Okay the long awaited next chapter. She's a BIG one. I couldn't look at this (or do any more random research) anymore. I'm SURE there are errors throughout, but after so many times it's all just a blur. I hope you enjoy the ENTIRETY of 1941!
(Please let me know if you notice anything glaring, I'm happy to edit and if you're super into the history stuff, lemme know if you wanna be my alpha/beta on this bad boy)
January
Hermione
As the new year dawned, Hermione found herself staring out at the gently falling snow. "Princess," Draco said, coming up behind her. "I-"
She sighed and he rested his chin on her shoulder and his hands came to rest on her stomach. "I don't want you to go," she said quietly. "I've- I've just gotten you! It's not fair!"
"I know, if I could stay I would, but I don't think we want the Magical and Muggle governments coming down on us while we're trying to avoid scrutiny."
"But what will I do? What happens when the baby comes?" she whispered.
"I think I have a solution for that," he said.
She turned in his arms, resting her bum in the window sill. "Yes?"
He grimaced, "You're not going to love it, but it's the best solution."
"Tell me," she said, bracing herself.
"A house elf," he said shortly.
"No! Absolutely not, Draco Malfoy!" she said loudly. "I will not have a slave in my home!"
"Kelpie is not being a slave, Mistress!" Squeaked a voice from over Draco's shoulder.
Hermione glared at her husband and pushed him aside. "I know that they have you conv-" she started before she found her mouth unceremoniously closed.
"Now Mistress be listening here!" said the small elf. "I is being a new elf, Kelpie's parents be Malfoy elves. Master Draco be a quick thinker and got me out before I was being introduced to Lord and Lady Malfoy. Elves be part of the Family Magic, can you feel it?"
Hermione felt a tendril of Magic brush her own. She nodded sharply.
"Good, Mistress be starting to see them. We is like part of the family, but some peoples don't be treating their family well. When we is treated well the whole family be being stronger."
Hermione looked at her husband who was standing sheepishly in the corner of their room. "Kelpie was-is? my Nanny Elf," he said, scuffing his toe. "She practically raised me. I won't deny that your ideas for S.P.E.W have some merit, but you're missing a whole segment about Family Magics."
Hermione huffed. "Well maybe if people weren't so protective of it all, I wouldn't have been so misguided!"
"No denying that," he said softly, stepping towards her. "I wanted to make sure that Kelpie was here to help you when you need it most, she can also help me get back and forth from the frontlines as no one pays attention to house elf magic."
Hermione chuckled when she heard Kelpie muttering about stupid wizards who underestimated women. She looked between Draco and the elf and nodded, "Alright, welcome home, Kelpie."
Kelpie clapped her hands and then popped away. Hermione turned to her husband, prepared to chew him out, but when she took in how relieved he looked she didn't have the heart.
"I'm so glad you'll have her here, she really is the best, and nothing like you think. I'm leaving tomorrow, Granger. I need to know that all three of you will be safe, and I know she's up for the job."
She nodded woodenly and held out her arms to him. He rushed over and pulled her into his arms. "I'm-" she felt him shudder in a breath.
"I know," she cooed. "I don't want you to go, but we'll make it through this, Draco, we have to. We have to get home."
Draco
Being away from his family was uncomfortable, to say the least. He'd spent so many years on his own, it shouldn't have bothered him nearly as much, but it did. Being apart from Hermione and Pierce and the baby, made him feel rather weak willed. His soldiers were constantly rubbing him for being a sap, but Draco couldn't find it in him to care. He was a sap.
"Er- Sir?" Called a voice from outside his tent.
"How can I help you, soldier?" Draco asked, shaking the thoughts of his family off.
"I'm your personal aide. I've been trained in field medicine, and was just beginning medical school when I was called up. My sister is a witch, but I was hoping we could discuss how we're going to work together."
"Ah," Draco said, smiling at the young man. "And your name soldier?"
"Private Isaac Levy, sir!"
"A pleasure, Private Levy. So your sister is a Muggleborn then?" Draco asked.
"Yes," he said with a smile, "she's just turned 13, and was inordinately chuffed to go to Hogwarts. She's a Hufflepuff."
Draco smiled, "My wife is a Muggleborn, although we were educated at home. My family is rather old fashioned and her parents worked for mine. She's brilliant though-" Draco cut himself off and flushed. "Apologies, Private, I miss my wife, sometimes I get a bit caught up."
"It's alright, Major," Isaac said with a grin, "it's nice to hear you talk about her like that, some of the men aren't quite as respectful. I know the Wizarding World is a bit ahead of ours when it comes to women's rights."
"Yes it's a surprise since the Muggle world seems so far ahead in so many other ways," Draco said. "Where were you going to school?"
The Private flushed, "I was at the University of Birmingham, but I'm afraid I'm not cut out for being a doctor… I was always feeling behind the others."
"There's no shame in that, no hospital or clinic could run without excellent administrators," Draco said, kindly.
The pair devolved into conversation about their studies and the similarities and differences between the Muggle and Magical world, allowing Draco to put his thoughts about his family to the back of his mind.
That evening he sat and thought about the Obscurial inside of Pierce. He'd been more anxious as the baby was closer and closer to arrival. He made a note to remind Hermione to spend extra time with their son.
He'd never experienced a case of an Obscurus that they'd caught in time to prevent. He was hoping that they were doing enough, but without his usual network didn't know who to ask. He threw a rubber ball in the air, catching it as it fell back down.
He sat up quickly. Unspeakable Ellesmere would know someone, surely. He pulled out a piece of parchment and wrote a quick note, calling Kelpie to deliver the missive.
Not twenty minutes later, the Unspeakable was stepping into Draco's tent. "What a fascinating study!"
Drsco frowned. "My. Son. Is. Not. A. Study," he bit out.
The Unspeakable blinked at him. "Oh-er of course not, my friend," he said after a moment of awkward silence. "Sometimes I get a bit too wrapped up in my own head and forget to see the forest through the trees. Tell me more about what you've noticed."
After a moment of thought, Draco proceeded to explain what they'd discovered so far. He was guilty of exactly the same behaviour in his own practice. He fortunately had a team to remind him when to step back.
Before he knew it, the lights out call was being made and the Unspeakable made his way towards the door. "I'll send some things along to your wife to see if she can't help the lad along. I'll make sure to check on him every so often as well."
Draco saw the strange man off and collapsed onto his bed. Hopefully they'd caught the parasite in time so that Pierce wouldn't be affected in the long run.
February
Hermione
Fortunately, life settled down for the Malcolms as the winter carried on. Pierce was increasingly helpful as Hermione's stomach grew larger. Draco's letters, and occasional surreptitious visits, outlined how dreary life was in the Army. He'd only recently been told where he'd be situated, close to the Southern Border of Norway. They would be leaving in the next few weeks, which left Hermione and Pierce just enough time to visit him one final time.
When they arrived at the dreary grey camp outside of Richmond, Hermione gripped Pierce's hand tightly in her own.
"Welcome to Catterick Camp, Missus," a young soldier nodded. "We're not accepting civilians today, you'll have to come back another day."
"Oh, I'm here to see my husband, Major Drake Malcolm, I have his letter here somewhere," he handed Pierce the picnic basket she'd packed and he stood, straight as can be, watching the soldier curiously.
"Mum," he said after a moment of her rifling through her things, "It's in your left pocket."
She chuckled as she pulled it out. The soldier briefly looked over the letter then nodded, ushering her inside. "John will show you the way," he said, jutting his chin out towards a young man who was hovering by one of the tents.
"Hullo, ma'am," he nodded politely.
"Oh, hello soldier," Hermione beamed at him. "You remind me a lot of my father."
He looked at her curiously, "He always wanted to join the military, but Barbados is a long way from Britain…"
"Yeah, my mum and dad were not happy with me when I chose to leave Canada," he said with a small smile. "So you've always lived here?"
