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Hermione sat in the library at Grimmauld Place looking at the two objects in her lap. They both played pivotal roles in her life as well as the lives of those most important to her. Harry would be back soon and the pair would have to decide what would be done.
Hermione’s eyes shut and she drifted back to the time when the tattered book of wizarding fairy tales was her constant companion. She knew Professor Dumbledore did things for a reason, even if those reasons weren’t the best way to handle the situation. The piece of cloth moved smoothly through her fingers as she registered the weight of the stone sitting on her leg wrapped in a small burlap bag.
Getting to this point had been difficult. Both knew it would have to be done after the article in the Prophet clearly identified one of the reasons the Light prevailed was due to the mythical deathly hallows. In addition to confirming their existence, the Prophet verified the rumored location of the most powerful hallow. The Elder Wand or the Deathstick hidden in plain sight, in the tomb of Albus Dumbledore. None of the stories made comments on the master of the wand, but there was plenty of speculation. Most of which landed squarely at the feet of Harry.
After the fifth attempted break-in at the tomb, this year alone, Harry knew something needed to be done. Hermione, in complete agreement, knew how dangerous the items could be. Ron, much more reticent in getting rid of any of them, volunteered to be the one to destroy the lot. Neither of the other members of the trio took him up on the offer. The pair forgave Ron for his abandonment and actions at the time, but neither forgot or trusted him quite as much as before. None of the hallows would fall into the hands of the youngest Weasley son.
The pop of Harry’s return pulled Hermione from her thoughts, her gaze at the third hallow and her magic shuttered at the raw power it held. “I really hate holding this wand.” Harry pulled a wand box from his desk drawer and placed the wand in it. “What did you decide?”
Hermione knew whatever she decided Harry would accept. “I think we need to offer them back to Death.” Hermione hated the thought of seeing Death on purpose. Harry sat quietly on a chair and dropped his head into his hands.
“I can’t do it Hermione. It’s not that I want these items, well not really, it’s just I have met Death so many times when my death would be reasonable. At the battle, while I was in that hazy world, Death whispered I should never seek him or that world again. I don’t think I’d come back if I went but you can’t go alone.” Harry was at a crossroads not knowing which way was correct.
“Then you aren’t going with me. You have the boys to think about and I’m not about to allow them to be raised without their father.” Hermione had an idea of who would accompany her but needed to ask him first. “You know who I’ll ask, are you ok with me telling him everything?” After his silent agreement, Harry stood to reclaim the items in Hermione’s lap.
“These have been such an important part of my life, but you are right, they are too powerful for this world.”
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It took a month of research and time spent in the Potter family vault before she began to piece together the truth behind the mythical story. Once done, she met with her boyfriend and asked if they could go away for the weekend. To go somewhere quiet, to somewhere where no one would be able to visit or overhear them. For Draco, the simple request could easily be fulfilled.
Draco Malfoy inherited the entirety of the Malfoy estate after the final battle. Because of his and his godfather’s actions in the years leading up to the war, they received absolution for their crimes as a matter of necessity in order to survive and pass on the vital information that helped end the war. While the Ministry and the majority of the wizarding understood and questioned what they would have done differently in if his shoes, Draco had yet to reconcile his actions with his mind and soul.
When Hermione met him after the battle and pulled him to the safety of the Order, he was reluctant. It wasn’t until Harry stood with his arm over the other wizard’s shoulder the Order was told how long the blond wizard passed along information. Some questioned how a thirteen year old would be pulled into the war while others doubted his change of heart occurred that early in the game.
Draco admitted it was closer to the end of third year, but it was third year. Draco twitched his nose in a telling way. Hermione’s whisper of to explain was finally the push he needed to admit it was the punch to his nose. It took about an hour to explain how he got Professor Dumbledore to agree and how that night the year prior had been planned.
No one really connected the fact the only person to be killed the night Hogwarts was breached had been Dumbledore. Draco worked to ensure students would be as far from the Death Eaters as possible. It was a risky endeavor since he would be leaving with the Death Eaters but when Severus accompanied him, Draco knew his survival chances increased slightly.
Now ten years after the battle, Draco found himself comfortable in life. He and Hermione were able to publicly admit their relationship and had been happily living together ever since. He didn’t know why the attempted break-ins at Dumbledore’s grave caused so much worry until he read the piece in the Prophet. It explained why his girlfriend and her best friend would be on edge each time. She promised to tell him everything when she could. He knew this would be weekend, but had no idea of just how explosive the story would be.
