1st September 1998
"Where we going, Mummy?" Severus frowned as she re-wet his curls to tame his bed head before gently drying them back into place.
"Auntie Ginny's going back to Hogwarts, we're going to go and say goodbye."
"Oh." he tilted his head, "Why?"
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Nope, not starting that this morning, go and get your shoes while I finish getting ready Imp."
He gave a giggle as he ran off.
As previously agreed, they arrived at Kings Cross' muggle entrance rather than flooing the platform directly. As they walked briskly towards the dividing wall, Hermione felt Severus become more and more tense.
Shooing Harry forward, she bent down. "What is it Imp?"
"Won't it hurt Mummy?" he asked softly.
"Won't what hurt."
"The wall."
"Ah. No, darling, it's magic, remember? You won't feel a thing."
"Promise?"
"Promise," she agreed, as she stood, offering him her hand again. He shook his head.
"Up, Mummy?"
"Alright," she soothed, settling him on her hip, feeling his arms wind around her neck as she picked up the pace to catch up with Harry.
"Everything alright?" he murmured when she appeared next to him.
"Just a bit…worried about the wall."
"AH," Harry hmmed, poking Severus' side to make him giggle. "Did Uncle Ron tell you about the time we walked into it and it stayed solid?"
"No!"
"Bounced right off and landed on our bums."
"Did it hurt Uncle Harry?"
"Nah, we were fine," he dismissed with an easy grin.
"Will it do it today?"
Harry smiled slightly sadly, "No. A house elf was trying to help and got…a bit confused."
"Oh," Severus whispered, a pensive look still on his face.
"On three?" Hermione interjected.
"Three." Harry replied immediately, tugging her forward before she could object; only Severus' tiny awestruck "Wow," stopped her from berating him.
"It didn't hurt Mummy!" Severus squealed, "And…and…that's a train!"
"So it is." Hermione agreed with a smile.
"Auntie Ginny going on that?"
"I am." Ginny agreed, appearing beside them, making Hermione shriek and Ginny cackle.
"Gods! Don't do that!" Hermione hissed, ignoring her laughter.
"Want to come and see the train?"
Severus looked at Ginny warily. "I stay with Mummy."
"I'll bring you back to your mummy, the train doesn't leave for ages!" Ginny wheedled.
He looked torn. "Go on. If the train leaves with you Winky would bring you back." Hermione teased.
Slowly he nodded, wriggling until Hermione put him down. Ginny grinned, reaching for him. "Now, did any of your uncles ever tell you about the time Fred stole Uncle Harry's broom and flew down the train?"
Severus' eyes lit up, "No!" he gasped.
"Gin…Gin…Ginny!" Hermione shouted as the redhead studiously ignored her, leading Severus onto the train. "Ginevra! Ginvevra Weasely do not dare do what I think you're about to!"
Several eyes swivelled towards them as a laughing Harry caught her around the waist. "She won't hurt him."
"She's going to let him fly…on the train…" Hermione whimpered, "On her broom. Her broom that goes far too fast and…"
Harry snorted loudly, "Mya love if you think Gin isn't going to be on that broom with him you don't know her as well as you think you do."
She turned to gape at him. "On what planet do you think that is comforting Harry James!"
His smile turned sheepish, "It maybe sounded more reassuring in my head." he admitted.
"Oh, do we need to be flying to meet your new son, Mya?" a dreamy voice sounded from behind Harry, "I don't have a broomstick."
"Luna!"
Luna squeaked as Harry and Hermione turned as one and wrapped her in a hug. "How are you?"
"Better," she murmured softly. "Daddy's doing better too."
"Good." Harry smiled. "Is he home?"
Luna shook her head, "No. We met some fascinating people in Chicago so he decided to stay for a while."
"Ah I….well, it's good that he's got friends." he finished weakly.
Luna looked faintly amused but refrained from commenting., "Now, I would so like to be reintroduced to Professor Snape."