"Yes," she said, "born and raised, although my husband and I had to run off to Canada to escape his family. Where are you from?"
"Outside of Montreal," he said, "where did you two land?"
She sighed with relief, "Toronto, Pierce was born there of course, but Drake wanted to come back to help out."
They walked up to a tent where she could hear Draco's small radio playing a soft song. "Dad!" Pierce shouted, running through the open doorway.
"Pierce!" he cried, laughing loudly. He came to the doorway of his tent and beamed at her. "Thanks for bringing them over, soldier."
"O-Of course sir!" he saluted and looked between Draco and Hermione curiously.
"I told you, we wanted to escape his family," she chuckled, "Being like us isn't the easiest."
He looked embarrassed, "N-No, I… It was a pleasure to meet you, Ma'am, Sir!"
Draco watched the soldier walk away curiously. "I'll never get used to that," he sighed, "I guess I'll have to work a little harder at inclusion, huh?"
She smiled and patted his cheek. "You're a good man, Drake. Now come along, Pierce and I have brought you a picnic and some gifts."
She laid out their feast and perched herself across from Draco, letting Pierce sit on his lap. She loved watching the two of them together. Draco always lit up when he spoke with their son. She could tell that Pierce adored his father, and soaked in every word he said with awe.
When they'd finished eating, Hermione handed Draco a few packages. "This one is from me, Dad," Pierce said excitedly.
Draco opened the paper and let out a laugh. Inside were two things, a toy Conestoga wagon with three figures, one that looked like Draco, one that looked like a pregnant Hermione, and one that looked like Pierce. "Mum charmed it so that when the baby is born he'll appear too. Then you can see how big we're getting!"
Draco looked up at her, "I love it. I'll keep it by my bed." The next part of the gift was a picture of Draco and Pierce at Christmas, building the chicken coop. Draco wrapped his arms around his son tightly. "I love you, bud. I wish we didn't have to go, but I promise I'll be back before your brother is born, I wouldn't miss it for the world."
Pierce nodded, and Hermione pretended not to notice the tears in his eyes as he buried his face against Draco's neck. Hermione gestured to the second package. Draco opened it and saw that there was a picture of them on their wedding day on top of a book.
"The book is for later," she said, winking at him. "You'll know what to do with it when you open it."
He smiled at her. "I love you so very much, Granger. Would you like to meet some of the lads, Pierce?" he asked looking down at his son who nodded excitedly. "You wait here," Draco said, sending her a heated look. "I'll just introduce Pierce to someone and I'll be back shortly."
Hermione smirked and nodded, standing and walking to sit on his cot. She set up the pictures and the wagon on the table by his bed, smiling when she noticed that he'd brought almost a library full of books with him.
What felt like moments later, Draco was swooping into the tent, waving his wand to cast privacy charms. "I need you," he groaned, settling next to her on the cot.
She turned to him and straddled his lap. She kissed him, running her fingers through his hair. His hands immediately went to her hips and ground her down against him. "We'll have to be faster than I'd prefer," he said, sucking kisses along her neck. "They said they'd entertain him for half an hour."
"There is a lot we can do in thirty minutes," she smirked, waving her own wand, to remove their clothing.
Seconds later he had her on her back, his face between her thighs. "Salazar, Granger you taste different."
"Different bad?" she asked worriedly.
"No witch, different good. Now quiet while I ravish you." He immediately dove in, licking a long strip up her folds. He brought her to the edge and then pulled back. "The first time you come today will be around my cock."
He hovered over her and sheathed himself fully, she arched her back and threw her head back with a loud moan, coming almost immediately. "Fuck, Draco," she moaned, "I'm so f-full."
"Yes, you are, aren't you Princess, full of my cock and full of my Heir. Salazar's sack you look so fucking good like this."
He slowed his thrusts down, pushing deeply in and out of her until she was again on edge. "I don't want to leave you, Princess."
"I kn-know I know, Draco, but I'm so close, I n-need to come, can I? Can I come?"
"Yes, come, come for me Hermione."
Draco
The new camp was awful. It was grey and dreary and he could barely find time to get away to visit his family. There always seemed to be an emergency that he had to deal with. He just wanted to be home.
"Sir!" Issac called, popping his head in the tent. "You're needed in HQ."
When Draco made it to HQ, he was horrified to see the influx of patients following the Blitz in Swansea, South Wales. Due to the extreme numbers of injured, all of the Magically capable hospitals were completely full, and Draco's camp was one of the triage centres. The bombing was still happening, but their numbers hadn't slowed. Draco was glad that they'd been mostly designated as a site for injured civilians, but even that was awful
That afternoon, he had a young girl, close to Pierce's age crying in the corner. She had come in with her grandmother who had just passed from her injuries. He found himself drawn to her, not wanting her to feel alone.
"What's your name?" he asked her, handing her a cup of water.
"A-Arianell," she stuttered out, "but I like to be called Ari."
"How old are you Ari?"
"'m 10 and a half," she said quietly. "My tad says that I'm sure to go to Hogwarts next year."
"Hogwarts, eh?" Draco said, perking up. He could talk about Hogwarts. "Did your tad go there as well?"
She nodded, "He's a Raveclaw, but he always tells me that I'm more like a Gryffindor than anything else."
"And where is he now?" Draco asked.
"He's off fighting. He sent me a jar of sand from Africa. He said he'll take me to ride the camels one day," she said, cheering up slightly. Suddenly her face turned down, "but Mam-gu says that girls don't belong on camels."
"Well, I think we both know that that is simply not true," Draco said with a smile.
"Mr. Healer?" she asked after taking a few sips of water. "Where am I supposed to go? Mam-gu was the only family I had left."
"I'm not sure, Ari, but I'll find out."
Draco was at a loss. Where was she supposed to go? He flagged down one of the Ministry workers who'd been assigned to their group. After a few minutes of conversation, there was a plan. Ari's father would be contacted, but she'd be put up at a local shelter while they awaited the directive.
When he got back to his tent that night, he collapsed in a fit of tears. What if something went wrong with Hermione when she was having the baby. What would he do with Pierce and a newborn? He took a deep breath. He knew that Hermione's grandparents would watch over both of the boys in case something happened. He looked over at the pictures and his little family on the wagon, taking comfort in the fact that, for now, they were all alright.
March
Granger,
You're an absolute menace of a woman. I can't believe you'd leave me with this book. If one can even call it that. After you left, I opened it and saw the pictures you took for me. Where did you get these? Who took them? Who do I have to Obliviate? I find myself concerned that someone else has seen your glorious body other than me. Don't remind me that you've been with others in the past, no in my mind you belong to me and me alone.
In all seriousness, I miss you something fierce. Kelpie was telling me how much your stomach has grown. I believe I'll be able to get away this weekend, so know that I am coming to see you. I cannot wait to hold you in my arms again, Princess.
DLM
My Dearest Husband,
I'm glad you enjoyed your gift, I thought you'd appreciate some visual stimulation during our time apart. If you paid attention beyond the first ten pages, you'd notice that I added a page to the back that documents my pregnancy bump week by week to the back. I understand how my naked arse might have distracted you though.
To answer your question, a lady never reveals her secrets, so you shall never know the name of my photographer.
I won't tell Pierce that you're coming this weekend as I don't want to get his hopes up if you cannot join us, but know that we dearly hope you will. He's been such a dear these past weeks without you. He's truly the light of my life. I look forward to seeing you, my love.
Your Very Rotund Wife,
Hermione
A knock came at the back door and Pierce ran to open it. Draco was standing, a canvas bag thrown over his shoulder. "DAD!" he shouted.
Draco scooped him up and stepped into the house. Hermione was sipping tea in the kitchen, pleased with just how excited their son was. "My gods, Perseus," Draco said in faux shock. "What have you been feeding your mother, she's gotten huge!"
