floo network they had opened up for the party.
"They're inside," Hermione tells the four Weasleys behind her. Then the realisation hits her, sending a cold shiver through her body. "Scorpius is inside." She mutters.
Hermione raises her wand to the sky, without really thinking of the implications, and disarms the wards on their house, allowing for all those trapped on their grounds to escape through apparation.
"Go home," she orders the four Weasleys.
"Let me help?" Percy begs.
Hermione shakes her head, "Audrey, take him home."
Audrey quickly reaches out for her husband's arm and apparates them away, presumably back to the Estate. Before Molly can even argue her case, Arthur does the same, apparating back to the Burrow.
Hermione eases the back kitchen door open, pointing her wand at one of the aurors and casting "Stupefy", rendering him unconscious. Another turns to her but doesn't have time to react when she sends another red flash towards them. Before their unconscious body hits the ground, Hermione's through the door, tiptoeing through her own house towards the stairs, where the first auror had been heading.
In the rush of panicked guests, Draco scans the garden for Hermione, but he's unable to find her. He does spot Harry running towards the group of aurors making their way towards the guests. Draco watches as they converse for a few moments before Harry is sent flying back by a stunning charm.
Draco's eyes widen in utter shock that the aurors would turn on, not only one of their own but also Harry Potter. Suddenly, above them, the sky starts to light up as the wards protecting his house from unwanted visitors apparating onto their grounds disappear, something only he and Hermione can do. She must be safe.
"Harry!" Ginny screams, a crying James on her hip, hugging his mother tightly.
"Ginny, go home. I'll help Harry," Draco shouts as he runs towards her.
Ginny stares at him for a moment, wondering if she can trust him.
"Please, trust me, Harry wouldn't want you and James in harm's way. I'll help him," Draco promises, grabbing her shoulders and turning her away from her unconscious husband. Ginny nods, apparating away with her son.
As the first few guests apparate away, the other remaining couples realise the wards have been removed and follow in their footsteps, leaving the party before they can be arrested by the aurors.
Draco turns back for Harry, only to find him missing. His eyes scan the garden, but Harry's been unconscious. There's no way he walked off himself. Instead, he runs towards his house, shouting "Apparate, go!" as he goes.
More and more people start apparating away; however, word has gotten out to the aurors, as more arrive suddenly in the middle of the garden. Draco dives out of the way of a stunning spell, making it to the front door of his house. He slams the door shut behind him, casting an advanced level locking charm.
As Hermione climbs up the stairs, slowly and silently, she listens for the intruding auror. As she reaches the landing, her wand at the ready, her eyes scan the area. All the doors have been left open as the auror has apparently searched them and found nothing. She hears them in the master bedroom, slamming the en suite door shut. Hermione takes her chance to run across the hallway into a spare bedroom; glancing quickly outside, she sees multiple people apparating away and smiles, knowing her plan has worked.
"You are trespassing!" Mitty shouts from Scorpius' bedroom, sending Hermione's blood running cold.
"Step aside, house-elf," they sneer.
Hermione's motherly instincts pulse through her body as she runs down the corridor, throwing Scorpius' bedroom door open, catching the auror by surprise.
"Step away from my son," she growls, fist gripping her wand tightly.
"Hermione Granger, you are in violation of the gathering restriction," the auror states.
"Step away from my son," she repeats, walking into the room.
"You are now under arrest on suspicion of treason against the Ministry of Magic." The auror continues.
"I will ask you once more," Hermione raises her wand. "Step away from my son."
"And for threatening an auror of the Ministry of Magic," he finishes.
Hermione rolls her eyes, "Stup-" she begins.
However, the auror has already cast "Incarcerous", conjuring thick ropes around her wrists, pulling them tight behind her back and backwards onto the ground.
"Mitty!" She screams. "Take Scorpius to my uncle David; the wards are down, go."
"But, Hermione, uncle David is muggle." Mitty worriedly reminds her.