"Then unfortunately you do require a broom," Hermione muttered, trying not to react as she saw a blur fly past the open carriage door that she assumed was her soon-to-be murdered friend and her son.
"Nah, Gin'll stop shortly," Harry soothed; Hermione's eyebrows rose," Well she won't take him to school with her," he amended.
It took until the 10 minute warning whistle for Ginny to reappear, utterly ignoring her furious mother as she returned a bouncing Severus back to Hermione.
"Mummy I flew on the train!" he crowed, "And I knocked off everyone's hats but Auntie Ginny said sorry so it was fine."
Hermione's eyes widened as she swivelled to her friend. "It was fine," Ginny dismissed with a careless wave of her hand. "They were from my year and found it hilarious."
"And…and…Mr…Mr…"
"Corner." Ginny supplied.
"Mr Corner raced us too! And Mr Creevy joined in! I won!"
Hermione closed her eyes and prayed for patience as she tried not to imagine how they'd even managed that without killing someone. The corridor was hardly large. "Great," she managed weakly, making Ginny laugh.
"Oh. Dennis says thank you. I'm not sure why, he said you'd know."
Hermione hummed, nodding, "I asked Sirius to contact him."
"Ah."
"I think he's been seeing him regularly, to be honest, I think he just needed someone to talk to."
Ginny gave a pained smile. "Right, I suppose I had better go and say goodbye to Mum." she turned to Harry and pointed sternly, "Do not move, I'll be back."
"And that is our cue to find Luna." Hermione muttered, "I refused to witness your goodbye."
Harry laughed, his voice shifting into something close to a whine, "She's going to be gone for months though!"
"Like you won't sneak in" she muttered
Harry looked at her, his jaw dropping before he grinned. "I love you."
"What?"
"It hadn't crossed my mind," he admitted. "But now…."
Trying to ignore the urge to hit him, she turned when she felt someone brush her shoulder. "Luna! You got settled?"
"Oh yes," Luna smiled, squatting down in front of Severus and holding out her hand seriously. "I'm very pleased to meet you."
Severus' eyes darted to Hermione. "This is your Auntie Luna. Remember I said she was on a long holiday and that's why we had to owl?"
He nodded shyly, shaking her hand, "Thank you for my pictures," Luna beamed, "The nargles were beautiful."
Severus blushed, "Do you think they're purple Auntie Luna?" he asked shyly.
"I think they're lots of different colours. It's how they hide so well."
"Oh," he breathed. "Are they here now?"
"Oh always." her smile turned impish. "Uncle Harry has lots!"
Hermione smiled as Severus squinted up at Harry. "He should let you get rid of them," he replied seriously.
"He should," Luna agreed as the five minute warning sounded. "But alas it shall have to wait."
She stood, accepting a hug from Harry and then Hermione as Ginny appeared pulling Harry away, glancing down at Severus, "You'll come and visit me won't you?"
"And see the Unicorns, Auntie Luna?"
"Of course," Luna smiled indulgently, squeezing Hermione's hand. "You made the right choice." she murmured, "Let go of the guilt."
They stood, waving at the train as it slowly pulled away, Severus' fascinated face watching it until he could no longer make it out.
"Well then." Harry sighed heavily. "What now?"
"Now," Hermione sighed, "The house is about to be invaded and we're starting a study plan."
"Great," Harry muttered insincerely. "Tell me that Winky organised cake?"
"Of course she did." Hermione scoffed as she scooped Severus up and apparated home.
"Winky has set up some snacks in the dining room," her elf informed her the moment they touched down in the hall. "And Master Remus wants the Young Master in the garden. He mentioned a pool."
"Ah thank you Winky," Hermione murmured hesitantly, noting the way Severus' eyes lit up.
"Like Abuelita!" he cried. "We see her soon Mummy?"
"Ah, maybe?" Hermione hedged. "Lets ah…find Grandad shall we?"
They found him in the garden, a transfigured pool shaped like a dinosaur filled to the brim with water and bubbles. Severus froze comically before he let out an inhuman squeal of excitement.
