There's always a calm before the storm. That's what everyone had always told Hermione. She had felt that at many times in her life, a peace just before all hell breaks loose. Peace, she saw it in Astoria's eyes when they turned back to the soft chocolate brown from the glassy silver they were temporarily. But chaos would sure to follow. If she told the Order that she had finished it, what would happen to the communities of vampires that existed in fear across the world?
Though Draco and Astoria were negatively afflicted with the curse, it didn't mean the rest were. Would she be responsible for the disappearance of their kind? They had hid themselves so well before she began to search for the cure, for centuries evading oppressive forces who feared them. It wasn't her right to take away their choice of how to live their existence, her only duty was to Draco and Astoria.
She etched her words down on a piece of paper, providing entirely too much detail into each step she took. That's just how she was though, everything so methodical and deliberate. Draco had done well to select her to find the cure for this blood curse, who else would have done it in such a short time?
The piece of paper was sealed in an envelope and away from prying eyes. She addressed it to Viktor, making sure that no one in the wizarding world could get their hands on it. By the time they'd realize Hermione had figured it out, she'd be long gone, only returning when Draco would be promised a fair chance at life.
A calm before the storm. Feeling Astoria's skin warm and her heart beat faster was assuring, letting Hermione know that for a few moments, she could breathe. Astoria wept tears of joy. They all did. Daphne endlessly kissed Hermione's hands and cheeks, thanking Merlin and her for everything.
"I don't know how I'll ever repay you," Daphne whispered as they watched Astoria sleep. She slept a lot over the two days she had become human again, the burden of being a vampire finally dissipating to let her sleep. Twinkle was tending to her bed, making sure the blankets perfectly covered her thin frame.
"There's no need to repay me for anything. I'd do it a hundred times over if that meant she'd come back," Hermione replied softly. Daphne grabbed her hand, pulling her out to the dining room where Theodore was engaging in deep conversation with Tappy about the perfect temperature to roast a duck. He sat at the small dining table, his mechanical leg propped up against it. Hermione tried her best not to stare at the mechanism, wondering how he was adjusting.
"Hello, beautiful ladies," Theodore chimed. "How are we doing this lovely evening?"
Daphne kissed his cheek, sitting down next to him as Tappy snapped and a teacup appeared in front of her. She added some cream, no sugar, her usual way of taking tea. "I'm doing wonderfully, thanks to Hermione."
"She's a miracle worker, isn't she?" Theodore smiled.
"Are you going to cure him too?" Pansy asked from the living room. She was thumbing through a magazine, making her presence known for the first time in days.
"That's the plan. After the war," Hermione replied, not acknowledging her fully.
Pansy snickered under her breath. "He's still going to be fucked, you know? Doomed. Even if his heart beats at the same pace as yours, he won't be human."
And as much as she didn't want to believe her words, Hermione knew there was truth to what she was saying. That Draco has spent so long as a vampire and committing heinous acts that it would be hard for him to adjust to a new life without hurt and guilt. But she would help him, she'd do everything she could to make him feel human.
"Shut up," Daphne scoffed. "You don't know anything about humanity, Parkinson."
Pansy laughed loudly, her cackle shaking the table. "You think I'm going to listen to the most pampered brat in all of London? When have you ever had to be a person in your life?"
"Hey, let's calm down. We're all under the same roof for the same reasons," Theodore interrupted, holding Daphne's hand while addressing the entire room. "Let's all sit, have a cup of tea, and enjoy our time together before Granger and I are off to fight the last fight of our lives."
Hermione stared at Theodore in disbelief. "Teddy, you're not serious, are you?"
Pansy was even more wide eyed and stunned as she sat at the table silently. Tappy brought them all piping hot tea, ensuring there was enough sugar and cream within reach of everyone. Theodore took a sip, smiling.
"Of course I'm serious. I've never felt better. Got much needed rest, adjusted to the new leg, and ready to pay my dues," he happily replied, sipping on his tea while everyone sat in utter shock.
"You don't need to do that, Teddy," Hermione urged, hoping he'd listen. But she knew as well as anyone that he wouldn't listen to a single word. If she were in the same position, she wouldn't. Why would she expect him to?
"Don't try to reason with him," Daphne mumbled under her breath. Her gaze lingering at the white teacup that sat on the old wooden table in front of her. "Trust me, I've tried."
Pansy's finger ran around the lip of her cup as her pink lips parted softly, "Well, I've been fighting by Teddy's side for years, watched him wrangle the most unruly beasts. I can't think of anyone more capable."