"I don't care," she continues to scream. "Take my baby to David," she begins to cry, thrashing around on the floor in an attempt to free herself from the binds she know she can't.
The auror steps towards her, turning her over and using her arms to stand her up; all the time, Hermione struggles against him. "Keep still, bitch," he snaps at her, turning her to face him.
She sees Mitty taking Scorpius out of his crib, into her arms, still swaddled in his blanket. The house-elf gives her mistress one last glance before disapparating away, leaving Hermione a mess in the auror's arms. With her son now entrusted to the care of Mitty, and hopefully her uncle David, Hermione collapses in a fit of tears, screaming at the top of her lungs for Draco.
Draco steps away from the front door as an auror tries the handle, then attempts 'alohamora', both of which fail. Draco sneers through the door window at the auror, who glares back intently, pointing at him then drawing his thumb across his neck, indicating that he would love nothing more than to take Draco down.
"DRACO!" His wife screams, and Draco spins on his foot, his heart-stopping still. He's never heard such pain and fear in her voice as right now.
"HERMIONE!" Draco calls back, racing up the stairs three steps at a time, reaching the landing as a crack sounds from Scorpius' bedroom. He runs down to find the room empty. No Hermione, no Mitty and no Scorpius.
He scrambles back out of the room, hoping Mitty had hidden with Scorpius when the aurors arrived. He enters each room, calling for Mitty and Scorpius. However, each room is as empty as the last. He races out the front door, finding a group of three aurors discussing the next steps since all the guests seem to have apparated away. Draco storms to the nearest one, punching him square on the jaw and knocking him on his back.
"Where's my son?" He screams, jumping on top of him, landing punch after punch into his stomach, ribs and face. "Where's my son?" The two other aurors grab at him, trying to pull him off, but it's no use; Draco's not going to be taken that easily.
"Draco, stop!" Someone shouts behind him, but he doesn't let them distract him from finding Scorpius.
Two red flashes hit the two aurors attempting to rescue their colleague. Unexpectedly, Draco is tackled off the now unconscious and bloody auror.
"Get off me," Draco kicks the body off of him, standing up, ready to attack whoever had attacked him, only to find Ronald Weasley rubbing his rib.
"Mate, Harry was arrested. I bet Hermione was too. Go to Shacklebolt and argue for their release," Ron tells him.
"My son," Draco struggles to say, his breathing heavy.
"Hermione will know where he is, right?" He suggests.
"She was taken from his room," he realises.
"See, go to Shacklebolt." Ron urges.
"No, he's not going to listen to me, but I know who will," Draco smirks darkly.
From their feet, the bloody auror raises his wand, aiming at Draco and croaks, "Stupefy", however, Ron pushes him out of the way, just as the flash of red leaves the auror's wand, taking the full force of the stunning spell to his chest.
Draco apparates to Diagon Alley, not wasting any more time, racing up the street towards the Daily Prophet's headquarters. A bell in the distant chimes six o'clock, the offices will be closed. Still, if he bangs on the door loud and long enough, hopefully, any journalists staying late will come to investigate.
In a stroke of luck, the curious journalist that answers the door is Magnus Maddox, exactly who Draco is searching for.
"Mr Malfoy?" Maddox glances up and down Diagon Alley curiously.
"The Golden Trio were arrested by aurors tonight for violating the restrictions that were eased for the Ministry's Anniversary Dinner. They're being accused of treason." Draco rambles. "Can you help, or not?" He asks.
"Help? How can I help?" Maddox questions.
"Write an article and threaten to publish it tomorrow. I'll take it to the Minister and 'suggest' such an article would rally the country against the Minister and force him to release the war heroes." He shrugs.
"Okay, that's something I can do," Maddox grins, opening the door for Draco to enter. "Come in."
When Harry awakes, he finds himself face down on a cold concrete floor, the sound of whimpering somewhere nearby. Groaning in pain as he rolls over, he opens his eyes to find himself behind bars in the Ministry holding cells. He sits up with much effort, and his eyes fall on Hermione sat with her arms still bound behind her back and crying in the corner of the cell.
