Smoke poured from under the door into the room, making Hermione's eyes burn. She began to cough heavily as Draco stood quickly, snapping his fingers to dress them both in an instant. Distant yelling could be heard outside the farmhouse, and from the window, she saw black cloaks and silver masks. Her stomach sank, seeing the Death Eaters encroaching on a place that she found so comforting. The foundation creaked as it burned, reminding her that at any moment, everything could come crumbling down. This place, though she hadn't known it long, felt safe to her until now.
She played with her nephews, sat around the fire with Draco, and rested quite well within the walls of this home. In another life, she would have loved to have a place like this. Isolated, surrounded by plenty of land for a garden and for kids to run around. Though it was old and some things needed to be fixed, she thought it would have been nice to make it something of her own. She'd paint the walls herself, fix the loose cabinets in the kitchen, and fill the bookshelves with her favorite books. A home for her. Something she could share with Draco when the war was over and he was free.
But she could smell the wood paneling begin to burn and see the embers of the floral wallpaper float through the winter breeze. Fear is what she should have felt, but fear did not come for her. Anger swelled in her lungs, and she quickly snatched her wand and followed Draco into the hall.
"What's going on?" Daphne coughed out, holding Astoria close to her. Astoria looked horrified, clutching a teddy bear in her arms, trembling.
Theodore frantically ran towards the stairs, "They're here. How the fuck did they find us?"
"That doesn't matter now. We need to leave before they put up anti-Apparition charms," Draco muttered as he led them all downstairs. "Grab your equipment, Granger."
Green flames licked up the curtains, wrapping the entire home in a stinging heat. The smoke was suffocating, making Hermione cough heavily into her sleeve as she scrambled to the living room where her tent was packed away. The large windows were cracking under the intensity of the fires, revealing the field outside erupting in chaos. Masked men were close to the home now, and Hermione could make out the subtle glow of an anti-Apparition barrier closing in around them.
"We're too late," Theodore called as he cast several spells to stop the fires from spreading. "Going to have to fight our way out."
Draco grabbed Astoria's hand, murmuring instructions to her. It was simple things that anyone should have known at the moment to do. Not leave his side, use protection spells, keep an eye on her surroundings. But Hermione nearly forgot she had spent the war in the comfort of a fortress, protecting Astoria from the horrors that were a constant in her own life. The blank stare in her eyes made it difficult to tell if she processed any of the information given.
"Can you manage, Granger?" Draco asked, making sure Astoria's wand was secured in her shaking hand.
Obviously she could, she was fully capable of handling the situation. Ten years had led to this, and her wand was steady in her hand. Though it had been months since she had fought in any battles, she didn't let her confidence waiver.
"Yes," she said, looking out the window. Snatchers and Death Eaters were coming closer, and she could see their eyes so clearly under their masks. "What about Bellatrix?"
"Leave her," Draco muttered, ripping the blue door open at its hinges. "The Black Household. Quickly. Tappy, Twinkle, make sure they get there."
Draco left in a frenzied rush, pulling Astoria with him, and Theodore followed behind the pair. Hermione watched as they stood on the porch, hearing Theodore putting out the small fires around them as he whispered Aguamenti a few times. Before Daphne went to join them, she gave Hermione a nod of understanding and a quick embrace. It was a comforting gesture, one that rarely came from the witch, but was welcomed.
"Goyle, old pal," Theodore called out to the group in front of them. "It's not too late to turn around. You can scoot your way back to Voldey and we'll let you leave with all your blood."
"Dear Theodore," Goyle slyly replied. "Can't you see that you are heavily outnumbered?"
"I'm sure you'd be surprised to hear that I can, indeed, count. However, I think you're forgetting about our best friend, Draco," Theodore retorted, wrapping his arm around the vampire.
"How could I forget? But we're not here for you or the vampire either. Just give us the mudblood and Bellatrix, and we'll be on our merry way," Goyle impatiently stated.
Hermione stepped onto the wooden porch, finally exiting the home she had grown so fond of. Without thinking, she moved forward, almost entertaining the demand Goyle had announced. What could they possibly want with her? A bartering tool? To have something over both Harry and Draco?
"What the fuck do you want with her?" Draco spat, holding his arm out to stop Hermione from walking any further.