"Merlin, Remus." Hermione groaned, "We're never going to get him out."
Remus grinned smugly. "Let's get your trunks young man, Mummy has some work to do."
"Yes!" he shouted, "Can we take dinosaurs in it, Grandad?"
"Don't see why not," Remus shrugged. Grinning when Severus bolted, almost tripping over his own feet in his enthusiasm. "Now, off you pop, make the most of your peace."
"I don't know whether to hug or hex you," Hermione muttered, "It's bloody awesome and he's never going to want to take a bath in anything else."
Remus laughed, "Ah well, there are worse things than dinosaur baths."
"In winter?"
"We have warming charms Cub," he chided, making her groan.
She abandoned him to deal with Severus, deciding that it was probably best for her sanity. Wandering through the house in search of Draco, she passed the floo room, finding an anxious-looking Daphne Greengrass staring back at her.
"I ah…Blaise…he said…"
Hermione's eyebrows rose in surprise at her stammering. "He mentioned it." she agreed. "I've no idea where Draco or quite frankly anyone else is but I gather Winkys set up an entire buffet in the dining room, so why don't you follow me. There's food, the rest of them will surely follow."
Daphne snorted before she flushed. "Sorry…I ah…"
"Look Greengrass, we're not going to get anything done if we start with this nonsense." Hermione sighed, turning to face the witch, holding out her hand, "Hermione Granger-Black. It's nice to meet you."
Daphne eyed her for several seconds before she accepted it. "Daphne Greengrass." she returned.
"Wonderful. Now. I gather you know my new cousin rather well, anything I should know…anything I can use?"
Daphne choked on a laugh as she examined her, "Well, of course." she agreed with a slightly wicked grin. "Shall we discuss it over refreshments?"
A slow smile spread over Hermione's face, catching it Harry blanched. "I think I might like you, Daphne Greengrass."
"Oh god please no," he begged. "We don't need another one to add to your group of terrifying witches."
"That's sad. Depending on her information, I think I might keep her." Hermione beamed at him. "Now come along, Winky mentioned carrot cake and if Severus sees it he'll want some."
"Severus…you're truly looking after Professor Snape?" Daphne asked.
"Adopted him and everything," Hermione agreed nonchalantly, "He's stuck with me now."
"Who is?" Draco demanded, turning to Daphne, "Daph, lovely as always."
She rolled her eyes, "You could try slightly harder to make that sound sincere."
"Why?"
Harry and Hermione exchanged a look, not entirely sure if they were joking or not. "Right…cake?"
"Who else is coming to this thing?" Draco asked, wandering through to the dining room.
"Today? Neville, Sue, Zabini, Hannah and I think one of the twins." Harry mused. "Not everyone can come every time, so whoever shows up?"
Draco rolled his eyes, "Wonderful. No weasel today?"
"Draco," Hermione warned, "I'm sure we discussed manners."
"Did we Cousin? I forget."
"I can remind you," she threatened.
"Oh, are we hexing Malfoy?" Blaises' voice asked from behind them, Susan following him in.
"What's he done?" she sighed.
"I'm not hexing," Hermione argued, "I'm teaching! Honestly! Severus often has better manners!"
Susan nodded solemnly, "True." she agreed, smirking at Draco's look of betrayal. "Cuter too."
"Oi!"
Hermione felt Blaise let out a huff of laughter against her neck as his arm wound around her waist. "How long until your elf comes and demands a respectable distance."
"Two seconds." Winky glared appearing in front of Hermione, making Blaise groan as he dropped his head onto her shoulder.
"Does she hate me?"
"Winky likes you fine when yous keeps your hands to yourself!" the elf declared, making the rest of them laugh.
Harry groaned, stretching two hours later. "Tell me we're done?"
"Probably," Hermione sighed, curling into Blaise's side. "We have a plan if nothing else, we can owl it to everyone else so they can drop in and out as they need to."