They were currently on a small private island near the Canary Islands, an unplottable island, covered by multiple fidelius charms and a unique weather enchantment making the clouds hover over the island if flown over by muggle plane, satellite or magical broomstick. The actual weather on the island was always perfect.
“So you’re telling me you three have known where the hallows were all these years and never thought of the risk they posed?” Hermione, quite abashed, shook her head sadly. “I love you Hermione. I love your ability to love freely and deeply. I love your ability to forgive. But this is why you need a Slytherin in your planning sessions. All someone would have to do is take Harry out and the wand would automatically be theirs. It’s not like if he isn’t using it, it would remain his. I assume the other two were hidden with Potter somewhere.”
“Yeah”
“I do love you sweets. So you’ve realized this might not have been the best idea and have a plan to do something. I’m all ears.” Draco was truly surprised by the end of Hermione’s plan and knowing to never doubt her, it took no time for him to agree. The couple waited until the optimal day arrived. The portkey Hermione created dropped the couple onto a winding road with a bridge over a wide river. Hermione stopped Draco from following her, much to his disagreement, and walked the final steps alone. The witch stood with her head held high when Death appeared in front of her.
Death, veiled in shadow, barely appeared to be present but Hermione and Draco had both sensed presence in the past. “You’ve followed in the steps of brothers and sought me out. You’ve risked meeting Death and faced him calmly. What gives you the right to stand without fear?”
The shadow moved forward and noted the witch’s refusal to step back, feeling the icy breath over her face and shoulders, Hermione’s only reaction was a slight gasp at the reminder of how cold death would be. “The brothers were each given a token from you and left each other’s company shortly thereafter. This you know.”
Death made no move and the witch continued speaking, “The first brother lost his prize almost immediately and he became yours, as you desired. The second brother came to you by his own hand, but not at the time the fates decided at birth. His prize, passed through his heirs and held by them, remained hidden as none in the family knew the importance of the stone they placed in a ring. The third brother lived his life and met you at his pre-determined end. The cloak was not in his possession and passed to the next generation. Much like the stone, the subsequent generations forgot the true history of the cloak. While the three hallows continued to exist, they never were near each other.”
Death watched as the witch recanted one of the worst days in the existence of Death. When she continued to emphasize the three never being near each other, Death began to realize he felt a power missing from him for too long of a time. “The three, you have them. Are you claiming your right as the Master of Death?”
“No!” Her voice echoed in the otherwise eery silence. Realizing this, Hermione lowered her voice and continued to speak, “No, it’s not a role to be desired or savored. There are those who wish the power, but for their own gain. We tried to keep the knowledge of the hallows a secret and failed. Their existence, proven and exposed, yet again places the world is in danger from its own selfish desires. We wish to return the items to you. They are yours.” Hermione carefully removed a box from her pocket and tapped it with her wand.
Death watched as the box opened as the three hallows appeared before his eyes. “Hand them to me then.” It was a test and all those present knew it. This would decide Hermione and Draco’s fate. While the wizard wasn’t on the bridge, he was here to witness this unusual event.
“I would prefer to not. The wand is powerful and desires to be used by its master. Since I am not the master it would rebel against my magic.” Death, impressed with the explanation, reached and pulled the aged wood from the box.
“Your thoughts on the wand are correct. It is powerful, dangerous and addicting. It was why the first brother perished so quickly.” Death fingered the wand before turning to the elder tree, from where it originally grew, and reconnecting the wand to its original position on the branch. Watching as the tree accepted its missing part, Death continued to address the witch.
“Why do you wish to not touch the stone?” Death watched the witch shudder in sadness and as she turned back to the wizard not on the bridge. “Mr. Malfoy, please come up here and join Miss Granger.” A request from Death was not to be ignored and the man stepped beside the woman.
“The stone too is quite powerful. The power to retrieve one from the afterlife is not a power that should exist with mortals. It is not our place to determine who should or should not have been taken. Our role is to mourn and learn to survive, to move on and continue to live until it is our time.”