The masked figure shrugged. "Dark Lord's request. I am not at liberty to disclose that information."
"Fuck off. Take Bellatrix if you want her, but Granger isn't going anywhere with you," Draco barked.
"I was afraid you'd say that, looks like we'll have to take you all then," Goyle replied, the group of people behind him drawing their wands in unison. Hermione held hers tightly, preparing a Protego to rattle off at a moment's notice.
"Move out of our way or I will fucking kill you, Goyle," Draco demanded, letting go of Astoria's hand and moving closer to the mob that was sent to them.
Hermione could recognize them all, even if they were in masks. People she had gone to school with, those she had just met over the past few months, those she had seen in a fight before. She had come to know them all to a certain extent and tried to predict their next moves and ran through every scenario she could think of to get them all out alive. But as she raced through the possibilities of what spells she'd need to counter, she felt the cold touch of Astoria's hand reach to hers, throwing her out of her spiraling thoughts.
Before she could acknowledge Astoria, she saw several spells being hurled in their direction, lighting the night sky as if they were fireworks. As if it were second nature, she evaded them, making sure Astoria and Twinkle were safe with her. Draco swiftly moved forward, casting earth trembling spells that shook the ground beneath them. A fissure opened in the field of grass, dropping several snatchers into the cavernous depths. Hermione lifted her wand over her head, flinging a Knockback Jinx towards a group, throwing them into the crack in the earth,
Dirt began to fill the hole, clearing out a path for them towards the edge of the anti-Apparition barrier. Hermione swiftly marched towards the clearing, Astoria quivering as they moved forward, Chaos surrounded the clearing as spells were cast and countered from nearly all angles.
"Keep your head up, Tori," Hermione reminded, "I need you to watch to our right side."
The wrapping of a confinement spell snagged Hermione's ankle, making her lose her balance for a second. As she fell, Astoria attempted to pull her up, crushing her hand with her new strength. Hermione screamed out in pain, making Astoria recoil. The restraints crept further up her leg, wrapping her calf and hugging it to the ground. Astoria stood, frozen in horror, holding the teddy bear tightly, staring at Hermione's managed hand.
"There you are, gorgeous," a voice snarled. Hermione knew it well, the gutter voice she had heard many times before. One that sounded so gruesome and vile it made her sick.
"Astoria, go!" Hermione yelled as Greyback came closer to them. Twinkle tugged on Astoria's skirt, pulling her in the direction of Theodore and Daphne.
Clawed fingers tangled into Hermione's curls, lifting her head up. She saw the werewolf's yellow eyes. Sharp teeth were inches from her face as parted lips began to speak. "Interrupt your time with Lord Malfoy, have we? I can smell him all over you. You usually smell so sweet, but he's tainted you."
There were countless times she had encountered Greyback over the past decade. She had narrowly escaped with her own life at times, barely missing his claws reaching out to grab her. Some of her friends hadn't been so lucky, being ripped to shreds or turned into werewolves themselves. His heavy boot found her broken hand, stomping down on it as he stood over her, grinning. A scream escaped her lungs once more, and a gurgling laughter came from Greyback. She grabbed her wand, but her assailant kicked it away violently enough to snap her index finger back.
"I like it when you sing," Greyback snarled. "You're going to be givin' me a whole concert when we're back at the Ministry."
Hermione's vision began to blur, the pain becoming too much to bear. She hoped that the others were long gone by this point while she drifted off. They just needed to make it past the barrier and make it to Grimmauld Place.
"Don't pass out now, mudblood. I want to hear more of you," Greyback said as he shook her head, his nails digging into the back of her skull. He lifted her up by her hair, her feet dangling as she tried to resist with what little strength she had left. A sharp probe into her side made her shriek again.
"Drop her now," Draco growled, calling Hermione back from her fading consciousness. The siren call that always drew her in. Draco's wand was raised, but Greyback used her as a shield between them.
"There you are, vampire," Greyback smirked. "Knew you'd come get your slut. When I take her back to the Dark Lord, I'm gonna turn her. Make her a little pup, just for you."
Draco took a step closer, but as he did, Greyback pressed his wand into Hermione's neck, directly over where Draco had just sunk his teeth. "Tsk, tsk. Not so fast, Lord Malfoy. You're too eager. I can see why though."