She stuck her tongue out at Draco and Pierce hit him playfully on the shoulder. "Mum isn't huge, she's growing a baby, Dad!"
"Oh, so she is," Draco set Pierce down and carefully pulled the cup of tea from Hermione's hands, setting it on the counter. He kissed her firmly, dipping her backwards.
"Ew!" Pierce shrieked, running around his parents in circles. "Dad, I can't wait to tell you about school!"
Hermione regretfully pulled away from Draco's kisses and let her son drag Draco into the living room. She sighed and leaned against the counter heavily. She was tired, she was the one who was supposed to keep everyone's spirits up, but she just wanted to sleep. Thankfully Pierce had taken to the chickens like a fish to water, and loved tending to the plants.
She felt a kick in her womb. "Draco! Pierce!" she called, the two came running into the room, "Feel!" she grasped their hands and put them on her stomach.
Pierce's eyes widened and Draco looked at her in shock. "That's- That's my son," Draco whispered.
"I'm really going to be a big brother?" Pierce asked.
"Yes, to both of you. Our little family is growing."
After a day of play and laughter, Hermione turned to her son.
"Now, remember, Perseus, you cannot tell anyone that your dad was here, he's supposed to be away on the Front."
"Dad," Pierce said, softly, "will you put me to bed?"
"Of course, bud," he said, scooping him up, "Gods you're getting so big"
Hermione sank onto the couch, rubbing her swollen stomach. When Draco came down, he pulled her to lean her head against his shoulder. "How are you really doing?" he asked softly.
"I'm so tired," she said. "I don't want to do this alone, Draco."
"You'll never be alone, Granger," he said softly. "I'll be here in a second, just have Kelpie get me. No matter what I'm doing."
Hermione scoffed, "Draco, be serious, I won't call you away if you're at work. I'm not an idiot. Your job is life or death."
"Granger," he said looking at her, "you're my life, there is nothing more important."
"Don't," she said. "I know, I know, but until I can figure out how to send us back…"
He sighed and rested his cheek against the top of her head. "I don't know how long I can do this, Granger."
"Is it terrible?" she asked.
"I thought our war was bad, but… The things I've seen, heard… Gods, it's a nightmare. One of the patients had a curse that wouldn't stop-" he let out a small sob. "It wouldn't stop bleeding, no matter what I did and he… Granger, he died in my hands."
"Oh Draco," she said softly, sitting up. "I hate that you have to do this, I thought we were done with the fighting."
"Me too," he sighed. "I-I don't want to talk about that right now, I need- tell me something good, please?'
"Pierce is reading at grade level, finally. I've been working with him on modern science and maths so he's not too far behind for if-when we get back to our time," she said. "The past few months have been a bit difficult as I've gotten bigger, he was lashing out more and more, but he seems to have settled the more time I've spent with him."
"That's good," he said softly. "I worry about both of you, I don't want anything to happen."
"I don't think it will, I'm hoping once the baby joins us he'll feel even more ingrained into the family, not like we're replacing him," she said with a sigh. "I've been so tired, I can't even imagine how tired I'll be after he's born."
"Well yes," Draco turned to smile at her, "but that's why you have Kelpie."
"Speaking of," she said with a grin of her own, "We have reached a ceasefire. I've agreed to let her clean if she lets me cook. She's been making sure Pierce gets up on time as I've been having such a hard time waking in the mornings."
He chuckled, "You're so stubborn, Princess."
She flushed, "Her magic really is fascinating though. It's so misunderstood. I've decided to write a book about it actually. Once the baby is born I'll look for some freelance curse breaking work, but until then I'm just trying not to miss you too much."
"I can't wait to read it," he said softly, kissing the tip of her nose. "I can't stay all night, I need to be back at dawn, but can I hold you while you sleep?"
"You can do more than that, Lord Malfoy. I've been so empty since you've been away."
"Well, there must be something I can do to rectify that," he smirked and led her up the stairs, silencing the room as he went.
April
Hermione
"Mistress," Kelpie said, popping into her bedroom.
"Y-Yes, Kelpie?" Hermione said, rousing herself from her afternoon nap.
"Young Master Perseus will be being home in an hour, and Kelpie knows that Mistress likes to be having a snack ready for him."
"Oh-" Hermione groaned as she lugged herself off the bed. "I didn't realise the time, I'm getting up. Thank you for waking me, Kelpie. How is the Spring planting going?"
"Very good, Mistress. We be having a large Victory Garden this summer. Come along, Mistress. Kelpie be helping in the kitchen today."
"I can…" Hermione groaned. "Oh alright, you can help, but just today, Kelpie. I like cooking, I'm just so tired."
Pierce, as always a ball of energy, came running into the house after school, speaking quickly about something his friend Willie had told him. "Can Willie come over tomorrow? We want to talk about Magic, but we can't at school, because of the rules."
"Sure, darling," Hermione said, rubbing her stomach. "Is there anything you'd like me to make especially as a snack for him?"
"Patty's!" he shouted. "We haven't had real patty's in so long!" Kelpie tutted, "No offence, Kelpie," he said quickly. "Mum's patty's are just the best!"
"I be knowing, Young Master Perseus. Kelpie be enjoying them too," she said after a moment.
"I'll make sure they're all ready for tomorrow, darling. Now you'd best go work on your homework before dinner, then maybe we can read a book together?"
Like a flip of the switch the closer she got to her due date, Pierce continued to act more and more erratically. She was worried. Many evenings she'd find him sitting in the corner, staring at the moving picture from their wedding.
"Perseus?" She asked quietly, sinking gracelessly to the floor next to him. "Are you alright?"
"I guess," he said meekly.
"What's wrong, darling?" she asked.
"N-Nothing," he stuttered.
"You and I both know that we don't lie to each other, Mr. Malfoy," she said sternly, bumping her shoulder against his.
He swallowed heavily. "I'm not l-lying."
"You and I both promised your dad we'd look out for each other. We're all we've got," she said softly.
"But we're not, are we?" he said angrily. She could feel a wave of melancholic magic wash over her. "You have Kelpie and soon you'll have the baby and I will just be here taking up space!"
"Perseus Andrew Malfoy," she said sternly. "You. Are. My. Son. There is nothing that can change that. You are and always will be my oldest baby. I know we came into each other's lives a bit late, but we came for a reason. Now I'll need your help more than ever once the baby is here. I love you so very much, darling."
He sniffled a little and she felt him lean into her more firmly. After a moment, he whispered, "I don't think I've ever been someone's baby before."
She turned and wrapped her arms around him just as he began to sob. She could feel his magic settle as she rubbed his back and cooed into his light hair. When his tears had finally dried, she gave him a look.
"Tomorrow you won't be going to school, we're going to have a Mum and Son day. But fortunately you've been eating your veggies as I'm not sure I'll be able to get myself off the ground."
She was true to her word, the following day, she and Pierce took a stroll around the lake and then made their way to the market, which was looking a bit sparse. There was one lonely looking goat for sale, and after a moment of thought, Hermione purchased it for Pierce.
"It will be nice to have some milk and I know for a fact we can't handle a whole cow at a time like this," she said as she held his hand on their walk back to the house. Pierce was grinning ear to ear as he held Nyx's leash.
"I know, Mum, Nyx is perfect. I promise to take very good care of her always!"
Hermione was so relieved at just how light his magic felt as it enveloped her that evening while they read next to each other on the couch.
Draco
Fortunately for Draco, most of the Muggle fighting was taking place in Africa in April, so he had a bit more time to make sure his soldiers were prepared for what was to come.
He spent hours every day drilling them on both Muggle and Magical techniques. Each of his non-magical soldiers was partnered with a wizard so that healing could happen. In the most efficient and productive way.