"Good," Neville agreed before hesitating, "I've been visiting Justin."
"Oh?"
"They're moving him to a less secure ward."
"Hermione blew out a relieved breath. "That's…encouraging."
Neville nodded slowly, "The Mind Healers you've got going into the House. Is there any chance of them considering helping at St Mungo's?"
"We've asked," Harry muttered, "The Wizengamot is being absurd. Technically if family or his magical next of kin were to employ one…."
Neville hummed thoughtfully, "I wonder where I'd find out who he appointed."
"It might not have changed from Professor Sprout," George offered, "All muggleborns are assigned to their Head of House aren't they?"
"Yes," Hermione agreed slowly, looking at Neville. "She might tell you."
"Probably. She ah…offered me an apprenticeship after NEWTs."
Hermione beamed back at him, "Oh well done! Are you going to take it?"
"Maybe." he hedged, "I ah…might see if she'll consider sharing me. She's amazing and she knows just about everything but her time and her resources are limited by the school. If I had another Master, I'd gain more practical experience."
"I don't see her objecting," Daphne offered, still looking unsure as to whether she should speak, "She's not stupid, she knows what her limitations are." she flushed at Neville's raised eyebrows, "A lot of us spent time in her greenhouses last year," she mumbled. "It was one of the only places that was reasonably safe."
Neville nodded, a pained look of understanding on his face, "Merlin knows we needed to take advantage of those when we found them." he murmured.
"Mummy!" a small voice called, "Mummy where are you it's been ages!"
There were several snorts of amused disbelief, the tension dropping to a more manageable level as Severus, bubbly and dripping, skidded into the room.
"Severus Granger-Black where is your towel?" Hermione demanded as he smiled sheepishly up at her, clambering onto her knee where Winky had dropped a towel with a smirk.
"I lost it, Mummy!" he informed her earnestly. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Daphne staring at them looking stupefied.
"You lost it." she repeated, "Based on the look of you that towel never touched you, you're soaking!"
He grinned back, "Maybe Grandad took it," he informed her seriously.
"Maybe Grandad did not." Remus retorted, his shirt soaked through, Severus' towel over his arm,
"Perhaps Grandad should have," Harry eyed him. "Merlin Remus, why didn't you just get in?"
"I thought about it," he agreed dryly, casting a drying charm over himself. "I'd probably have gotten less wet."
Daphne turned to look at Hermione, "Is it always so…."
"Bizarre?" Hermione supplied, "Often. Just be grateful Sirius isn't here."
The other witch nodded, looking like she wasn't sure what she had walked into.
5th September 1998
"Cousin, why are you insisting on this?" Draco whined, tugging at the jeans she'd bribed him to wear
"I'm not, Susuan is," she replied, trying to convince her hair to stay out of her face with a mix of kirby grips and sticking charms.
He groaned, "Remind me why I thought she was a good idea?"
"Truthfully I have no idea, but you did so here we are."
He frowned at her, "I thought you liked Bones."
"She's amazing and she's one of my best friends," Hermione confirmed distractedly.
"Right so…"
"Well, I wouldn't have put her with you, or well…I wouldn't have until I saw you together."
Draco lost the offended expression that had been working its way across his face. "She's not what I expected."
"Funny how that works when you don't talk to anyone who doesn't wear green…its almost like you might find other people you like when you branch out."
"Oh ha ha," he muttered petulantly. "Where are we going?"
"Oh, cinema. I promised ages ago, remember? And it only seems fair to take Blaise somewhere that's not soft play."
Draco snorted, "He whinged about that for ages. Apparently, it was akin to one of the circles of hell."
Hermione shrugged, "He's not wrong," she paused, continuing slightly hesitantly. "I spoke to Fay Dunbar the other day."
"Who?"
"Jesus, Draco did you really only see those in your House! She was in our year, my House."
He shrugged, "I knew you Potter and the weasel existed?"