Greyback took a deep breath in Hermione's hair, taunting Draco as he deflected spells that were aimed in his direction. It was nauseating, and she began to gag, her body hitting the dirt. Still attached to her hair were Greyback's claws, but he no longer held her. She turned to see him backing away, eyes wide in horror as he looked down at his arm that had been sliced in half. The cut was clean and expertly aimed.
Draco closed the distance between himself and Greyback, shoving his fingers into his mouth and pulling down until a loud snap was audible. Hermione watched as Greyback's jaw hinged open, bleeding out onto her robes. Draco didn't even look, casting killing spells at the snatchers that were approaching them, his hand still clutching onto Greyback's face.
It looked effortless when Draco ripped it completely away, the flesh tearing as if it were tissue. Within seconds, Hermione was in his arms. He rushed her towards the barrier's edge, ignoring the barrage of attacks coming their way.
"Stay awake, Granger," Draco commanded when he stepped past the barrier. The tugging sensation of the Apparition Charm pulled her from her dizziness and she attempted to keep her eyes opened. Before her, she saw the white farmhouse engulfed in flames they Disapparated.
—
Hermione opened her eyes to a familiar room. The striped wallpaper was a clear indication to her that they had made it to 12 Grimmauld Place. She had spent hours over the past decade counting each stripe on the walls while she was receiving treatments after battles or falling ill. As much as she hated the small, makeshift infirmary, she knew it was safe. She turned her head slightly to see the next bed was occupied. At first, she didn't recognize the man laying there, half of him was bandaged. It took several seconds for her to process that it was Theodore, badly burned, and as she scanned over him, her stomach sank.
"How bad is it?" Theodore chuckled softly, coughing as he finished his sentence.
"Teddy," Hermione gently replied, looking at the end of the bed and seeing an empty space where his left leg should have been.
"Goyle got me real good as I was getting Tori and Daph out. Hit me with a Bombarda as we were Apparating away. Splinched, can you believe it?" he laughed.
"I'm so sorry," Hermione mumbled, attempting to sit up despite her hands being bandaged. She knew that there was not a way in current medical magic to bring back splinched body parts.
"Nah, it's fine. I just hope these scars on my face fade away. I've only got my looks to get me by, you know," he joked, shaking his head.
"You still look handsome to me," she smiled at him.
"Shh… Daph will be back any second. Don't want your hands broken again," he said in a teasing tone. She could tell by his demeanor that he didn't want to acknowledge it any further, using his humor to dampen the awkwardness and likely not even beginning to process the loss he had just experienced.
"Where are they?" she asked him, looking around to see the room was empty. On the side table, sat her ring that seemed undamaged though it was on her crushed hand.
"Tori isn't doing too good. They had to take her for a bit," Theodore replied, his tone completely changed to something more serious.
Hermione sighed, resting back. "I'm so close to finding the cure. I just need more time."
"You got time, Hermione. We just got beat up, relax with me a bit," he said in his charming voice that would have calmed the wildest beat.
They laid there in the quiet for a few moments until the door opened and the cheery calls of Albus and James made her sit straight up. Ginny carried Lily into the room with a big smile, following behind the young two boys.
"Auntie Mione!" James yelled, jumping over to her. "Are you okay?"
"Better now that you're here," she smiled. "Come to check on me, Dr. Potter?"
James smiled wide, jumping on the bed and giving her a hug. Albus followed along, and Ginny scolded them. Hermione didn't mind, gritting through the pain, letting the boys crawl over her.
"Time for more SkeleGro. Patil's orders," Ginny said, waving her wand to move the bottle to Hermione. It uncorked and pressed against her lips and she let the bitter liquid coat her tongue. The bones inside her hand snapped softly as they mended together. They were nearly fully healed now, and Hermione figured she'd be able to work on Astoria's cure by the end of the day.
"Thank you, Gin," she coughed, swallowing hard.
Ginny smiled, sitting at the bedside with Lily softly cooing in her arms. Hermione couldn't help but notice how healthy their family looked now that they had safety. The red haired witch was glowing, there weren't the usual signs of war on her. No scrapes or bruises, her hair had grown out longer, and her eyes were brighter. She held Lily in her direction, and quickly, Hermione unwrapped the bandages from her aching hands to hold the baby securely.