“Again, Miss Granger your understanding of the power is quite staggering.” Death picked up the pebble and held it tightly for a moment before whispering something. Death then set the stone in the box without a word. “Now the cloak, why would you fear this piece of cloth?” The liquid fabric flowed between the cold fingers and seemed to strengthen being so close its original master.
“I don’t fear it, but I do not want to give the impression I would escape. The cloak is the most powerful invisibility cloak to ever exist. It’s been used to make mischief, wreak havoc and originally to hide from Death. This, while not deadly or with a magic of its own, would allow for us to escape. It’s not a life I wish to live.” Death openly laughed at the witch.
“Ah yes, the youngest brother, I liked him. He did meet me as a friend and at some point I learned of his passing the item to his heir. I thought about looking for it many times, but none have hidden from me when it was their time. In my mind the cloak isn’t a danger.” He gently folded the cloak and set in the box next to the stone. The lid closed and Death pushed it toward the couple.
At their confused expression Death seemed quite pleased. “I don’t understand.”
“No, I suspect you don’t. Without the wand, these are only as powerful as the person who wields them. I’ve known for generations who possessed the cloak. The Potter family has never used it for more than mucking about Hogwarts. Its true purpose was not passed to the third brother’s son and thus lost its power over me.” Hermione nodded, she knew the cloak was the one hallow Harry didn’t want to lose. If only because of the connection to his own father.
“And as for the stone, it can recall spirits from the other side true, and in the case of the second brother, the spirit was unhappy with the living. She came to terms with her fate and moved on, the brother remained stuck in his grief. But that isn’t the only power, as Mr. Potter experienced, it also allows the living the ability to say goodbye. It was not as the second brother intended, but a side effect that has the possibility of allowing mortals to move on more quickly.” Death had picked up another stone from the river tossed it in the air.
“But, how does one know if the dead wish to communicate with the living?”
“That is indeed a good question and one that I cannot answer for everyone, but I can for a few. Miss Granger, Hermione, there are people on the other side who wish quite fervently for the opportunity to speak one final time with you. There are two who will wish to speak with their son once Teddy reaches the appropriate age. Finally, there will be one, one who will need to speak when the time is right. Those will be the only three times the stone will be used again. Once the final conversation is held, the stone will crumble into the dust that each mortal becomes.”
Hermione shook with emotions. Death told her who the first two visits would bring, but the third? She wasn’t sure and was afraid to find out. “Miss Granger, if you would pass on a message to Mr. Potter for me?” At Hermione’s nod, Death continued, “Tell Mr. Potter this story and let him know his reasoning for not coming was a good decision. I shall meet him again when it is time. Finally, Miss Granger, when the time comes for the final use, it will be to save someone so dear to the spirit, he will come across the veil to let you know. Only then should the stone be removed from its place and used.” Death started to float away as he finished his statement, “To you both, I will see you in the future when it is your time.”
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When the pair returned to the island they stood in shock from what they witnessed. Death gave them back two of the hallows with the understanding only one would survive beyond this generation. Hermione’s mind gnawed on the mystery of the final conversation.
“Death didn’t tell us for a reason. It would be best if we told Potter what happened and do what Death wished for us to do. Live our life.” A few tears trickled down Hermione’s face as Draco gently wiped them away. “Now the question is if you want to have your conversation alone or with me, now or later.”
“Not alone, I’ve been alone long enough. I want you by my side. And maybe after we speak with Harry. I’m worried about what happens after.” Facing Death this time had been more frightful for the pair since they were ones to approach.
“I’ll call Potter once we get home and have him come round.” Taking the witch’s hand, Draco pulled the portkey from the drawer and the pair returned to their cozy home.
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Harry was shocked when the cloak was returned and heard the story. Knowing he wouldn’t have the desire to use the stone again, he was pleased it ended up with Hermione. Too many loose ends plagued her and those needed to be wrapped up before she could move on with Draco. Both wizards knew it and hoped this would be what she needed.
“Hermione, thank you for doing this and relaying what was said. It’s humbling to know Death has always known me, even if I didn’t know the connection at the time. You need to use the stone. I am going to leave since I’ve come to terms with those who have passed. You need to do this today Hermione. No second guessing, Draco is here for you.”
Hermione baulked. “What if that is the trick? What happens if he takes Draco while we are using the stone?” Harry didn’t laugh, he knew Hermione didn’t realize what she admitted. Her biggest fear was losing Draco. The other wizard noticed as well and a bit of smirk lingered on his face as his grip on Hermione’s waist tightened.