Hermione sighed, rolling her eyes at him, "Anyway," she continued pointedly. "She contacted me because she heard about the House and wanted to help so I met her yesterday and we were talking about things that are normal in our world that aren't here. The upshot is she's going to help us arrange a wizarding soft play. I wondered if you fancied helping?"
"Why?" he asked, "What about me has given you the impression I like children."
"I wanted your opinion as someone who hasn't lived anywhere but in the magical world."
"Oh. I…Damnit cousin, I really wish that didn't make sense." he muttered.
She snorted, "You also have a better idea of how to run a business than either of us and I know Sirius will help but I also know that Malfoys typically invest in businesses."
He blinked at her, "How do you…"
"Your mother. She was fretting about your lack of portfolio despite the fact you're clearly managing your fathers."
"Merlin that witch," he muttered. "It's not like we're going bankrupt anytime soon. However, she might have a point. It would be…nice to have my name attached to something that…nice."
Hermione hummed, "Well, we'll arrange a meeting at some point then, do you understand what a muggle one looks like?"
"I'm going to massively regret this, but no." he sighed.
"Well, we'll add that to the list then. I'm only helping with ideas and the setup, Fay will be responsible for the rest. I'll probably invest something though."
"Fifty, fifty?" he replied, sounding resigned as he sent her a knowing look. She had the grace to flush, knowing her hinting hadn't been subtle. "I assume Dunbar hasn't got the capital?"
"No." Hermione sighed, "She hasn't. She was reunited with her mother after their release from St Mungos but they've only just been placed in Ministry housing. She wasn't sure what she was going to do."
"Well then. Fifty-fifty with profit percentage?"
Hermione nodded, "That would be my preference. I'm obviously hoping we don't but we can both stand to take the hit where she cannot currently afford to pay back a loan."
"Take the hit?"
"Oh, I just mean we can afford to lose it even if we'd rather not."
"Ah. I see. Fine then, set up your meeting, when are you dragging me to the hell hole?"
"Um… tomorrow?"
"Fucking wonderful," he muttered as the floo roared. "Zabini I assume?"
"No idea, Sue was coming here too."
"Mistress's Susan bes here." Winky announced before she sighed, "And the boy."
"The boy?" Hermione repeated as Draco snorted in amusement. "Winky why don't you like him?"
"Winky likes him fine but Winky's mistress is going to make Winky move again and Winky doesn't want to!"
Hermione blinked back at the elf, utterly blindsided. "Winky…I'm not…"
"But Mistress will!" Winky interrupted, her volume rising sharply. "And Winky will come but Winky likes being in a busy house again and Master Sirius needs more looking after than the young Master and…"
"Ok." Hermione cut her off. "Winky, We absolutely will have this conversation shortly. Tomorrow. Before I traumatise Draco with soft play. But you should know, Sirius is all but demanding that Severus and I stay here."
Winky's ears perked up. "Even if the Mistress marries that boy?"
"Even then." she admitted, "Not that we've discussed it." Hermione hesitated. "I don't particularly want to leave either. It's…safe here."
Winky's eyes filled with tears and she nodded, "Winky will be nicer to the boy," she sighed, disappearing with a pop.
"What?" Hermione demanded, seeing Draco staring at her.
"I never quite imagined you agreeing to a traditional living arrangement," he admitted slowly.
"Not so traditional for the Blacks I'm told."
"No, but for many families it is," he mused thoughtfully, "Zabini won't object you know. I think he might be expecting it, even if tradition says you live in one of his properties or a gifted one. Anyone with eyes can see that Sirius has no intention of letting you or Potter leave if he can help it."
Hermione arched a brow, "So what you're saying is we're going to convert a wing for me, a wing for Sirius and Remus, a wing for Harry and…a wing for you?"
"What?"
"If you don't think he's letting us go, what makes you think you're getting to leave?"
"But I…"
"Are stuck with us," she sighed dramatically, "Yes, I'm so glad you realise that, Cousin."
She left him gaping at her soundlessly, heading in search of Blaise and Susan.