Lily felt weightless in her arms, and she cuddled her close. "Her hair is getting so red. I bet you're happy one of them finally looks like you," Hermione giggled. Lily's small hand wrapped around her index finger that had just been healed.
Ginny snickered. "Finally, only took three tries."
James walked over to Theodore, looking curiously at the stranger. Theodore turned to him, giving a smile, though only half visible under the wrappings over his burns.
"What happened to you?" James asked.
Theodore sat up, "Lost a fight, if I'm being completely honest."
"Do you know how to read?" James curiously inquired, fiddling with a book in his hands.
Theodore chucked under his breath. "I'm not too good, but I could give it a try if you help me."
Ginny sighed, "James, leave him be. He's healing and needs to rest."
"It's quite alright, if it's okay with you," Theodore said nervously. Ginny had every right to refuse him from speaking to her son. He was a Death Eater who had orchestrated devastating attacks against the Order for years now, his dragons wreaking havoc and destruction. She didn't know who he was beyond what he had done to her, Hermione couldn't fault her for that.
"If he's too bothersome, just send him away. He's not plenty others to pester," Ginny replied, not looking in his direction, but acknowledging her trust.
"Albus doesn't know how to read yet, I'm trying to teach him," James said, lifting Albus onto the bed so he could see the pictures in the book. "Lily doesn't like books yet, but she will soon."
"You're a good big brother. Smart too, just like your Aunt Hermione," Theodore smiled.
"She taught me how to read," James proudly announced.
Theodore and James took turns reading the pages of the children's book. Every so often, Theodore would pretend he couldn't read one of the words, and James would gladly help him sound it out. It even made Ginny smile a few times, though Hermione knew it pained her to humanize a Death Eater.
"You okay?" Ginny whispered to her.
Hermione nodded, holding Lily close to her chest. "I'm fine. Everything okay here?"
"Going well, nearing the end. Everyone's spirits are high," she softly replied. "I'm happy you're home, even though the circumstances are fucked."
"Language, mum," James called over to them.
"Sorry, love," she replied, rolling her eyes as she chuckled before turning back to Hermione. "I got you a room all set up. Lots more space here now that London is safe for muggles and Order members. Don't have to pile half the troops in here."
A nervousness came over Hermione, thinking of Mallory manor and the white farmhouse. Draco, Astoria, and Daphne were now without a home and nowhere to turn. Would Ginny allow them in her den of lions?
"Thanks, Ginny. Is there a space for the others?"
"Got them set up in a small flat down the road. It's safe. But they can't stay here around the kids, not with Astoria like that. She was out of it, screaming and all. Draco had to restrain her," Ginny explained. Hermione understood, worried about the plight Astoria was in. Yet again, she felt so torn between her two worlds.
"I should see her soon," Hermione said, kissing the top of Lily's head. Holding her was comforting, like everything she had done and been through was worth it for her, James, and Albus. Maybe one day, after everything, she and Draco could have something like this.
After the war. After he's cured. After they learn how to be human in a world that is safer for them.
The creaking of the floorboard in the hallway drew her gaze away from Lily, and she saw Draco standing in the doorframe. He was dressed plainly in muggle clothing, a simple white t-shirt and dark sweatpants. Something that would have Astoria fuming if the situation was different. He looked around the room, his eyes scanning over the kids spread about.
"I'll come back at a better time," Draco said, taking another glance at Hermione.
Ginny stood, reaching out to take Lily, "I should get the kids in for a nap anyways."
Draco moved away from the door, giving Ginny space to leave as she beckoned the boys to wrap up their story time. James and Albus gave Draco a high-five on their way out, making Draco smirk and Ginny roll her eyes.
"You both look much better than yesterday," Draco said as he walked towards them.
"How's Tori and Daph doing?" Theodore asked him.
Draco shook his head, sitting next to Hermione. His hands went to hers, delicately looking over them. "Tori is out cold. We had no choice but to give her sedatives. I told Daph to rest too."
"Poor Tori," Theodore sighed. Theodore was missing a leg and half burnt but still was concerned about his dear sister-in-law. Hermione's brain began to jostle between methods of dampening Astoria's stress and everything she had read about splinching.
"How are you feeling, baby?" Draco quietly asked. "Your hands okay?"