“Death has always been honest Hermione. If Death said for you to use it, then you need to. Death works on behalf of the fates. Death doesn’t want to see any of us until it is our allotted time. I truly believe that and I hope you do as well.”
“I do. Yes, you’re right Harry. Go on then, there is something I need to do.” Hermione pulled the small burlap bag from the box and set it on the desk. With a smile and wave, Harry returned to his home, to his family, and to the life he fought to live.
“You ready?” The witch didn’t respond as she picked up the stone and held it in her palm. With her other hand she grasped Draco’s and looked to Draco before pointedly looking at the stone. Draco took the command and spun it.
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Hermione knew a bit of what to expect. She listened to Harry’s stories of his uses. She thought on that as her eyes slowly opened. Her grip on Draco’s hand increased as she saw two people she hoped to see again, but knew she wouldn’t.
A choked sob stopped her from calling to them. “Hello Love. We are fine.” Hermione broke from Draco and stepped closer to the couple in front of her. Her mother lifted her hand and Hermione felt it pass through as Jean Granger attempted to touch her daughter. As she did when she lived. “Now, we need to talk young lady.”
Rich Granger stood near Jean and watched the two women who he died trying to save cry. “Draco” the wizard stepped nearer the other man and nodded in acknowledgement. “The dead learn a great many things on this side. I know there are actions you regret. You must know, if you had failed in any of those you would have been killed. You had to do as commanded if for no other reason than to be here for my daughter.”
Draco never thought he’d have this conversation. His failure of a father berated the boy and attempted to curse him once Draco’s allegiance became known. Rich not allowing Draco a moment to respond continued, “Death allowed this meeting for two reasons. The main one is Hermione and her inability to let go of the guilt she carries for our deaths. But the secondary reason is you son. You must learn to let go of those actions you allow to bring you down.”
As a young boy Draco learned to shutter his emotions, standing in his living room with the departed spirit of Hermione’s father offering absolution, Draco lost his control and tears started to stream down his face. “Good, this bottling of your emotions is debilitating. You and Hermione need to trust each other with your fears. The pair of you have a great many things yet to achieve and you can only do this as partners.”
Draco wiped the tears and lifted his hand. “I’m sorry for all I did, but I will never be sorry for doing everything I could to protect you both. I will do better with Hermione.” Draco’s eyes moved toward Hermione and only then realized he’d not be able to shake Rich Granger’s hand. “She is too strong sometimes but I will endeavor to always provide her with a safe haven.”
“Good, that’s all I could ask, now I need to speak with my daughter.” Draco watch as Rich drifted toward his sobbing daughter. Draco walked behind and gripped Hermione as she spoke at length with her father. Rich provided many family secrets and Hermione discovered all the physical possessions she believed lost, existed in a hidden location. “It’s like you didn’t think we plan Hermione Jean.” Rich chuckled and his daughter really laughed for the first time in many years.
As Hermione stood a bit taller, Draco’s hold loosened and he wrapped his arm around her waist. Neither knew how long they visited the departed couple and eventually the time to separate again came to pass. “Now daughter of mine, you are to remember all we’ve told you. None of this is your fault. You, we, Draco, did everything in our powers. No one can ask for more than that. You have Draco. You have Harry. Use these boys, they are here to support you.”
Hermione, realizing her time with her parents was quickly coming to a close, sniffled a couple of times, “Mum, Dad, I know what you are saying. I will try to get over this guilt. Try to come to terms with your deaths. It’s just so hard knowing I could have done something different.”
“No Hermione, you couldn’t have done anything else. What you did was the best and only option. It’s what Harry and Draco have been telling you for years. Please sweetheart believe this.” Hermione shuddered a breath at her mother’s fervent statement. “Now I have one last thing to say Draco. You have taken care of my daughter all these years, please just give her that ring you’ve had hidden in your desk. She’ll say yes, she would have always said yes, but now she knows we will be there. She may not see us, but we will be there.”
Rich nodded slowly and looked to his daughter, “Like your mother said, I will be there. No matter if you have Harry escort you or go alone, I will be at your side. I love you.”
“Mum! Dad!” Hermione wasn’t ready and began to yell as they began to drift away. “Please, not yet, I’m not ready.”