Theodore grinned, "Thanks for the bode of confidence, Pansy. Ain't this just like old times where we all used to hang out? Just missing Draco and Tori is all." He looked over at Hermione, giving a quick wink. "And added a new friend."
"You guys talking about me?" Astoria called from the hallway, her voice was hoarse, but she stood tall in the entryway to the kitchen. Tall, tired, but healthy.
"Always," Theodore teased.
Astoria giggled, "Obviously. I am the light of your lives, aren't I? I'm probably each one of your best friends."
Twinkle followed closely behind her, still anxious that at any moment Astoria would collapse. Hell, Hermione nearly stood up to help, but realized her mistake quickly when she saw the once sickly woman walk confidently towards them. She used her wand to conjure a chair and set it at the corner of the table between Hermione and Pansy.
"I'm starving," she smiled at Tappy. "What's on the menu tonight?"
Tappy brought them a spread of a wide variety of foods Hermione hadn't ever seen Astoria eat before. She had eaten all the tarts, but no one seemed to mind, glad she had an appetite. Hermione barely touched any food, observing Astoria speaking with big expressions, her arms moving in all directions in the small space between herself and Pansy.
It was strangely peaceful to be with them all, even Pansy. They spoke to one another as if they had been friends their whole lives. Astoria's presence had completely changed the atmosphere. She was lively, in a state that Hermione had only ever witnessed her attempt to reach. It was peaceful, fun even, until the laughter and chatting was interrupted by the sound of someone knocking at the front door.
"Guess that means I have to hide, doesn't it?" Astoria asked Hermione.
"Just for a little, Tori," Hermione assured. "I'll shuffle them out quickly."
Hermione went to the door, expecting to find Luna or Padma checking in on Theodore, but when she looked through the peephole, she saw Harry. Confused, she opened it wide, and Harry smiled brightly at her. Down the hall, she saw the familiar figure that had been haunting her for months. Draco stood still, almost as if he were frozen, flanked on either side by two people who had their hands on their wands.
"Hey, Hermione. Talked to Shacklebolt, and he gave the okay to release Draco for the night," Harry chirped happily.
"Just for tonight? How kind, given tomorrow is when we're due to take the Ministry," Hermione grumbled, still looking at Draco.
Harry sighed, shrugging his shoulders. "Better late than never, and it wasn't for a lack of trying."
"I know, Harry. I'm sorry for being short with you," she said, giving him a hug. "Thank you for being so kind."
He nodded in response, giving her a tight squeeze before letting her go. "I'll see you tomorrow for the briefing, get some rest. We're ending this for good."
As he walked out of the building, the two men guarding Draco followed behind him. The second they left his side, he immediately came down the hall to greet her. His cold hands cupped her face, pulling her up while leaning down to kiss her.
It made her knees weak and she became lost in him. Cold, but comforting and intoxicating, like a drink of fresh water after a heat wave. There were so many things she wanted to tell him that were now slipping from her mind, the words becoming snared in his lips. Her arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him closer.
"Miss me, Granger?" he softly mumbled on her lips. Though her eyes were closed, she knew he had a smirk plastered on his face.
"There's so much I have to tell you," she whispered back.
"Two days away and you've already got news?" he asked, pulling back with his eyebrow raised.
After a gentle tug on his hand, he followed behind her into the flat. The pad of his thumb brushed against the emerald on her ring, his shoulders straight, looking almost anxious to be back. Bringing him into the living room, she brushed the hair away from his eyes.
"I must look a mess, don't I?" he asked. "Tori won't be pleased. Is she okay? Can I see her now?"
He hadn't seen Astoria since he was taken away, only communicating with her through letters courtiered by herself or Daphne. Draco was aching for her presence, she knew that.
"Daphne, can you tell Tori we have a guest for her to see?" Hermione called out.
In less than a minute, Astoria had run into Draco's arms. His eyes went wide at the sudden realization that she was no longer cursed. He stood frozen in disbelief, one of the few times he had been left speechless.
"It's okay, Draco," Astoria softly spoke, like she was trying to comfort a young child. "Hermione did it. You're going to be human again."
There hadn't been many times Hermione had seen Draco come completely undone. It was only due to the discovery of his mother and the aftermath that she had seen him express such intense emotions. But now, he sobbed into Astoria's brown hair, clutching her into his chest. Tears soaked into her shoulder, wetting her dress, imbuing it with everything he was feeling. Joy, confusion, whatever state he was in, was completely on show.