"Much better," she said, pulling herself back into reality to be with him. Her hands were healed, but her head still caused her pain.
He reached for the emerald ring on the table and gently placed it onto her finger. Draco kissed the gem before placing her hand against his cheek. Hermione brushed her thumb across his cold skin seeing his exhaustion in his eyes.
"You should go be with her. Teddy and I are in good hands," Hermione told him. She desperately wanted him with her, selfishly wishing he could stay. But she knew Astoria needed him.
"It isn't fair to you, is it? To have to wait on me," he mumbled sleepily, his eyes lingering on her lips. "Bad husband and even worse boyfriend."
Draco smiled, but Hermione could tell his joking was forced, just like Theodore. Using humor to cope with the situation at hand. She didn't have another choice but to smile with him.
"Go, before I change my mind," Hermione playfully remarked. Standing up, he leaned down to kiss her deeply, making her aching head feel dizzy with want. After pulling away, he gave her one last kiss on her forehead.
"What about me?" Theodore pouted.
Draco turned around, grinning. He leaned down and kissed Theodore on his forehead too. "Get better, Teddy. I'll send Daph over when she wakes."
Padma came by a few times during the night to change Theodore's bandages and make sure Hermione was still in bed. Though she felt as if she could be up and about, she was advised medically to rest until at least the next day due to the head injuries she had suffered. Several times throughout the evening, James had tried to sneak back into the makeshift infirmary to give them small trinkets and drawings he had done.
After it got too late, Ginny had put a stop to his antics and forced him to go to bed. Theodore laughed, admiring the drawing of a dragon James had made for him.
"You're good with kids," Hermione said to Theodore as her eyes began to drift to sleep.
"You are too," he replied. "Knowing you and Draco though, your children will be absolute menaces. Smartasses with no respect for authority. Oh, and stubborn as hell."
Hermione laughed, entertaining the thought for a few seconds. "Yours will be equally as bad. You're trouble, Theodore Nott. They'll be running around trying to wrestle Pogrebins in the yard. But you're going to be a good dad, I'm not worried."
Theodore sighed. "I dunno if Daph is too keen on having kids, with the blood curse and all. And she always says she'd be a horrid mother. She's got so much love to give though."
"We're still young and have plenty of time to figure things out. She's really hard on herself, huh?" Hermione tried to reassure. A quiet sob came from Theodore, trying to stifle the noise with his hand. Hermione turned her head and saw the tears falling from his eye onto the pillow.
She slowly got up and laid down next to Theodore, wrapping her arm around him. Her fingers ran through his brown curls, and she wiped away the tears from the side of his face.
"Daph has so much to worry about," he cried out. "Tori, Draco. And now look at me."
There wasn't a damn thing she could have said to comfort him, so she held him as he cried. It was several minutes until he quieted, falling asleep in her arms.
—
Hermione woke to the soft sound of Daphne and Theodore speaking to one another. They whispered softly, and Hermione kept her eyes closed to not disturb them. She heard Daphne peppering kisses on Theodore, telling him how much she loved him and how happy she was that he was okay. It was surprising to hear a side of Daphne she hadn't before. She was so sweet and affectionate, making sure Theodore felt safe.
"How's Tori doing?" he asked her.
Daphne was quiet, taking a deep breath before speaking. "She won't eat. If she's not panicking, she's staring at the wall and lifeless. I don't know what to do."
"It's going to be okay," he told her.
The door to the infirmary opened and Hermione pretended to stir awake as she heard Luna come forward. She finally opened her eyes to find Luna in a colorful, mismatching outfit, carrying a clipboard. "Good morning," she cheerily mumbled, jotting down a few notes. "How are you two feeling?"
"Morning, Luna," Hermione replied. "I feel completely and totally healthy."
"Eager to be discharged, Miss Granger?" Luna asked. "I'll need to run a few tests, and then you can go."
After the usual checks of blood pressure and ensuring that Hermiome didn't have any lingering head or hand injuries, she was given the okay to leave. Hermione gathered her belongings, the compact tent on the floor next to her, her wand, and her singed cloak. She didn't have much, and her most prized possession at this point was the jewelry that Draco had given to her. Materialistic items like these would have seemed frivolous to her at one point, but now, she didn't think she could be without them.