Draco didn't quite understand the Lieutenant Colonel of the Magical Medical unit. He was a strange, rather unusual man named Calvin Williams. They had almost nothing in common and led their troops completely differently. Lieutenant Colonel Williams was stiff and detached from his men; while Draco preferred to spend time with his, getting to know them on a personal level.
If he was perfectly honest with himself, he was lonely. He didn't have any peers at their camp, as Williams was the only other person of equal or higher rank. He found himself waking up almost every night with nightmares. He had dreams of Pierce running away while he was gone, of Hermione being tortured at the Manor, and him dying here and never meeting his unborn son.
Not for the first time, Draco found himself walking around camp, late at night. The best part of being in Norway was the stars. He wandered through the forest of tents, looking up at the stars, finding each of his family.
"Oh my apologies I didn't see you there, Major," John said after he accidentally bumped into Draco in the dark.
"No worries, Private," Draco replied with a chuckle. "I was too busy looking at the stars. My whole family is named for them."
"That's a nice tradition," John said, falling into step with him.
"Yes, there is Perseus, that's my eldest, although we mostly call him Pierce amongst the Muggles. My wife is about to give birth, so we've decided on Scorpius."
"That one will be a mouthful for them don't you think?" John asked.
Draco laughed, "Yes it is, but it's not all that abnormal to have long, antiquated names in the Wizarding World."
John looked at him thoughtfully, "I can see that my Wizard Partner is named Ambrose Augustus Avery and requires me to call him Ambrose Augustus or Avery at all times."
"We'll yes, his brothers are all named Ambrose, they have to clarify," Draco said, nonchalantly.
"All-?" John stuttered.
Draco laughed again, "Yup," he said, popping the p. "Ambrose Augustus, Ambrose Ainsley, Ambrose Albert, and Ambrose Archibald. Their sister is named Ambrosia Alexandra."
"N-No way!" John was laughing hysterically at this point.
"Wizards are strange," Draco said, grinning, "I never really understood how strange until my wife showed me her world. Muggles are inordinately more advanced and creative than Wizards. The things that have been invented with the absence of Magic… Astounding."
"I can see that," John said, giggles, petering out. "But Magic is so awesome. I can barely imagine what you can do."
"It is, you should see my son's face when we show him something new. It's really shown me just how lucky I was to grow up the way I did."
John looked at him for a few long seconds. "I wasn't sure about you Major, what with the accent and all, but I can see that you're the sort of man I'm proud to fight under."
"Thank you, Private. I haven't always felt like I was on the right side, what with my family and all, but this time around I know that what I'm doing is the right thing. Now, let's get ourselves off to bed, we have drills in the morning."
May Hermione
"You're one lucky baby," Hermione cooed to the newborn in her arms. "Today is the last day of the Blitz and your birthday, Scorp!"
"Granger, you're amazing," he said over and over again. "And I promise the next time we do this I'll make sure the epidural is invented."
She scoffed, "The next time? I don't think so, Draco Malfoy!"
He grinned at her and then winced when she gripped his hand even tighter with her next contraction. "Whatever you want, Princess, we can have no more or thirty if you want. We can adopt every child in London if you'd rather go that route."
"It's time to push, Mrs. Malcolm," the doctor said from between her legs.
Draco had to leave as always, at dawn, but made sure to kiss Hermione and Scorpius as many times as he could. Around 6, Christine and David brought an excited Pierce.
"Mum," he said softly, "he's so small!"
Christine chuckled and helped Pierce hold his baby brother as he perched on the bed next to Hermione.
He started whispering to the baby, but Hermione couldn't quite hear what he was saying.
"What are you telling him?" David asked quietly.
"I'm just telling him that I'll never leave him alone. Family stays together no matter what, I'll always be there for him, always," the boy said, looking at his Mum with a smile.
"I know you will," Hermione murmured, as Christine took Scorpius and gently laid him in the small cot next to the hospital bed.
Hermione held out her arms for her eldest son who came over and carefully climbed into bed with her. She held him for a long time, missing her husband.
Having a newborn was strange. Hermione ached everywhere, her moods were on a constant pendulum, never settling on one for more than a few minutes. Watching Pierce run home from school and greet his brother before anyone else practically brought her to tears. Kelpie handing her a cup of tea caused a fit of giggling that couldn't be stopped. Seeing a pile of laundry in the corner of their bedroom made her irrationally angry.
It was odd, she'd never really pictured herself as a mother. She'd wanted kids, but hadn't actually fathomed what that meant. She'd been Auntie Mi for so long, that this shift along with the time travel really felt a bit like a fever dream. She was 25, which frankly was younger than she'd planned on becoming a mother, but she didn't feel like the life change was a bad thing.
She supposed when she really thought about it, becoming a wife and mother twice over within seven months was a bit abrupt, but it didn't feel wrong. She had to laugh at herself. She was normally a fairly perfectionistic planner, but this time jump had really shifted all her plans.
She missed Draco, which in and of itself was odd, since ten months ago she hadn't interacted with him in any sort of meaningful way in years. She was pleasantly surprised with the man he'd become. She practically lept whenever she received a letter from him like some sort of lovesick teenager.
Draco
He hated not being with his family. He felt like he was missing his son's lives. Every letter he got featured some new milestone that he couldn't see.
At least work was busy, he always felt like there was something new to fix. The war was ramping up and with it, Draco knew he would begin to see things he'd seen before. He hoped that this time around he could keep more people alive and change some of the fortunes of some of the soldiers, both Wizarding and Muggle.
John had become a regular at his tent in the evenings. They'd formed a good relationship as they discussed some of the intricacies of growing up Black. Draco wanted to be sure that none of his children would question themselves.
"Major," John said with a chuckle. "Unfortunately, no matter how hard you try, those kids are going to face some struggles."
"But I won't let them," Draco said, petulantly. He sighed. "I know I can't keep them safe from everything. I had a pretty shit childhood and I just want the best for them."
Just as he was about to respond, the alarms began to blare. Draco and John shot up and moved towards their stations.
Hours later, Draco stepped away from a particularly difficult case. The man had just taken his last breath on Draco's table. He'd collapsed into a chair and cried. When the nurse showed him a photo of the man's family, he sobbed like a baby. That could have been him. That still could be him. He'd wanted so badly to pop home just one time to make sure his family was safe, but he couldn't get away in all the chaos of their camp.
June
Hermione
Having two children and no husband was, frankly, a nightmare. Things had picked up rather dramatically on the Front, which meant that Draco hadn't been able to get back since Scorpius' birth. Hermione thanked her lucky stars for Kelpie, now fully accepting the bond without complaint.
"Does Mistress want to be working on the book?" Kelpie chirped from the doorway.
Hermione let out a dreadful sob. "What's wrong with me? I can't stop crying!"
"Oh Mistress," Kelpie said, coming up next to Hermione and patting her shoulder affectionately. "This be being normal. Most Malfoy Mistresses never be seeing theys baby, but Mistress Hermione not be taking any breaks."
"Taking breaks would make me a bad Mum," she sobbed.
"Who be saying that to my Mistress?" Kelpie asked, angrily.
"Everyone thinks it!" Hermione sobbed. "No one is going to think I'm a fit mother, and n-now Draco isn't here and…"
Kelpie apparated away. "Mistress be needing you," she said firmly when she reappeared.
Draco stood in front of her in a very dirty uniform, with large bags under his eyes and a very concerned look on his face.
"Princess?" He asked, "What's wrong, Granger?"
Hermione sobbed again. "I'm failing at this miserably! I don't deserve to be a Mum."
"Oh love…" he said, pulling her into his arms.
"You stink," she sniffled.
"Well let's get in the shower and I'll help you with your hair and you can clean my back, how does that sound? Then I want to hold my youngest son for a bit, give our eldest a kiss on the forehead and hold you until dawn."