"It's okay, Draco," she assured, her hand trailing up and down his back. Tears began to stream down her pink cheeks, mascara running from her eyes. "We're going to be okay."
"I know," he sputtered through heavy breaths, attempting to calm himself. "I know."
Astoria smiled, laughing through her own cries. "And Draco?"
"Yeah, Tori?" he asked, pulling away and drying his eyes in his sleeve.
"I want a divorce," she said, giving him another tight hug.
Draco chuckled into his sleeve, shaking his head. "Do I really look that bad, Tori?"
"Awful, actually. You're in dire need of a haircut. Come on now."
She pulled him into the kitchen, waving her want to move a chair to the center of it. As Draco sat, Astoria pulled out a pair of kitchen shears from the drawer. She turned to Draco, tapping her finger against her chin as if she were deep in thought.
"Kitchen scissors? We don't have anything else?" Draco asked, looking scared as Astoria approached with the sharp object.
"I'm working with what we've got," she giggled, snapping the scissors open and closed in quick succession. "Don't be such a baby and sit still."
"Want me to hold him down, Tori?" Theodore teased.
Asoria nearly cackled, throwing her head back to let out a bellowing laughter. Hermione saw Draco's face light up like a small child on Christmas morning receiving a gift they've been wishing for all year. It had likely been ages since he had heard her laugh without a coughing fit.
"I think Draco can be a big boy for a few minutes, can't you Draco?" she jokingly asked. Draco smiled and sat still, closing his eyes. Astoria began to trim the lengths of his hair delicately, nearly separating out each strand.
And as they all finished their tea, Tappy brought out a dusty bottle of fire whiskey to the table. Pansy picked it up, pouring the liquor into their tea cups. She stood, grabbing a mug from the counter and filling it halfway before handing it to Draco. He gave her a slight nod as he took a sip.
"Tori, I'll pour you one after you're done, don't want any mistakes, do we now?" Pansy said before taking a pause and smirking at Draco. "On second thought, why don't I pour you a double?"
Hermione couldn't help but let out a snicker under her breath. Despite how nasty Pansy had always been, she was quite funny at times.
"Since when did you two become friends?" he asked, rolling his eyes playfully.
"Lots can happen when you're away, Draco. Life still moves on without you," Pansy retorted, downing the rest of her drink and leaning against the kitchen counter.
"I can see that," he replied, looking up at Astoria. She scolded him for moving, positioning his head back forward to resume his haircut but also have Hermione in his eyeline. He gave her a small smile, making her heart flutter in her chest.
It wasn't clear if it was the overwhelming amount of happiness that was radiating through the room or the fire whiskey in her belly, but it didn't feel like they were off to fight their last fight. The feeling was more in line with how it would be to hang out with your closest friends on a Friday night, sharing drinks and laughter.
The calm, before the storm , she thought for a brief moment before pushing it aside to savor each minute presented to her.
"All done," Astoria gleefully announced. "What do you think, Hermione?"
"You're asking her before me?" Draco let out a heavy breath through his nose, trying to stifle a laugh, snapping his fingers to conjure a small mirror into his hand.
"You did a good job, Tori," Hermione smiled and answered truthfully. Draco's hair was back to nearly its normal length, away from his eyes, looking clean, kept, and handsome. The joy plastered on his face softened his sharp features, making him look more like a man than the creature he was.
"Not bad," Draco agreed, handing Astoria his mug of whiskey for her to have a drink. She accepted, gulping it down quickly.
"Now that we're all looking nice, we should go out. We haven't done that in ages, all of us together," Pansy suggested, pouring another round for everyone.
"That sounds so lovely," Astoria agreed. "I'm so tired of being cooped up. I finally feel nice enough to explore around."
They all clinked their various mismatched cups together that made a triumphant ring before downing whatever was left of the old, dusty bottle that had likely been sitting in this flat for years.
"Go out where?" Daphne asked.
Pansy shrugged, "I'm not sure. I saw most of the muggle places were opened back up in town. Granger, what do you suggest we lively bunch do on a Friday evening?"
Hermione smiled, thinking of all the stuff she had done when she was young and things she wished she could have experienced. She had never been on a pub crawl, but they looked quite fun from what she could recall from tv shows she's seen or accounts she's heard from others. What she missed most was going to the cinema. It seems so innocuous and somewhat boring to most, but it was something she did with her mum and dad nearly every week when she was home for the summer.
"We could go drinking, dancing, maybe see a movie after if you all are interested," Hermione shrugged. "I'm not necessarily the best person to be asking."