As their presence faded to almost nothing, Jean’s voice floated back to the pair, “You are ready. Hold Draco and take his strength on those days you feel weak. And Hermione,” Jean’s whispered breath paused for only a moment, “we will see you when it is your time. Do not try and join us early.” With that Hermione and Draco found themselves alone.
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Draco gave Hermione a bit of space after the encounter. He remained at her side, but didn’t pressure her to talk about it until she was ready. It took a week before Draco noticed a change and finally Harry mentioned she started to act like the witch he knew before everything happened.
Draco took Hermione to the house by the sea and the couple spent the time talking about what happened and how she was feeling. She admitted she might never fully get over the fact she failed her parents. Draco told her he would always be there and on those days to just lean on him.
As their visit to the secluded home came to its close, Draco took all the courage he had and offered the witch the ring he had for years. It had indeed been stored in desk. As Jean predicted, Hermione said yes before Draco finished stumbling out his question. They were married in a small ceremony with only friends in attendance. Neither the bride nor groom had family any longer. Harry offered to escort Hermione, but she decided to walk alone. Or at least without Harry, she felt her father’s hand on hers and his hug when she reached Draco.
As the years passed and the Malfoy family expanded with their children, Hermione would find she felt her parents visiting their grandchildren. Their presence helped Hermione gain confidence in her ability to be a good mother.
Before Hermione could process everything, the fifteenth anniversary of the Final Battle arrived. As they did every year, any person who survived that day stood together in peace vowing to never allow something that evil to happen again. For the first time, Teddy Lupin attended the ceremony watching those who fought with his parents.
Before leaving that day, Hermione promised Teddy to spend time over the summer telling him the real story of his parents. The summer passed and Teddy came to understand his parents a bit more. He found himself angry and not understanding why his mum decided to leave. It took letters and visits for Teddy to accept his mother only wanted to protect his father. She never intended to leave her baby an orphan.
By the time Teddy graduated, he knew his parents were human and while they were lauded as martyrs for the cause, much like the majority of people their age, Teddy no longer saw them as some paragon of purity and perfection. He saw the man who forever doubted his right to live. He saw the woman who only wanted to make sure everyone got home safe. He knew his father was a brilliant mischief maker and followed in his footsteps. His mother’s penchant for using her talent to mask herself and create her own mischief, only added to Teddy Lupin’s arsenal of tricks.
Teddy didn’t now why he was invited to the Malfoy house a week after graduating, but he went knowing his cousin would at least have good food on hand. The boy was always hungry. Teddy didn’t expect to find Hermione sitting alone in the parlor holding a small burlap bag. He didn’t know what to think when Hermione told him about the deathly hallows. He almost laughed when Hermione told him about meeting Death. He sat still when Hermione handed him the stone and explained how it worked.
What Teddy did know, he needed Aunt Hermione to do this with him. When he asked if she was strong enough, she nodded and held his hand. Teddy, much like Hermione, closed his eyes as the stone did its thing. When he opened his eyes he saw two people he didn’t remember ever meeting.
“Mum? Dad?” The spirits stepped closer and began to have the conversations they weren’t allowed to have while alive. Hermione stood to the side and allowed the family to have the moments they needed. As Tonks began regaling Teddy in stories only she knew, Remus stepped to Hermione.
“It’s good to see you.” Hermione smiled a small smile, she missed so many people. “Now a few things you need to know. First of all, you are doing great with all your kids. You helped raise Teddy like your own and you taught him everything I would have.” She let out a watery chuckle. “But you taught him things I would have never thought of, so I wanted to thank you for all of it.”
“I miss you and Tonks, Remus.” The man nodded and only when Hermione looked again did she notice it. “Your scars?” Her fingers tried to touch his face only to find them pass through.
“Yeah, an advantage of death I guess. All the wounds are healed. It’s a nice place all in all. While you still have decades, your dad has found your antics hilarious. He and Sirius have made quite a pair. In fact, I think he will be inducted as a Marauder soon. There will be five of us then.” Hermione squinted at the number. “Don’t tell anyone,” Hermione nodded slowly, “Well, only Draco if he promises to keep it to himself. Fred Weasley joined us almost immediately. He is also a bit ticked Harry never told him who we were. James found it hilarious and the pair have something planned for when Harry joins us.” Hermione smiled thinking that seemed right.