"Hermione, what's happened?" He questions, standing to come to her aid.
"I don't know where Draco is, but he's not here. I sent Mitty to my uncle David with Scorpius, and I can only hope she made it there okay," she sniffles.
"Let me help, turn around," Harry gently unties to complicated knots on the rope bindings. "I spoke to the aurors as they arrived. They told me to take my wife and leave; they wouldn't tell Shacklebolt I was at yours." Harry laughs. "As if he would believe that." He finally pulls the rope free.
"Thank you," she wraps her arms around her friend in a tight hug. She takes a deep breath, calming herself down. "I'm a mess. I followed one up into Scorpius bedroom. Mitty was protecting my son. I have no doubt in my mind she would have given her life to keep him safe." Her voice breaks.
"Then don't worry, she would have to take Scorpius to your uncle David's house," Harry tries to soothe her.
"The auror stood in his room, watching my son. I'm worried what he would have done had I not shown up." Hermione admits, walking over to the bars of the holding cell. "Take me to the Minister!" She shouts out to the Ministry Officials that guard the doors to the holding cells.
"Shut up!" An old wizarding in their neighbouring cell shouts.
"You shut up," Hermione argues back.
The doors to the holding cells open, and two aurors drag an unconscious Ron down the stairs.
"Step back, step back!" One of them shouts at them.
Harry pulls Hermione to the back wall, holding her back as they open the holding cell door, and throw Ron inside, onto the cold floor. The aurors slam the cell door shut, locking it behind them as they leave.
"I want to be taken to the Minister," Hermione calls after them, but they just laugh as the door closes behind them.
Harry kneels beside his best friend, trying to shake him awake, "Come on, Ron. Wake up." However, he remains unconscious. "Hermione, will you come to have a look at him?" Harry asks, unfastening the buttons on Ron's shirt.
Hermione sighs, knowing she isn't getting anywhere shouting at a closed door. "Let me see him." She inspects his chest, where an angry red mark on his chest and lower ribs are starting to bruise. "This looks like a stunning charm," she points to the chest. "And he was probably punched."
"Probably," Harry smiles, taking his jacket off to use as a pillow for Ron's head. "I don't know what happened to Ginny and James." He announces.
Hermione angrily realises she had been very self-centred, "I'm sorry for not asking."
"It's fine," Harry shakes his head. "You're worried about your family; I'm worried about mine. I trust Ginny got away safely."
"Molly, Arthur, Percy and Audrey got out before I entered my house," she claims, stretching her legs out beside Ron's unconscious form.
"I went to talk to the aurors." Harry frowns. "As soon as they saw I wasn't going to cooperate, they stunned me." He admits. "But they were just doing their job. I shouldn't have been at your party." He smiles.
Between them, Ron groans, his eyes fluttering open, "Where are we?"
"In holding," Hermione sighs her shoulder's slumping.
Harry helps Ron to his feet. "How are you feeling?"
"Like I've been punched in the chest." Ron gently places a hand on his bare chest. "That's going to bruise nicely." He chuckles sarcastically.
"What happened?" Hermione asks him. "You were the last one here."
"Well," he coughs, wincing at the pain in his ribs. "Your husband owes me big time. Draco was laying into this auror, just would not stop. He had two other aurors trying to pull him back. I stunned both of them, but then I had to tackle him down." He laughs. "It will definitely be a highlight of my life." Ron raises his hand, "The birth of my twins," he moves his hand down, "Defeating Voldemort", then moves his hand once more, "Tackling Draco Malfoy, then everything else."
"Ron, where's Draco?" Hermione urges him to focus.
"I don't know, the auror who he had beaten up tried to stun him, and like an idiot, I pushed him out of the way," Ron explains. "I told him to go to Kingsley and convince him to let you two out of here. I hope he listened; now I'm here too."
Hermione throws her arms around Ron's neck, "Thank you for helping him; I know he won't thank you; you're both too stubborn, but I appreciate it."