"You're telling me Hermione Granger didn't go out to ragers on the weekends?" Pansy teased. It didn't sound malicious or hurtful, it was lighthearted more than anything. "Well, I'm in. What do you all think? Some dancing and ending the night at the muggle cinema?"
Astoria jumped up and down clapping. "Yes, yes, yes! I'll go get ready."
They put on the nicest outfits, most muggle looking outfits they had, with Astoria making minor adjustments to them before setting off into the cold night. It amazed Hermione at how normal the world seemed when they explored the area around them. Muggles were out and about, enjoying their lives, no longer fearing the oppression of Voldemort. They danced alongside the patrons of the various pubs they visited, pretending as if they were not a band of wizards and a vampire, but as if they were muggles themselves. After they were tired of drinking and dancing and were properly sloshed, they came upon an old cinema that was showing classic movies. The marquee read several old films Hermione hadn't seen since she was a girl or even at all, but knew their cultural significance.
"What are we feeling? A comedy, period piece, or my personal favorite, horror?" Hermione asked as they stood huddled under the glowing signage, the buildings surrounding them still decorated in Christmas lights.
Astoria looked confused, "Your favorite genre is horror?"
Hermione nodded with a grin. "Yes, I find them to be the most engaging forms of media in terms of film and books. If it's not non-fiction, of course."
"No wonder why you like Draco so much," Theodore chucked, nudging her gently. "He's a horror of the ages."
Draco handed him the flask he had just drank from. "That film can't be as scary as me, can it? Poltergeist? We had several of those at the manor when I was a kid. They were easy to get rid of."
Astoria pulled her scarf tighter around her face to block the wind from cutting her cheeks before crossing her arms. "I've never seen a horror film before," she nervously stated.
"Don't worry, Tori. You can sit in between Draco and me," Pansy assured.
Hermione didn't restrain herself, she purchased the tickets in addition to everything anyone would want at the cinema. Popcorn, candy, and drinks to round out the entire experience for several wizards who had never experienced such an event before. She made sure to instruct them to use the toilets beforehand and to limit the talking and noise they made during the showing. They all obeyed and took their seats in the center of the theater.
Hermione had seen Poltergeist on numerous occasions, so the shockingness of the scares didn't phase her. But, it was entertaining seeing Astoria watching between her fingers, covering her face with her hands, only to remove them to eat several boxes of candy. Theodore devoured the popcorn as Daphne and Pansy giggled at the outdated scares. What surprised her most was feeling Draco jump slightly on several occasions, not thinking it would phase him. He held onto her hand the entire runtime, even sampling some of the snacks she had selected.
"Wasn't too bad, now was it, Tori?" Daphne asked as they began their short trek back to their temporary flat. Snow had begun to lightly fall, coating their eyelashes and hats.
"It was horrifying," she replied. "But I quite liked it. I think if I watched it months ago, it would have killed me."
Hermione and Draco hung back from the rest, his fingers still intertwined with hers. She almost regretted not bringing gloves, given how cold the night had gotten, but was glad she had an excuse to feel his touch after days without it. Though his hand was equally as freezing as the air, she didn't let go.
Draco leaned down slightly, whispering to her. "Thank you, Granger. For everything. I don't know how…"
"It's okay, Draco," she softly replied, resting her head against his arm.
"I've got one fake leg and I'm still faster than the two of you," Theodore called back to them as they came closer to the flat. They had gotten even further behind, taking their time, feeling no rush at all.
"Go on ahead," Draco told them. "We're going to take the long way."
"Don't freeze out here," Astoria warned them as they turned a corner and out of sight.
Draco stopped under an awning of a bookstore that was dimly lit with off white fairy lights and turned to face her. He looked at their hands that were held between them, gently brushing his thumbs against her knuckles that were turned pink from the cold.
"You're freezing, maybe we should just get back," he mumbled.
"I'm fine, Draco," she promised, wanting to be alone with him for just a moment.
He smiled, still looking down. "I can't believe you can do this so easily. It seemed so hard to be happy before all of this. But despite everything, even in the darkest moments, you have brought me nothing but happiness."
"And you have given me so much in return, Draco."
It would take her hours to list out everything she was grateful to him for. A family, a new sense of self worth, but most of all, a future beyond the war. The way she could picture a life so vividly with him, all within reach. The lights above them shimmered, making his eyes look like a gray sky full of stars. And as he kissed her, she too felt nothing but happiness. A calm, before the storm.