She sniffled again, but nodded, letting him drag her to the shower. He held her for a long time under the hot spray and then slowly helped her condition each curl on her head.
"Granger," he groaned as she leaned her back against his front. "Everything about you is so fucking sexy, I'd love to ravishing you here and now, but we're both exhausted. And I know for a fact your body isn't ready yet. Let's kiss the boys and sleep, I'll have Kelpie bring me back another night."
She scoffed, "You don't have to flatter me Draco, I've never had a dream body and now I'm full of stretch marks and loose skin and my tits are either full and achy or empty sacs on my chest."
"You, Lady Malfoy, are an idiot if you think that I don't find the woman who brought my child into the world unbearably sexy. I find myself rather jealous of my son's ability to suckle your tits whenever he wants. As for your body, if I wanted a stick figure, I'd have one. The fact that you have hips and stretch marks and an arse for days is…ugh." He ground against her backside, pulling at her aching nipples lightly.
"Draco," she moaned. "Don't tease me."
"You, Princess are the only tease in this room, now get out of the shower so we can kiss our sons and I can hold you close as we sleep."
Hermione begrudgingly obliged and followed her husband to the doorway of Pierce's room. He went to the bed and kneeled, placing a gentle kiss on the boy's forehead. He whispered something she couldn't hear and Hermione sighed softly at the picture they made.
When he stood and closed the door quietly, she led the way to the nursery. "I hadn't seen it finished," Draco whispered when she opened the door. Kelpie, Pierce and her had painted the walls with a quidditch pitch and had enchanted the ceiling to look like the night sky. She went to the sleeping baby and ran a finger along his cheek. Draco came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her, resting his chin on her shoulder.
"We made that," he murmured, placing a kiss against her neck. "Have you ever seen anything more perfect?"
She shook her head and felt a tear slide down. This is what she'd been missing. This feeling of completeness.
Moments later, she found herself back in their bed, being spooned by her husband. "I love you, Granger," he whispered as his breathing deepend and he fell asleep. After he'd fallen into a deep sleep, Hermione realised just what day it was.
She had vivid memories of a young Draco Malfoy receiving sweets from his parents on his birthday. She recalled a very quiet Draco receiving his pocket watch on his 17th birthday. It had been odd seeing him so withdrawn at the time and it was one of the first times Hermione had really sat and thought about just what the "other" side might be going through.
She tried to leave bed, but was held down even firmer by Draco. "Please don't go," he mumbled in her hair.
"But Draco," she whispered. "I wanted to give you your birthday present."
"You've given me enough," he groaned, "it can wait until the morning, Princess."
"Alright, can I at least kiss the birthday boy?" she said with a smile.
"You can kiss me whenever you want," he said softly, pillowing his lips against hers.
When she finally fell asleep that night, she made sure to summon his gift, there was no way she'd wake up when he did, she wasn't, by nature a morning person, and rarely stirred after falling asleep, especially knowing that Kelpie did most of Scorpius' morning routine. She set the utility belt she'd created on his table with a bow. It had potions and an ever filling canteen. A utility knife and an expanded pocket that held a few rations. It had a few extra protection spells on it as well, to make sure he was really safe.
With that thought, she felt herself drift off to sleep, tucking her face into Draco's neck.
Draco
Leaving Hermione on the morning of his birthday was terrible. When he awoke, she didn't even shift in her sleep. He spotted her gift in his end table, and smiled down at his Sleeping Beauty. When he popped back into camp, he let out a deep sigh. There was no time to dilly dally. He had patients to check in on and men to direct. He strapped his new belt on, shivering at the feel of Hermione's Magic encircling him.
When he appeared in his tent he was fairly surprised to see one of the members of the Norwegian Resistance, the Motstandsbevegelsen, Emil Hvaal.
"Emil," he said with a grimace, "I wasn't expecting you here today."
"Had to come," he said gruffly. Emil, a former Royal Navy wireless operator had been recently restationed in Norway with the Kompani Linge he, a British Special Operations Executive group. "My team has heard whispers of increased activity along the border."
"Dagligdagse (Mundane, Muggle (Norwegian)) or съветник (sŭvetnik, Wizard( Bulgarian))?" Draco asked.
"Wizard," Emil said with a sigh. Emil, a Muggleborn born on a farm in Eastern Norway, had attended a "lesser" Magical school, as Durmstrang didn't accept Muggleborns. It was a load of bollocks if Draco was honest as Emil had a ton of knowledge about the more natural magics that hadn't even entered Draco's academic career.
"Alright, when can we expect the influx? Anyone that needs to be moved through our hospital to Britain?" Draco rubbed his hand down his face.
"Over the next week. No one at the moment, but we wanted to make sure you were prepared. Sŭvetnik Kompani Linge will be supporting the locals, while the others clear out the Dagligdagse to the best of their abilities."
Moments later, Emil apparated out and Draco sank into his cot. Time to find Lieutenant Colonel Williams and inform him of the news. There was no end in sight.
July
Granger,
The invasion in Russia has really increased our workload probably tenfold. It doesn't help that Grindelwald is using the battles as an opportunity to stage his own attacks. Although Grindelwald is in Nurmengard in Austria, the effects of his reign are far reaching.. He may be in another country, but with the Muggle War between him and I, it feels like a small jump.
Princess, I can't help but worry. I wish fearsomely that you weren't alone. That we were together. We've just started our life together, and I ache to be so far from you. I fully recognize that Young Draco would shudder at how corny I have become, but I can't help but think he was truly an idiot, to not realise just what he had at his fingertips
I love you to the Stars and back, Hermione.
DLM
Draco,
I think about you all the time. I can't help but worry that something bad has happened at every moment. I wish there was a way that we could be close together again. Maybe they'll realise that your whole team needs to be here. Isn't there someone you could convince? The good that you could do from London, or anywhere in the UK really. Maybe I'll work out a way to make sure that long range Apparition isn't a death sentence.
I've attached Pierce's letter below. He's gotten so good at writing his letters and I only had to edit his work a little bit to be coherent. Scorpius is growing like a weed. I'm not sure you'll even recognise him when you return. His eyes have only darkened slightly, they're a darker grey than yours and Pierce's, but his hair is a lighter blond, closer to yours, no one will ever mistake him for anyone else's son. I'm sending along a running list of War Events for the next month, but mostly things are focused on Russia, so you should be… alright. Let me sign off here, as I hear Scorp fussing in the other room.
I love you more than words can say,
Hermione
Dad
Mum showd me how too rite a leter. i miss you very much. When are you coming home? Mum used her majic to draw this. I think it is cool. Do you? Can you tell me a good stori about being a soljer?
Perseus Andrew Malfoy
Perseus,
That was a brilliant picture! It looks just like us. I put your letter next to our wagon. I'm not sure when I'll be home, bud, but I'll try to get back soon. I really miss you too. I hope you're taking care of your Mum and Scorpius since I'm not there.
A cool story about being a soldier huh? War isn't fun but I have met some people that I really value. They're great friends. One of them I think is related to your Mum, he's from the same area, we live in a really small world.
What books have you been reading? You'll have to have Kelpie bring me one when you're done so I can keep up with you.
I'm proud of you, bud. I love you SO MUCH!
Dad
August
Hermione
It was possible that she'd found a routine. She woke up, spent some time with Pierce getting him prepared for school. Then he'd go out to play until lunch, so she'd spend time with Scorpius while she cooked or read.
The three of them would have lunch with Kelpie, and then Scorpius would go for his nap while Pierce would read or tend the chickens.
Afternoons were for writing. She was working in her book comparing the Muggle and Wizarding Wars. Knowing what was to come, was equally terrifying and calming. She knew Draco knew what was going to happen and wasn't concerned for his safety, but she wanted to change things.
It seemed that their travel was of the time loop variety. There didn't seem to be anything they could do to change the tides.