"Finally!" Susan exclaimed, "We were beginning to think we had the wrong day!"
"Sorry. We had some…issues to address."
"Is everything alright?" Blaise murmured, kissing her quickly, his eyes darting clearly waiting for Winky to appear and object.
"It's fine. Just some conversations that needed to happen. Now. Draco should hopefully be sudan shortly…."
"I'm here, you bloody harpy."
"Such love when you speak to me, cousin." she teased.
"Winky isn't…" Blaise cut in slightly nervously.
"Winky has decided that she might not hate you as much as she wanted us all to believe. I think she's going to back off slightly," Hermione murmured, stealing another kiss.
"How?"
"A conversation for later I think. Now. Cinema?" He eyed her speculatively but nodded, "Come along then."
"What is it we're seeing?" Susan asked as they wandered down the road Hermione had apparated them to.
"Armageddon," Hermione replied. "It's…space themed and a bit end of the world, actiony." she frowned, "Maybe not the best choice actually given everything."
Draco snorted, "Quite. I'd have thought you'd had enough of the end of the world thing, Cousin."
She sighed, "I wanted something that would hold your attention. Perhaps we should check the times for Dr Dolittle."
"What?"
"Oh, he can talk to animals."
"Really talk to animals?" Blaise checked.
"Well no. It's acting."
The animals are acting? Are they animagi?"
Hermione giggled, "Ah no. We should definitely check the times for that instead."
Walking out of the cinema Hermione had to physically steer Blaise to the restaurant, trying to get him to walk in the direction of Diagon Alley as his questions mingled with Draco's with increasing volume. Beside her, Susan was laughing, her arm hooked through Draco's, keeping him anchored to her as he gestured wildly.
"Alright!" Hermione raised her voice., "I'll answer whatever I can but for Merlin's sake can we go and get dinner first!"
Two sheepish men turned to stare at her, falling silent. "Side along?" Susan checked cheerfully, not giving Draco a chance to answer before twisting them out of sight.
Blaise eyed her warily, "I don't do well with spontaneous side along he warned.
"No?"
"No. Neither does Draco actually. Maybe we should stay here for a moment, let Bone's deal with the vomit." Hermione screwed up her nose, making him laugh. "Now whatever shall we do in the meantime?"
"We could discuss the latest version of Hogwarts a history?" she suggested with exaggerated innocence.
"Or…" he countered, "Bloody ridiculous witch, we could make the most of not having a hovering elf."
"Hmmm we could," she agreed, smiling against his mouth as he leant down and kissed her.
"What took you so long?" Draco demanded when they finally arrived, refusing to acknowledge his cousin's slightly flushed cheeks.
"I was told you weren't great with side-along," Hermione shrugged. "I wanted to avoid the effects."
Susan grimaced, "Could someone not have warned me. I don't do vomit."
"Ah," Hermione pulled an attempt at a sympathetic face, "You'll know for next time?"
"Thanks." Susan deadpanned.
"Remind me where we're going for dinner?" Draco interjected, the tops of his cheeks a pale shade of pink.
"Leonards," Hermione replied. "It's new."
"Well then, let's go. I'm bloody starving."
"That's because your stomach ended up on your shoes," Susan muttered. "It's a bloody good job you're pretty."
There was a slight hush as they entered the restaurant, chatter resuming immediately once they were seated. "Golden girl dares leave the house without Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, is there a rift in the golden trio?" Hermione muttered.
"Nondescript redhead who is not a Weasley seen with Draco Malfoy. Foreign fortune hunter?" Susan offered.
"What are you doing?" Draco checked bewildered.
"Guessing tomorrow's headline," Hermione replied.
"Golden Girls Grave dug? Granger seen out with son of infamous Black widow." Blaise offered making the girls laugh.
"You're all ridiculous." Draco muttered, before turning to Susan, "And you are not nondescript."
"But I am definitely not a Weasley.
"Thank Merlin for that," he replied fervently, making Susan laugh.