Daphne handed her small key attached to a yellow tassel, "It'll show you where to go, just a short walk down the street. It's cold out, bundle up, okay?"
Grimmauld Place was quiet in the early morning hours, and as she stepped onto the street, the cold, winter wind whipped around her. The yellow tassel on the key levistated, pointing her where to go. A sinking feeling overcame her when she was fully out from the protection of her precious home, worried about snatchers and Death Eaters wandering the streets.
But it was so different from how she last saw it. Not a black cloak was in sight, no danger could be felt. She saw muggle families walking about, merrily running errands. The cloud of darkness that once surrounded the area had completely dissipated. It felt safe.
The key led her to a flat about a five minute walk from 12 Grimmauld. The door was heavily charmed with protection spells. Hermione placed her hand against it and could feel how powerful it was, not only to keep unwanted people out, but to also keep something from escaping.
After lingering for a few seconds to observe the strong charms, she slid the key into the lock, heading a series of pins unlatch themselves. Before she could open the door, it swung open, and a cold hand pulled her inside.
She was pressed against the charmed door, feeling the hum of the spells on her back as Draco's cold fingers spun through her hair. His lips hungrily kissed her throat and he lifted her off the ground.
"Draco," she mumbled, wrapping her legs around his waist, lacing her fingers through his hair.
"You're so fucking beautiful," he softly said into her ear. "You are everything to me."
She understood he felt guilty for his absence and was showing her how much he longed for her. He kissed her face until she couldn't take it any longer and planted her lips against his. Without warning, he pulled her away from the door and laid her down onto a suede sofa, pressing her into the cushions and lying on top of her.
"I missed you too," she smiled as his mouth trailed down her face to her neck. "Is Astoria okay?"
"Shh… she's sleeping," Draco muttered, nipping at her shoulder. "Focus on me right now. Me, and everything you want me to do."
Hermione laughed under her breath. "Hmm, a hand massage sounds quite nice right now," she teased.
"Of course," he replied. He sat, pulling her onto his lap so she laid out comfortably. The entirety of his hand enveloped hers, placing slight pressure into the center of her palm. Hermione moaned softly at each touch, knowing it would rile him. Draco's other hand began to knead into her thigh, as he kissed the side of her face. "Merlin, you're so pretty."
"You're extra affectionate today," Hermione blushed, turning to him and straddling his lap. She gently brushed the hair away from his face as his eyes lingered at various parts of her face. "Have you been drinking?"
"No, just missed you is all. Is that a crime?" His fingers pressed into her sides softly. "I can't stop thinking about you."
Hermione rotated her hips into him and watched his mouth hang open. "What do you think about, Draco?"
"About that big mouth of yours, and how it drives me insane."
She slipped her sweater off her shoulder, "What else?"
"I think about how good you taste," he said, his finger hooking into the strap of her bra. "And how fucking warm you are."
"Hmm…" Hermione whimpered, closing her eyes as Draco began to tear away at the threads of her shirt. His lips kissed at her chest as it was revealed to him. "What else?"
"That you looked so beautiful with the kids. Merlin, I want to put a baby in you," he muttered into her breasts. He was fully hard, throbbing in his pants, pressed desperately against her. And she felt herself dripping onto him, lusting over every word he said. She wanted him in every way. In ways she hadn't ever dreamed of before or even imagined she could have.
A crash came from a room down the hall, pulling Hermione from her daze and making Draco stand straight up, holding Hermione in his arms still. She felt his heart beat hasten, and he gave her another kiss before setting her back down on the couch.
"I'm sorry," he said, adjusting his shirt and running his fingers through his hair. "I'll be right back."
"It's okay, Draco," she smiled, though she selfishly didn't want to let him go.
She watched as he walked to a room, casting several spells to allow himself in and closing the door quickly behind him. Hermione grabbed her ripped sweater, mending it with a quick charm and pulling it over herself before picking up her tent and setting it up in an empty corner of the flat's sitting area. As she finished up, frantic knocking came from the front door.
"Just a second," Hermione called, expecting Daphne to be a smidge impatient in the cold while she exited the tent. The knocking now was loud, nearly shaking the door. She looked through the peephole to see a hooded figure standing just outside. "Who are you?" she asked.
The figure dropped their hood, and Hermione saw the panicked, green eyes of Pansy Parkinson.