On one steamy evening, Hermione was fanning herself watching the sun set behind the trees when she felt Pierce come up next to her.
"Mum," he said quietly, leaning his head against her arm. "When is Dad coming home?"
"I don't know, darling," she said quietly, "I wish he was home too."
"I miss him," he sniffled.
"As do I, darling, as do I."
She felt a wave of magic pushing at her. She'd been noticing the pushback from the Obscurial inside of him was diminishing steadily since Scorpius was born.
"Perseus Andrew Malfoy," she said softly, resting her cheek on his head. "You are so loved by both your father and I. Watching you with your brother has been marvellous. He's so lucky to have such a wonderful big brother like you."
"I'm glad he was born, Mum," he said quietly. "Before he came I thought he'd replace me, but now I can see how he's just another piece of the family. Just-Just like me?"
"Just like you, darling," she said, kissing the top of his head.
Draco
Between Grindelwald causing chaos and the Allies preparing to send convoys to Russia, the war had begun to come with a force. It felt like every day he saw some new form of bloodshed that he'd never experienced. He felt like he was holding it together for his soldiers, but the moment he returned to his own tent, he let the tears pour out.
His nights were filled with sobbing until he passed out in a fit of exhaustion. He wanted nothing more than to go home to Hermione and the boys, but with the way the war was already going he wasn't sure how long he'd last.
August in Norway was fairly cool, he rarely found himself able to shed his long sleeved shirt. The month saw a dramatic increase in Grindelwald's attacks. More and more often he was dealing with curse wounds, instead of the Muggle bullet wounds he'd been working with over the past few months.
Knowing what was to come didn't make things any easier. He wanted to take his knowledge and save people, but even that was too difficult. He was constantly swamped with new work and often felt like a zombie, trudging towards the end of the war.
September
Hermione
The morning of Hermione's birthday dawned bright. She was surprised at how late she'd slept, but that was so like Kelpie to let her rest for longer than she'd intended.
She pulled her robe over her pyjamas and shuffled down the stairs, hearing Scorpius giggling in the kitchen, she felt her breasts begin to leak. When she made it to the doorway, she gasped. Draco was rocking a giggling Scorpius making silly noises.
"Happy birthday, Princess!" he said with a smile.
"Draco!" She cried, launching herself towards her husband.
He pulled her into a hug and kissed her soundly. Almost immediately Scorp reached out for her and she took him, lowering the neck of her nightgown to feed him.
"When does my son take a nap?" Draco whispered darkly into her ear.
"H-he's just woken up, she stuttered, a shiver racing down her spine.
"I can wait," he said, nipping at her neck. He took a step back and he's used to the table. "Kelpie has laid out brunch for us."
Hermione sat across from her husband as she finished nursing their son. Draco reached for the baby the moment he was done. She dug into her own breakfast and answered questions about how the transition back to school was going.
"Pierce has been an absolute angel," she said with a small smile. "He and Willie have been coming by after school and playing before it's time for homework."
Draco grinned, "When I arrived this morning and woke him up he wouldn't stop talking. He seems to be handling the transition. Have you noticed any symptoms of the Obscurial?"
"Oh!" She clapped her hands. "I've been meaning to run some tests. He rarely seems to be lashing out anymore. Unspeakable Ellesmere found an old book that has some good hypotheses on Obscurials that I've been wanting to test out."
"You're so cute when you're excited," he said with a small smile.
When she'd finished her brunch, she led Draco outside to show him how the animals were getting on and enjoy the late summer sun. They chattered about nothing and everything until it was time for Scorpius' nap.
Almost immediately when they'd closed his door, Draco had lifted her and threw her over his shoulder marching towards their room.
He waved his wand and set some wards to keep the sounds out. He threw her on the bed and she let out a giggle. She'd never been thrown around like this. So many men were intimidated by her size. He waved his wand again and all her clothes neatly piled themselves on the chair.
"Look. At. My. Wife," Draco said, staring down at her. "A fucking masterpiece." He bent and began kissing up her leg. When he arrived at the apex of her thighs, he laid a gentle kiss on her folds then continued to kiss up her stomach taking each nipple in his mouth and running his tongue around the puckered skin.
"Draco, please," she moaned. "I need you."
"Hmmm, but darling I want to take my time," he said with a dark smirk.
"We have two children, Draco, we don't have time to take our time. Please fuck me, right now," she said with a small frown.
After a second he chuckled but ran his fingers through her folds. "Someone is ready for me," he said softly against her neck.
"Have been for ages," she groaned as he slid a finger inside. "Please Draco stop teasing me."
"Alright alright, so impatient, Princess," he said, pulling off his own clothes. He hovered over her, kissing her softly and then slowly began sinking into her wet heat. "Oh fuck, you're so tight," he groaned. "So much better than my hand."
"Draco!" She moaned back, "fuck I'm so full."
He began to thrust, picking up speed quickly. He dropped his face into her neck and pulled her even closer.
"I love you," he said against her neck. "Gods I love you so much, Hermione."
She gasped. He so rarely called her Hermione, she wasn't even sure how to handle it. "Fuck, Draco, please," she stuttered, devolving into a moaning mess below him.
"I'll-fuck-I'll cast the charm after," he bit out, not slowing his thrusts, "if I can -fuck- come -oh fuck- inside you."
"Uhhh, yes please come inside me, I'm so close," she practically shouted.
Moments later both of them came with a groan, Draco collapsing on top of her. When he went to pull out, she wrapped her legs around him and held him in place.
"Stay for a minute, I want to be close to you," she whispered. He obliged and held onto her tighter.
"How did you get the day off?" She asked after their breaths had settled back to normal.
"Unspeakable Ellesmere leant me a Time Turner just for today," he said with a chuckle.
"You're such a sneak," she said with a giggle. "So I have you all day?"
"Until 5 tomorrow morning," he said softly.
"This is the best birthday I've ever had," she said, rolling onto her side and grinning at him.
"But it's barely begun?" He said with a question at the end.
"But you're here and I've had sex for the first time since before Scorp was born and we'll get to have a family dinner and I got to sleep in!" she said excitedly.
They heard a small cry come from Scorpius' room. Hermione went to get up, but Draco insisted she stay.
"I'll bring him in and we can have a cuddle session," he stated as he pulled his boxers on.
She could hear Draco cooing at their son through the ward as he got him up and changed his diaper. She beamed at them as they stepped through the door.
"-and I'm your Dad, which is a big responsibility. I've never been a baby's dad before. And your Mum is-" he looked up at her and smiled back, "the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. We're very lucky, you know."
Draco handed her Scorpius who almost immediately latched on for his lunch and then crawled back into bed, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his head on her stomach.
When she opened her eyes, it was to Draco laying on his back with Scorpius resting on his chest, Pierce snuggling in between them. Pierce was whispering rather loudly to Draco about all the things he'd learned that day.
This was exactly what she'd wanted on her day, a chance to be with her family and just exist.
Kelpie popped in a few minutes later with a snack for them, which they were told to eat in bed. Pierce wouldn't stop giggling at the "Happy Birthday" that Kelpie had cut out in cheese.
The rest of the day, Hermione felt like she was in an idealised version of her life. She ate dinner with all of her boys, she watched Draco care for Scorpius and Pierce in the most loving manner, and she felt so loved.
Draco
After Hermione's birthday, things began to ramp up as the Allies prepared to send convoys to Russia. Draco knew that this was when Grindelwald ramped up his own movements.
The weeks before the fist convoys were sent Grindelwald caused a huge stir outside of Kiev. The city had officially fallen on Hermione's birthday, but the aftermath was bloody.
Over 700,000 Red Army soldiers had lost their lives and countless others had been injured. A huge group of Wizarding soldiers came in the following days. A major win for the Wizard half of the Allied Forces, but a loss for the Allies themselves was the death of Chairman of the Supreme Soviet Ukrainian SSR, Mykhailo Burmystenko.