"Alright, alright," Ron pushes her away, wincing from his chest pain. "If he can get us out of here tonight, we're even."
"Do you have to do that?" Magnus Maddox snaps, his fingers quickly typing at a typewriter.
Draco stops his pacing in front of Maddox's desk, "Well, hurry up then." He walks around the desk to watch him type. "Good use of 'The Golden Trio', although I think you're overusing 'Saviour'."
"No, our readership like their opinions given to them on a platter," Maddox states. "If it's too vague, they won't pick up what we're trying to convince them to believe." He pulls the parchment out of the typewriter, handing it over for Draco to read.
His eyes quickly scan the parchment, "Perfect, I want you to send it to print," Draco tells him afterwards.
"I thought you were using it to threaten the Minister to release them?" Maddox frowns.
"Yes, and I will. However, I fully intend on having it published either way." Draco takes his wand out to duplicate the article.
"You're going to purposefully aggravate him? He's going to come after you and Ms Granger again." Maddox states.
"He already is coming after us," Draco admits. "He's perceived us to have done too much against him, but I have experience in wording my threats to get what I want."
"You are one conniving bastard," Maddox grins, folding up the article ready to be sent to the printers.
Draco shakes his head, not liking the compliment. After leaving the newspaper's headquarters, Draco races out the Leaky Cauldron into muggle London, needing to call his in-laws.
"Hi Draco," Chris answers his phone.
"Chris, have you seen Scorpius?" He asks, walking towards the nearest side street to be prepared to apparate to his son.
"Have I seen Scorpius?" Chris repeats. "Yeah, he walked in for a cuppa tea but has just left for work." he laughs.
"Chris, I'm serious," Draco snaps down the phone.
"You've lost your nine-month-old son?" Chris accusingly asks.
"No," Draco retorts. "Something went down this afternoon, Hermione was arrested, and my son's gone."
Chris chokes on his laugh, "Hermione got arrested?"
"Is Sarah there? Can you put her on instead?" Draco asks.
"No, she's at David's," he says, still chuckling. "Actually, Sarah was supposed to be home by now." He mentions.
"Right, I'll call her," Draco quickly hangs up the phone, scrolling for Sarah's name, then pressed dial.
"Hi, Draco, you not gonna believe who's here?" Sophie giggles once she's answered her aunts phone. "Mitty and Scorpius," she replies.
"Thank Merlin," Draco feels himself sink down onto the kerb.
"Dad screamed when Mitty arrived in the living room and threw his book at her. Don't worry, I'm playing with Mitty in my bedroom, and Aunt Sarah is with Scorpius, trying to calm Dad down." Sophie explains.
Draco nods, "I'm on my way." He stands, hanging up the phone. He turns on his heel, apparating to David's house.
Before he can knock on the door, Sophie and Mitty open it and peer around the frame at him. "I'm glad you're okay, Mitty," he enters, kneeling to pat her tiny shoulder.
"Where is Hermione?" Mitty asks, her eyes full of worry.
"She was arrested. I've got a plan, though. I just needed to find Scorpius." He explains.
"Hermione begged Mitty to bring Scorpius to Uncle David," Mitty stares at her feet. "But Uncle David is Muggle."
"It's alright, Mitty," David assures her. "You did the right thing."
One floor up, Draco hears his son becoming upset as he begins to cry. "Scorpius!" He calls, racing up to where his mother-in-law is struggling to comfort her grandson."Scorpius," Draco smiles, taking his son into his arms. "I'm here; Daddy's here." He holds Scorpius to his chest, rocking him back and forth as he settles.
"What happened, Draco?" Sarah asks softly.
"Our party was crashed by the Ministry; they arrested Hermione, Harry and Ron." He explains. "I know Mitty scared David, and I'm sorry, but Hermione had to think quickly and send Scorpius to someone she trusts with someone she trusts."
The bathroom door unlocks, and David steps out, looking rather pale. "I'm glad that you trust me with your son, but whatever that Gremlin is, I want it out of my house, please." David states.