“He really will bring a bit craziness to your plans. I promise to not tell George, it will make it too difficult for him. But, he will be ticked when he gets there. Warn Fred.” The spirit chuckled and looked toward his son. “Go speak with him. He has questions.” Remus nodded and moved toward Teddy while Tonks came to Hermione.
“I have so much to tell you.” The pair of witches easily fell back into how they were years before. Hermione didn’t know how long it was until it was time to leave. Teddy cried and, again much like Hermione, begged for more time. His parents whispered secrets only Teddy knew and faded into nothing.
Teddy hugged Hermione and thanked her for the opportunity. He handed Hermione the stone and she shakily placed it in the bag. It only had one more use and she didn’t want to think about who it would be.
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Years turned into decades and Hermione lived her life. She loved her life, she and Draco raised their children and found pleasure in their grandchildren. When they were old enough, they stepped away from their duties, and enjoyed retirement. They traveled to all the places Hermione wished to see. To all the places Draco wanted to see Hermione wear her swimsuits.
As the years passed, Draco never lost his absolute adoration for Hermione. He continued to gaze at her as he had when they were mere children. More years passed and their great-grandchildren arrived and the couple found themselves enjoying the newest generation of children. Laughter and happiness continued to layer on the home.
When the time started to come for those who survived the war, Hermione braced herself for each death. Slowly their friends began to fade from their lives and Hermione took solace, as she always had, in Draco.
When he began to lose his battle with life Hermione remained strong. Barely, but she did and when he breathed his last she thought she might die from the pain. She would never know how, but she survived his funeral and burial. She spent days alone in the house they shared. Their children rotated and spent time, soon the grandchildren joined the rotation. Hermione didn’t know how long it had been. Had it been a day or a decade, she didn’t know, but when Scorpius entered the library he held something in his hand.
“Mum?” Hermione’s looked up at her son, the wizard who so resembled her Draco. “Found this vibrating in the study.” He handed small burlap bag to his mother who took it and stilled.
Licking her lips Hermione told her son the story she told Draco and Teddy. She told him how it had one use left. She told him how scared she was. Scorpius gripped his mother’s hand, “I can do it with you.”
As she had the first time, she closed her eyes for only a second. She knew Draco wouldn’t allow her leave with him, she didn’t want to waste a second of whatever time they had together. “Hey Hermione,” his smooth drawl cut through the pain of his absence. She sobbed and Scorpius held her tightly. “Thanks Scorp, it’s the one downside of being here. We can’t touch. But we are aware and present. I’ve been with you. I will remain with you until it’s your time Love.” She nodded.
“I miss you.”
“I know. And not having you by my side feels wrong.” She nodded, she totally understood that. “But, we are all so proud of you. And no it’s not your time and it won’t be for a while more. Remember, Death does’t want you to look for it.” She nodded again, she knew that, she just, “I have a bit more patience here, so I’ll wait for you.”
Scorpius watched his parents with the realization of how much they truly relied on each other. “You better wait for me. I’ll not be pleased if you pick up some other dead witch Draco Malfoy.” He chuckled in that way she loved and that Scorpius recognized when his father was truly happy. “The others?”
Draco smiled, “All here. All waiting. You see we all know, so it’s just a matter of you catching up with us. I think this might be the first time I actually know something you don’t. I sort of like the feeling.” Her watery chuckle made Draco smile. “Good I’ve missed that sound. You need to do it more often.”
The conversation continued as if nothing separated them, Scorpius knew nothing really did. He suspected his mother held all these topics until now. When she told him the story just now, she admitted to believing this would be final use. She didn’t want to think about the day when she would be alone. Scorpius reminded her she wasn’t alone, in fact, she had never been alone.
“Scorp, before I have to go.” Hermione made a noise that made both men turn to her, “You know I have to Hermione.” She sat still for a moment trying to decide how to react, she knew deep down he was right and slowly accepted it. Not that she liked it. “Scorp, you are doing an excellent job with everything. You are the son I hoped for when your mother told me she was pregnant. Your Grandmother Narcissa says it’s the Black in you. I told her it’s the Granger. She and your Grandmother Jean debate it for days on end.”