Burmystenko was a Wizard by training and had attended school after Grindelwald at Durmstrang. Sometime after World War I, he'd met the charismatic man and fallen under his sphere of influence. Burmystenko was encouraged to quickly move up the ranks in the Muggle World in order to protect Wizards all for Grindelwalds "Greater Good."
When some of the men had shown up at their camp, there was a huge amount of confusion. Some had surrendered, some had been on the Allied Wizarding side all along, and others had tried to stay neutral.
In the chaos, Lieutenant Colonel Williams had forced the entire group into a Prisoner of War tent and sent for Veritaserum. Draco had spent hours with a Special Operations Executive (SOE) Officer interviewing each member of the squadron.
It turns out that the ragtag bunch had made it out of Kiev just before the Germans completely surrounded it and placed Anti-Apparition Wards.
Mykhailo Burmystenko's death was a clear line in the sand for many. His pro-Grindelwald and Anti-Hitler stance was not going to fly with the powers that be. From that battle onward, Draco knew that both the Magical and Muggle Allied forces were going to be weeding though their ranks to align.
At the end of the month, the first Wizarding Convoy would also be making its way to the Eastern Front. Draco thanked all the Gods he knew that his Unit would be staying put in Norway. He didn't even want to remind himself that this was only the beginning.
October
Hermione
Life had started to normalise as much as it could in a war torn country. America would soon be entering the fray and Hermione knew that with the United States entry, a lot of bigotry would become evident. Thankfully, Pierce and her had carved out a solid place for themselves in Forest Row, she just hoped that would be enough when push came to shove.
In general, the Grindelwald rumblings throughout the British Isles had begun to grow with a force. Hermione wasn't totally sure what the impact would be on her small town, but she would do whatever she could to prevent any sort of conflict on their borders.
It still amazed her when she thought about how long they'd been in the past. It had been over a year since they'd found themselves in a bombed out London. Her and her boys were settled, but she couldn't help but think about how to get back to where they were supposed to be. Nothing she did to the clock changed anything. Eventually, she placed it on the mantle and chose to ignore its presence entirely. There was a war on afterall.
Draco
With Chuchill's promise of convoys to Russia every 10 days, Draco's workload only seemed to increase. Grindelwald had used the distraction to reign chaos in the rest of Europe. Most of the Wizarding attacks were covered up, but some, some just couldn't be.
On the 30th, the Royal Air Force bombed the German naval supply base in Ålesund. Generally the town was called "Little London" as it was a centralised hub for flights to Scotland and England. Fortunately, those same planes dropped supplies outside of Draco's camp, allowing them to prepare for the cold Norwegian winter ahead.
That day also marked the beginning of the siege of Sevastopol. The Crimean base was surrounded by eroded limestone and high cliffs. This, in itself, was important as Sevastopol was built upon the ancient Greek city of Chersonesus. It went from Greek to Byzantine hands during the Middle Ages and was one of the major heritage sites for Magical artefacts. In the future their museum would boast Muggle Artefacts from 5 AD all the way through the 15th century. The Magical artefacts housed in Sevastopol were some of the oldest Greek texts that could be found in the world.
He knew that these texts made it out of the War, as he'd seen them on one of his own trips, but knowing that they were so close to the fighting was anxiety inducing. One of Grindlewald's goals was to capture as much Wizarding History as he could and display it as an example of the might of Wizards.
The longer this war lasted, the more worried he was about just how much he'd see destroyed. Just how much they had lost that people didn't talk about. Even the stories of the soldiers that died on their tables wouldn't be told. The constant rivers of blood that soaked into the soil did something to a place. He could already feel the Blood Magic soaking in, making this plot of land a haunted place.
"Can you feel it?" he said, turning to Lieutenant Colonel Williams.
"Feel what?" he asked shortly.
"The Blood Magic soaking into the soil," he whispered. "I worry that if we don't cleanse this place, none of our healing will work. It feels haunted."
The man looked at him strangely. Williams was a Squib and didn't have connection to his Family Magic. "Are you trying to tell me that the blood is going to affect our chances of success?" he said with a scoff.
Draco sighed, "Yes, it's a classic symptom of a place that's seen much death. You know how a graveyard sometimes feels heavy?" Williams nodded. "Well it's like that, except the death here has all been from battle. The spirits of the men will have a hard time resting if we don't do something about it."
Williams sighed, but Draco could tell that he'd convinced the man to act. It looked like his next task was finding someone to cleanse the Earth. Maybe his wife would be able to assist them. She was a Cursebreaker after all.
November
Granger,
You'll be receiving a telegram this week, DO NOT WORRY, I am alive and well, it is simply a request for the services of a HJ Granger, to come and do a cleansing of the camp. The blood of the soldiers has entered the soil and fear that it is mixing with the ley lines to poison the land. I hoped that this would be in your repertoire as a Cursebreaker.
I'd love to have you come to the camp, and will be the one helping the Cursebreaker with their work. I hope that you could afford to leave the boys for the night and stay with me? My tent has excellent privacy wards…
Tell me everything about the boys and what Scorpius is up to . How is Perseus handling school being back. I miss you all fearsomely.
DLM
DRACO LUCIUS MALFOY!
Thank you for warning me about the telegram. Unfortunately, for you, I hadn't gotten to read your letter yet. Scorpius had a bit of a cold and wouldn't stop crying for these past few days. I almost had a heart attack when I saw the telegram man approaching our door. He looked just as worried as I did, but was told that he needed to wait for a reply. I do know how to cleanse a battlefield, and I think that I should be able to work out a ritual to help the spirits of the soldiers who died there move on.
Now about these privacy wards… I'm very intrigued. I will absolutely be coming to test them out with you, thoroughly. The Department said I'd be coming at the beginning of December. They have a whole plan for me to arrive and leave, with enough time for me to complete the ritual. I think I will drop the boys with Christine, I'll let her know that I have to run an errand overnight, but will be back in the late morning.
I cannot wait to be beside you again, my love.
Hermione
As Hermione stood in the Ministry of Magic with her Cursebreaking Certification from Unspeakable Ellesmere, she couldn't stop her foot from tapping. The Unspeakable had also offered her a disguise that helped her mask her identity slightly. She'd spent most of November finalising the Ritual that would help cleanse the land. She'd walked on Cursed Land before, it had been very unpleasant.
"Good morning, Ms. Granger," Unspeakable Ellesmere said with a wink. "Glad you could make the trek over. We've set up a busy 30 hours for you. Your escort will be Major Drake Malcolm. I'm sure you'll get along swimmingly."
Hermione bit back a chuckle. The ruse would be worth it. It wouldn't do to have her visiting her own husband, even if it were for a good cause.
He handed her an old wrench and looked at his watch. "Portkey will be leaving in a minute thirty, any last questions?"
"Nope, thank you Unspeakable Ellesmere," she said with a grin, "I'll see you tomorrow afternoon."
When she found herself in Draco's tent, she paused for a moment then felt herself be scooped up. She wrapped her arms around his neck and peppered kisses all along his face as she wrapped her legs around his waist.
"My gods it's been too long, Granger," he groaned, gripping her bum firmly. "This arse is mine tonight."
"I don't know what type of woman you take me for, Draco Malfoy, but this arse is always yours," she smirked at him.
He let out another groan and let her slide down his body until she was on the ground. "As much as I'd love to take you right here, Princess, we have a tight timeline. We have to be off."
"I love you, Draco," she said softly, raising to her toes to kiss him.
"I love you too, Princess," he said, resting his forehead against hers.
Moments later, they were walking through the camp, a professional distance apart. Hermione could feel the cloying magic all around them. After a few moments, she cast a quick diagnostic at the ground, frowning at the results.