"She's a house-elf, and she has feelings," Draco tells him, a quiet but sharp tone to his voice. "Don't be spiteful because you're scared."
"Sorry," David has the decency to look down, embarrassed.
"MITTY! We're leaving," Draco takes the house-elf's hand, pulling her close to his legs. "Don't be seen," he whispers as they leave.
They walk down the driveway, Mitty hidden behind his legs. Once out of wards set upon David's house, Draco apparates them back to their house.
"Thank you so much, Mitty," Draco tells his house-elf, who is still looking worried about her actions. "I need to go speak to the Minister and get Hermione released from holding. Can you keep Scorpius in your flat?" He asks, guiding them towards the living quarters above their garage. He doesn't know what state his house is in, now that wards have been down for over an hour.
"Draco," Mitty shakes her head.
"I'll set stronger wards over your flat, so if anyone comes back here, they won't bother you. I trust you, Mitty." Draco tries to convince her.
"Okay, Draco," she vanishes.
Confused, Draco continues towards Mitty's flat and knocks on the front door. It swings open, and Mitty calls, "Upstairs, Draco."
Draco's eyes scan around the kitchen on the ground floor, a pot of porridge cooking on the stove. He walks upstairs, Scorpius snuggling against his chest and babbling away. Mitty has created a bed for Scorpius on the first floor by taking the cushions off her two-seater sofa, placing them on the floor and covering them with sheets and blankets.
"Thank you, Mitty," Draco smiles, placing his son down on the makeshift bed. "You're too good for us."
"Mitty knows that is the wrong way. Mitty hears lots about bad masters, but Draco is too kind," Mitty tells him.
"I haven't always been, though, and you've stuck by me. Even when I offered you your freedom, you stayed." Draco sits on the floor beside his son, who's lying on his back, chewing on a teething ring.
"When Draco ask if Mitty want freedom, Mitty said-"
"Mitty wants Draco free first," Draco looks solemn at the memory. After his trial, he had been found not guilty, and he felt utterly broken. He cried that night, with Mitty trying to comfort him. "I feel free now, Mitty."
"No, Draco, not free. Mitty know Draco still need Mitty," she smiles a toothy grin.
Draco laughs, "I'm going to get Hermione."
"Draco, what is Gremlin?" She asks.
"I don't know," Draco admits. "It's probably a muggle thing that Hermione can tell us about."
Draco raises his wand casting multiple more potent wards outside of Mitty's flat to protect both Mitty and Scorpius while he's gone. Then recasts the wards that Hermione had removed. No one will be able to apparate back onto their grounds or apparate out if there's anyone still inside his house. Draco rereads the article as he walks across the garden to his own home, planning on flooing to the Ministry. It's blatantly trying to convince the reader of the Ministers misdeeds, which is precisely what Maddox promised.
Draco arrives on the Ministry's floo floor just after nine o'clock that night. He hopes Hermione isn't too upset that it's taken so long for him to come to their rescue and hesitates for a moment in the lift, deciding whether to go straight up to the Minister for Magic's office or to risk trying to see his wife down in the basement. He shakes his head, pressing the button for the Minister's office. Going down to the holding cells could result in him being arrested, which would not help anyone.
"Hi, Miss Ivory, you're still here?" Draco asks as he enters the door to Shacklebolt's office.
"You shouldn't be here, Mr Malfoy," the receptionist warns, coming around her desk in an attempt to stop him from coming any closer.
"You must know a lot of what's going on with the Minister, any particular reason why he's arrested my wife and her friends?" He asks.
"They violated the rule-of-seven restrictions and threatened aurors." She states.
"So did I, I beat one of them up pretty badly, and as I recall, it was my property the gathering was held on, yet no one has come after me. I managed to walk in here freely without question from numerous Ministry workers. What does that say about Minister Shacklebolt?" he questions, sidestepping around her as she's befuddled.