Hermione smiled at the image, she could totally see her mum doing that. “Thanks Dad, I’ve been trying to think what you would do and then if Mum would yell at you. If she would, then I do just enough to not get yelled at.” Scorp shrugged and laughed when his mum hit his arm. “But it means a lot to me. I know this is for mum, but it’s hard for me as well. I miss you so much. I miss the counsel you provided, but I really just miss my Dad.”
“I know, and I think what you have been doing is the right thing. I always knew when my plans would rile up your Mum, I still did them because I like arguing with her. Always have.” Draco smirked and Hermione saw her husband as a young man, the years faded and he stood as a proud, young man again, “I think it’s more than time for you to totally hand over the responsibility. He’s ready. Give him the chance to show you. Then you and my lovely daughter-in-law need to travel more. Have Hermione give you a list of her favorite trips, Rose will love them just as much.”
Scorp swallowed and nodded, he knew his time with his father was just about over. He’d not see the man again until it was his time to cross the veil. “Love you dad.”
“Love you too Scorpius. You and your siblings, your children and theirs, all of my great-grandchildren, you are doing things right. Keep it up, your Mum and I will always and forever be proud of you all. Make sure you tell them all.” Scorpius nodded and tried to hug his father. Hermione gripped Scorp’s hand.
“Hermione,” she started shaking her head
“No, I can’t lose you again.”
“You aren’t losing me, like with Rich, I am always by you. If you concentrate, you’ll feel me. On those days, you know what days those are, I am always there. I am always next to you. You aren’t alone.” As Draco started to fade and Hermione started to shake, “You have things left to do. You know what they are. We talked endlessly about them. When your tasks are complete, it will be time.” Draco’s voice faded to almost a whisper, “I love you so bloody much, do what you need to do. Be with the children because they need you. I will be waiting, I will always wait for you.”
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Hermione realized she was back in her home. Scorpius held her tightly and her husband was gone. Again. “Mum,” looking up she saw the same grey eyes that helped her learn to live again. “What things did you and Dad talk about. Let’s make a list.” Hermione swore she heard a faint chuckle, one that warmed her soul.
“Ok.”
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More years passed and as she accomplished her list, Hermione marked off each item and whispered how she was one step closer. She didn’t wish for death, really she didn’t. She had a family to love and she knew it would be many decades before she would be able to see them again after she left this realm. So she did what Hermione Granger-Malfoy always did, she soldiered on.
One day, years later, the quill in Hermione’s hand shook as she marked off the final item. She wasn’t sure if it was her age or the excitement and fear of what was to come. Scorpius and Rose returned from their most recent trip and offered to stay with Hermione. She suspected Scorpius told Rose what he could, that he expected Hermione to soon cross the veil.
And so that day came to pass. The news of Hermione’s passing brought a sadness to the wizarding world. The witch spent her entire life trying to do better. She brought a number of changes to help those who truly needed it. Her legacy would not only be what she accomplished, but her family. Her children carried on her work and their children seemed to be queueing up to do the same.
The world allowed the family space to mourn, so none saw the family celebrating. The family were the only ones to know the loneliness Hermione experienced in her years without Draco. They were the only ones to know Hermione would no longer be the witch with regrets and longing for those she lost. They knew they wouldn’t be the only ones celebrating.
</*\><\*/> </*\><\*/> </*\><\*/>
Hermione snugged a bit deeper into the warmth and breathed his scent. She stilled, “Draco?” His chuckle was felt more than heard.
“About time witch.”
“This isn’t a dream?”
“No, but we do need to get up. The family is waiting.” The couple stood from their bed, the same bed Hermione fell asleep on the night before. “I liked our house, so when I was given the option, I wanted it again. We can change it if you want.”
“No, this is perfect.” Draco ran his finger over her face. “I can feel you!”
“Yes, we are the same again”. He smiled and passed the mirror where she gasped. “Did you think I would look young and you the same age?”
“No, I just didn’t realize how drastic the change was.”
“Gradual changes are the hardest to see.” He paused, “What you accomplished over your life, those changes are just now being realized. Most didn’t see it, but our family will make sure everyone remembers you.” The couple, suddenly dressed, made their way toward the outside.
“No need to shower?”
He laughed, “No, but we still can. You know, for the enjoyment factor only.” The look, the expression was one Hermione remembered. “I have missed the way you wash those pesky areas I can’t reach.” Hermione looked at her husband as he returned her gaze. The look, his gaze was as it always had been, the one that told her he desired her. And he did. He always would.