"It's much worse than you led me to believe, Major," she said strictly.
Draco just looked at her with an eyebrow raised.
"It shouldn't be an issue, I just may need to syphon some of your magic when I'm performing the ritual," she said cautiously.
"That shouldn't be a problem, I'm at your disposal for as long as you need me," he said with a nod, gesturing towards the medical tent. "Here is where I've noticed the largest concentration, only slightly followed by our morgue."
Hermione nodded and took off at a brisk pace. When they made it to the morgue, she ignored the chill that whispered down her spine. This place was cursed. It was a wonder that evil spectres hadn't already made their home there.
She turned to look at Draco. "Just as you thought, we're at the beginnings of a cursed site. We have much work to do. Did your men get the ingredients I requested?"
Draco nodded and peg her to a tent on the edges of camp. There, Private Isaac Levy was waiting for them.
"Private," Draco said, in a commanding voice that made Hermione's knees weak. "I'd like to introduce you to our expert, Miss Granger."
"A pleasure to meet you, Miss," Isaac said with a wink. "If you'll follow me, I'll show you to the work space we've created."
Hermione gasped. This was a perfect work room. When they'd entered the tent, Draco dismissed Isaac and showed Hermione all the things they'd gathered. They had all of the potions brewed as well as the other objects she'd requested. This would be an intense cleansing ritual. There would have been no way she could have done it when she was pregnant.
"Well no time like the present," she said, turning sharply on her heel. As she moved around the room, she began handing things to Draco to carry, primly holding her own small basket and leading the way. "We'll need to create a ritual circle here," she pointed to a spot that was equidistant from the Morgue and the hospital tent.
Draco just smiled at her softly. This was his little swot. She grasped the chalk and began drawing out her circle, perfecting its lines and began placing the correct items in the correct segments. She followed that with spreading the different potions along the different lines, mumbling to herself the whole time. She only had to consult her notes three times in the hour it took her to set everything up.
"Anything I can do?" Draco asked after she started to slow down.
"Yes," she said absentmindedly, "you'll stand there and I'll stand here. I hope you've studied the chant?"
"Of course," he said with a smile. "Are you ready now?"
"Yes, I do think so," she said, looking over her notes a final time. The pair stood on opposite sides of the circle and joined hands, locking eyes. Hermione let out a breath she didn't realise she'd been holding and nodded to Draco. Together they began to chant.
"O spiritus, qui hic ligantur, per contentionem et dolorem terrae clauduntur, quaerimus quomodo in tuo motu ulterius adiuvemur. Per hoc ritum te liberare petimus et pacem tibi perferre, pro his qui hic soli habitant sanare studemus.
"Rogamus te, adi ad requiem tuam, vel vagari mundum ad perficiendum negotium tuum, sed locus iste non est locus ligare animam tuam, non est locus quo destinatur.
"Per ignem et sanguinem, et potiones et peritia, et nos dimittamus te de manu tua in terra ista. Cantu nostro hunc locum omnium obscurorum iam versorum mundemus."
("Oh spirits who are tethered here, through strife and pain are locked to the land, we ask how can we aid in your movement beyond. Through this ritual we seek to free you and bring you peace for those that reside here only seek to heal.
"We beseech you, go to your final rest, or wander the world to finish your business, but this place is not a place to tether your soul as it is not a place we intended it go.
"Through fire and blood and potions and skill, we release you from your hold on this land. With our chant we cleanse this place of all the darkness it has now faced.")
They repeated the chant seven times, each time feeling a wave of Magic wash over and drain them. By the time they were reaching the end of the final chant, both of them were flagging.
Finally, with a burst of magic, the entire camp was bathed in light, which was jarring to most of the camp who was becoming accustomed to the regular darkness of Norwegian days.
After a few moments, Hermione felt herself sinking towards the floor, only to be caught by Draco who helped cushion her fall. "Private Levy," he called weakly. "Please take us to our lodgings."
When Draco opened his eyes, he was overjoyed to see his wife tucked into his side, her body fully pressed against his. He was rather glad that he'd informed his Aide just who was coming to assist. Hermione had speculated that they'd both nearly be drained of Magic by the end of the ritual, and being close to one's bonded partner was an excellent way to restore oneself. Hermione groaned and began to rouse herself.
"You can keep sleeping, Princess," he murmured into her hair. "We've done all we can for now. We'll get up in a bit to check on our results."
She mumbled something unintelligible and rolled back to sleep. Draco soon found himself following her back down, letting the exhaustion overtake him. If he was needed, they knew where to find him.
When Hermione woke up, she was warm which frankly was odd since she rarely felt warm with the subpar radiators of the 1940s. She felt a strong arm wrapped around her waist and found herself sitting up quickly. Draco was next to her, blinking rapidly at her abrupt movements.
"Wha-?" he asked blearily.
"Draco!" she said, leaning to kiss him firmly. "I have to check, but from my first impressions, I think we've done it. Now we just need to clear out the remaining, less malevolent spirits and we should be in the clear."
He felt lighter, like the land was less heavy already. He surged up and pulled her down for a heated kiss, which she heartily returned. "You're the most brilliant witch, Hermione Malfoy," he whispered against her lips.
She giggled and then pulled herself up. "Come along, Major, I have a few more things I need to do before we sleep the night away."
"There will be very little sleeping if I have my way, Princess," he said with a smile, following her out of the tent.
The rest of the evening passed in a blur of Magic that Draco hadn't ever even thought of. He happily followed his wife around, enjoying watching her in her element. When they were finally done, he dragged her back to his tent, throwing up a Muffliato as he went.
December
Hermione
Knowing that her and Draco would be apart on their first anniversary was awful. The short intervals that they did see each other almost made it worse. She just wanted to be with him, but with the rate the war was moving, it didn't seem likely.
Half of the frustration was that she knew what was coming. The war was going to stretch in for years longer. She'd already begun to prepare for the US Magical Troops to come to Forest Row.
She'd gone down a rabbit hole in her younger years after her father had talked about the War. His own cousin, Leon Lomax was one of the infamous Brown Babies. Richard had watched how difficult life was for Leon after he'd been born out of wedlock and brought to the states. His mother, a white Brit, had sent Leon to live with his father in the states when he was three.
Forest Row hadn't been a hub for the Muggle Military, but it had hosted a few Half-Bloods whose mothers were Magical and had met and fallen in love with Black GIs. Hermione was proud that her family's home had been such a hub. She knew that even years after, the Inn was regarded as a safe space for both Mixed Race and Mixed Magical couples.
The more she sat and thought about it, the more she realised that because they were in a time loop, she probably had brought these women to the Inn. Hermione began preparing for the changes that would come with gusto.
When the news about Pearl Harbour hit the radio, Hermione was sitting with Scorpius and Pierce in the parlour of the Inn. Both Christine and David stopped, shocked at the turn of events. Hermione had to force her own face to match that of her grandmother's. Pierce had stopped playing with his toys and was looking at the radio with a scrunched face.
"Mum," he asked after the announcer had stopped speaking, "Does this mean I'll get to meet a Pioneer?"
Hermione couldn't hold back the giggle that sprung from her mouth. Both Christine and David looked at her in shock, but before long had joined her giggling.
Draco
MACUSA was coming, which also meant that Draco would be forced further afield. The reach of MACUSA was infamous. They came in and conquered. Draco sighed, he'd almost immediately received notice that they'd be relocated, but he wasn't sure just where to yet. Draco's men were ecstatic about the change, they wanted to do something. Some of the younger men were hoping to be stationed in a more combative location, something Draco couldn't understand. He wanted to be further from the violence, not closer. For now, he'd sit and bide his time. There was no saying what might come next, he just hoped luck would continue to be on his side.
What did you think? I am wrestling with some ideas about 1942, but if you have any really specific desires, do let me know, I love audience collaboration.
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