Without knocking, Draco walks into the Minister's office to find the seat behind the desk empty. He sits in one of the guest chairs, pulling out the article again as he waits for either the Minister to return or for Miss Ivory to call for him to be escorted to holding himself.
The doors to the holding cells open, and the three friends sit taller, wondering if whoever is coming down the stairs will be for them, and if so, will it be to release them. As soon as the deep purple robes of Minister Kingsley Shacklebolt are seen wafting down the last steps, Hermione jumps to her feet, but before she can run to the bars of her cell, both Harry and Ron grab her arms and pull her back.
"Come on, Hermione. If you want out of here, don't attack the Minister," Ron tells her quietly.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't the Golden Trio, locked away in my holding cells," Kingsley Shacklebolt grins intimidatingly. "Why is it that when there's trouble going on, you three are usually around? Although, Mr Ronald Weasley, you've seemed to have taken a back seat recently and been replaced by Draco Malfoy."
Ron's jaw sets with anger, the Minister's words hitting a nerve, but he can't afford to do something stupid, what with Pansy at home with his twins, waiting for his return.
"Where is your husband, Hermione Granger?" The Minister continues. "With your son?"
Hermione tries to stand again, but Harry and Ron's grip is too tight. "Draco will be here soon." She hisses at him.
"I'm sure he will be, which is why I never sent any aurors after him. He's too protective over you to leave you here too long." Shacklebolt admits.
Hermione sinks back in her seat, realising her husband is about to walk into a trap and get himself arrested.
"Now, I don't know how you discovered that restrictions would be eased for the duration of the Ministry Anniversary Dinner, but I doubt I will be able to convince a jury of your peers to sentence you for that time. However, your party was in full swing when the aurors arrived, so if your trial goes according to my plans, you and Draco will be sentenced to one day in Azkaban per person that was in attendance at your party." He admits.
"What about us?" Harry asks.
"You will be reprimanded within the Ministry for threatening your colleague, Mr Potter, and Mr Weasley; you stunned two aurors, so will be sentenced accordingly." The Minister suddenly smiles wide. "If you excuse me, I do believe Mr Malfoy has arrived at my office." He turns, taking his leave.
"Fuck," Hermione curses. "That's two hundred and seventy-five days, including the catering staff we hired, and if they include children, we're looking at another hundred days."
"We've got a law firm on our side. Theo Nott will argue for you both, and I will testify." Harry tells them.
"Pansy's gonna kill me," Ron sighs, slouching back against the wall of the cell.
Minister Kingsley Shacklebolt has a happy skip in his step as he walks down the corridor towards his office. He can't keep the smile off his face. He finally had a legitimate reason to punish both Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy. Even if they manage to convince the jury that the holding of the party was legal, due to the easing of restrictions, they would be sentenced to at least two months for threatening an auror and beating one, in Malfoy's case. He would finally be able to stop worrying about what they were planning next if they were locked away in Azkaban.
"Minister Shacklebolt," Miss Ivory jumps to her feet as he enters the waiting room. "Mr Malfoy-"
"I'm aware, Eliza. I have been waiting for his arrival." He confirms, and his receptionist nods, sitting back at her desk, shuffling some notes around. "Call for the aurors to arrive in five minutes," he orders.
Kingsley clears his throat, adjusts his robes, then storms into his office. Taking his seat, he's a little annoyed that his entrance hadn't surprised Malfoy from where he was sitting opposite.
"Mr Malfoy, I'm glad you could make it," he begins.
"I'm here of my own volition," he states, sitting up and folding a piece of parchment up.
"Which is why I never sent any aurors after you; you would find your own way here eventually," he claims, knowing he's won this round.
Malfoy does look slightly displeased upon hearing this, "I came to negotiate the release of my wife, Harry Potter, and Ronald Weasley."
"I know why you're here," Kingsley nods. "Unfortunately, I have been given reports from various people that you attacked an auror, continuing once he was knocked unconscious."
"Yes," Malfoy shrugs. "Your aurors raided my property, threatened my family and took my wife. My son was missing, and I had no idea who had taken him or where he had been taken. I was acting in self-defence."
"Will a jury believe that?"
"I have a good lawyer," Malfoy smiles. "Now, I mentioned I'm here to negotiate their release. I could sit here for the next hour, tiptoeing around the fact I'm trying to blackmail you, or you can read this article that I've had written and will be published tomorrow. Then you need to decide whether releasing the Golden Trio from holding, free of all charges, is in your best interest." Malfoy pushes the folded parchment across the desk.
Kingsley sighs deeply, his optimism from a few minutes ago leaving him as he unfurls the parchment and reads the title 'Our Saviours seized under Shacklebolt's summons', which alone would turn many people against him. As his eyes scan the parchment, reading what is clearly a Magnus Maddox article, his face pales with anger, knowing he has two options. Either double down on the arrest, stand his ground, then release his own statement to the public, or release the Golden Trio in the hopes the public thinks it was a misunderstanding.
Just as Kingsley finishes the article, a knock at his door brings both his and Malfoy's attention away from the parchment.
"Enter!" Kingsley calls, and two aurors open the door, eyes falling instantly on Draco Malfoy.
"I'm sorry about your face," Malfoy mentions to the auror with a nasty bruise forming over his left eye. "I was trying to find my family, of whom I suspected your colleagues of taking."
"Enough!" Kingsley snaps, eyes flickering back down to the article. He wants to entertain the thought that he had two options, but he knew there was only one in reality. It was a bloody good article. "Release Granger, Potter and Weasley from holding, but bring Potter to me." He orders.
"Yes, Minister," the two aurors nod, leaving together, looking a little confused.
"Malfoy, get out of my sight," Kinsley glares across his desk at the former Death Eater, wishing he cared less about his reputation so he could have arrested him right there and then, but it was essential to Kingsley to prove to Britain that a Minister can be better than what they have seen in the past few decades.
Draco stands from the chair, a winning grin on his face, "You can keep that article, Minister."
"GET OUT!" The Minister screams, kicking his rubbish bin, which sends crumpled up parchment flying across the room.
Draco leaves at once, closing the door behind him.
"I don't know what you did, Mr Malfoy, but the Minister was fully prepared to arrest you tonight. Now that you're free, he's going to be fervent towards taking you and your wife down." Miss Ivory warns.
"Oh, I thought you were on the Minister's side," Draco mentions.
"I am on no one's side, but I will do what I can, when I can, to stop him acting so recklessly." She explains.
"Well, thank you for attempting to warn me, but I need to go," he nods at her in thanks, then races down the corridor towards the lifts, where he takes it down to the holding cells in the basement.
He manages to arrive as the two aurors are guiding them towards the lifts.
"Draco, you did it," Hermione throws her arms around him, pressing kiss after kiss to his neck and cheek before finally reaching his mouth. "Scorpius, did you-."
"He's safe with Mitty," Draco assures her.
"Thank you, thank you, I don't know how you did it." She cries into his shoulder.
"I'll tell you tonight, come on, let's get you home." Draco presses the button for the lift.
Ron catches up with them after leaving Harry with the aurors and claps Draco on the back, "Thanks for helping us all out, and I want you to know, I will never forget the moment I tackled you off that auror." He grins as they ride the lift up to the floo floor.
Draco rolls his eyes, "You're welcome."
On the floo floor, Draco and Hermione bid goodbye to Ron after telling him to keep an eye out for the Daily Prophet tomorrow. Ron smiles before flooing home to his wife and children.
"What have you done?" Hermione grins, her arms wrapped around his waist, not ready to let go of her husband just yet.
"Let's get home to our son, and I'll tell you all about it," Draco presses a kiss to her forehead as they step into the floo network and flooing home.
You should follow me on Instagram (delilah . wise) to find out when the next chapter will be uploaded.
Thank you so much for reading.
Please FOLLOW, FAVOURITE and REVIEW. It will be much appreciated.